FSF Auction: Bid on Free Software History
- The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has launched its Silent Memorabilia Auction, offering a chance to own unique pieces of free software history.
- Among the items up for bid are several pieces of original GNU artwork by Etienne Suvasa, including "Gnu with Swatter" and "Gnu with Computer Helmet." Also featured is...
- Vintage technology is also on offer, such as a VT220 serial terminal, once a common sight in libraries and offices.
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) Silent Memorabilia Auction is now live, offering a rare chance to own pieces of free software history. Bid on original GNU artwork by Etienne Suvasa – including the iconic “Gnu with Computer Helmet” – and a signed poster featuring both Richard M. stallman and artist Lissanne Lake. The auction also includes vintage technology like a VT220 serial terminal, once a fixture at the FSF reception desk, plus many other artifacts from the FSF’s rich past. Proceeds from this exciting event support the FSF’s mission to promote user freedom.For those interested in the details on the auction items and the live event, you can visit News Directory 3 for coverage. Discover what treasures are still to be unveiled!
Free Software foundation Auction Features Rare Memorabilia, GNU Artwork
Updated May 31, 2025
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has launched its Silent Memorabilia Auction, offering a chance to own unique pieces of free software history. The auction, which opened wiht an initial ten items, will see fifteen more added throughout the week. the FSF hopes that members of the free software community will cherish these artifacts.
Among the items up for bid are several pieces of original GNU artwork by Etienne Suvasa, including “Gnu with Swatter” and “Gnu with Computer Helmet.” Also featured is a poster of “the Dynamic Duo: The Gnu and the Penguin in flight,” autographed by Richard M. Stallman and artist Lissanne Lake.
Vintage technology is also on offer, such as a VT220 serial terminal, once a common sight in libraries and offices. This particular terminal was previously used at the FSF reception desk and comes with a USB serial converter for modern connections.
Other notable items include a “bodybuilder Gnu” drawing from 1993, a Takeda Award Forum 2001 poster featuring Stallman and Linus Torvalds, and a brindled plush gnu that greeted visitors at the FSF office for years.
Also up for grabs is an ACM SIGPLAN Programming languages Software award honoring GCC,and an Amiga 3000UX,donated to the GNU project in 1990 and used for early GNU operating system development.
To participate in the Silent Memorabilia Auction, bidders must log into the FSF’s LibrePlanet wiki and agree to the terms and conditions. The bidding period for all items ends on March 21, 2025, at 3 p.m. EDT (7 p.m. UTC).
The silent auction precedes a live auction scheduled for March 23. Proceeds from both auctions will support the FSF’s ongoing efforts to promote computer user freedom worldwide.
What’s next
Following the silent auction, a live auction will take place on March 23. The FSF encourages interested parties to register for the live event and review the auction booklet for details on available items. all proceeds will benefit the FSF’s work in promoting free software.