What's happened
The iconic Twitter bird logo, nicknamed 'Larry', was auctioned for $34,375, falling short of its estimated value of $40,000. The sign, weighing 560 pounds and measuring 12 by 9 feet, was sold by RR Auction, which has previously handled various memorabilia from Elon Musk's tenure at Twitter.
What's behind the headline?
Significance of the Sale
- The sale of the Twitter bird logo reflects the ongoing interest in tech memorabilia, especially items associated with high-profile figures like Elon Musk.
- Despite its iconic status, the logo's auction price indicates a potential decline in the perceived value of Twitter's legacy post-rebranding.
Market Trends
- The auction market for tech memorabilia is thriving, with items like an Apple-1 computer fetching $375,000, suggesting a robust collector interest.
- The relatively low sale price of the Twitter logo compared to other tech items may signal a shift in collector sentiment regarding social media artifacts.
Future Implications
- As tech companies evolve, the value of their historical artifacts may fluctuate, impacting future auctions and collector interest.
- This sale could influence how companies manage their branding and legacy items in the future, particularly during significant rebranding efforts.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, the Twitter bird logo, affectionately called 'Larry', sold for $34,375, which was below its estimated worth of $40,000. The auction was conducted by RR Auction, which has previously sold various items related to Elon Musk's ownership of Twitter. AP News noted that the sign weighed 560 pounds and measured 12 by 9 feet, emphasizing its significance as a piece of tech history. Business Insider UK highlighted that the logo's sale is part of a broader trend in tech memorabilia auctions, where items associated with influential figures like Musk are increasingly sought after, despite the logo's lower-than-expected sale price.
How we got here
The bird logo, synonymous with Twitter, was retired following Elon Musk's rebranding of the platform to X in 2023. Musk had previously auctioned off various Twitter-related items after acquiring the company in 2022, including furniture and memorabilia.
Go deeper
- What other items were sold in the auction?
- How has Elon Musk's rebranding affected Twitter's legacy?
- What does this sale mean for tech memorabilia?
Common question
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Why Did Twitter's Bird Logo Sell for Less Than Expected?
The recent auction of Twitter's iconic bird logo, affectionately known as 'Larry', has raised eyebrows after it sold for $34,375, falling short of its estimated value of $40,000. This event not only highlights the fluctuating value of tech memorabilia but also prompts questions about the brand's current standing and the influence of Elon Musk's ownership. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this auction and its implications.
More on these topics
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Elon Reeve Musk FRS is an engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, CEO, CTO and chief designer of SpaceX; early investor, CEO and product architect of Tesla, Inc.; founder of The Boring Company; co-foun
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Twitter was an American social networking service that was rebranded as X in 2023. Established in March 2006, it grew to become one of the world's largest social media websites and the fifth-most visited website in the world. It was launched in July 2006.
