Someone Just Paid $25K For A Pair Of First Generation 8GB iPhones

(eBay)

Can you remember a time when you couldn’t whip out your phone during an argument over who played that one guy in that one movie, or find out how many miles it was between you and a cheese store? Seems like the Dark Ages now, but for those who thrive on nostalgia and have deep pockets, you just missed out on spending a boatload of cash on a blast from the past — a pair of original, first generation iPhones that recently went for more than $25,000 on eBay.

So what did $25,436.24 buy this particular individual? Two phones — one iPhone 2G in pristine, still-in-the-box and never-used condition, and one that’s been slightly used but still comes with its original box.

As for why you’d want the second phone — the seller notes it can be used as a display phone so whoever you’re bragging to about owning an old iPhone will be able to play with that one and keep the other one untouched. Kind of like when my mom would buy two sets of Star Wars guys — one for us to play with, one to keep.

The buyer also got a “collectible” bag the phones came in when they were purchased and a poster that would’ve been displayed in at Apple stores at the time.

Unless these phones are some part of a time-traveling experiment I’m just fine with keeping the imaginary $25K I would’ve had to spend to outbid whoever won them.

The full description, in all its all caps glory:

THIS IS AN AMAZING RARE COLLECTORS SET…!!!!!!! THE GREATEST PHONE EVER MADE.

THE 1ST GENERATION APPLE iPHONE IN THE FACTORY SEALED BOX AND IN THE LARGER 8 GB MODEL.

THIS IS A PIECE OF HISTORY AND A GREAT COLLECTORS ITEM.

WITH YOUR PURCHASE YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE 1 APPLE CARRY BAG AND 1 USED (NEAR MINT) OPEN BOX APPLE iPHONE FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES. THIS IS SO YOU CAN KEEP THE FACTORY SEALED BOX UNOPENED.

ALSO YOU WILL RECEIVE FREE EXPRESS MAIL SHIPPING WITH YOUR PURCHASE.

PLEASE NOTE THESE PHONES ARE BEING SOLD AS

COLLECTOR ITEMS. NOT FOR USE ON TODAY’S CELL

PHONE SYSTEMS.

ADDING SPECIAL BONUS POSTER FROM APPLE IN MATTED FRAME WITH GLASS DISPLAY. THE CONDITION OF POSTER IS NOT NEW BUT STILL LOOKS AMAZING. THIS IS AN ORIGINAL LAUNCH POSTER THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ON DISPLAY AT AN AT&T STORE. SHIPPING WILL BE EXPRESS MAIL

THROUGH US POSTAL SERVICE. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE CONTACT US AFTER YOU PURCHASE THIS ITEM FOR PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS. THANK YOU

NOT SHIPPING TO RUSSIA.. NO SHIPPING TO RUSSIA

(H/T to TUAW.com for the link!)

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist