The personal effects of Ted Kaczynski, aka the Unabomber, will be sold via an online auction.

May 17, 2011 2:20 PM

Unabomber Auction.

What to get the person who has everything? Well, perhaps the outfit from this this mug shot? It's Lot Item 0001! Or the original typed version of this famous document? It can be yours! Photos of the Kaczynskis? Yep. Cool sunglasses? Check these out!

posted by Astro Zombie (43 comments total)

That is an attractive typewriter.
posted by Zed at 2:23 PM on May 17, 2011 [2 favorites]

I worked with a guy who swore Ted Kaczynski was on his thesis committee. Maybe I should see what the bids are.
posted by BrotherCaine at 2:25 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

Apparently the U.S. Marshals Service just found out about Instagram.
posted by theodolite at 2:26 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

I want that typewriter. Oh yes I do.
posted by chavenet at 2:27 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

As an added bonus you get put on the FBI watch list if you bid on any of these items.
posted by Joe Chip at 2:31 PM on May 17, 2011 [8 favorites]

The personal effects of Ted Kaczynski, aka the Unabomber, will be sold via an online auction.

uBay.
posted by mattdidthat at 2:37 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]

Wow, they have his iconic hoodie. Thats, actually pretty epic.
posted by delmoi at 2:37 PM on May 17, 2011

You have got to be kidding me. I work literally a block away from where they're storing all the items. Please tell me there's a way I can go physically look at them.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 2:40 PM on May 17, 2011

I don't want a unabomber.
posted by Mister_A at 2:40 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hmm...GSAAuctions.gov is also offering a 'wench,' currently at $45. Alas, the item is not as described.
posted by jedicus at 2:41 PM on May 17, 2011

And yes, let's take a moment to reflect on how the Unabomber manifesto is being sold via the internet.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 2:42 PM on May 17, 2011 [8 favorites]

let's take a moment to reflect on how the Unabomber manifesto is being sold via the internet.

You don't have to. The U.S. Marshall Service has already done that for you.

“We will use the technology that Kaczynski railed against in his various manifestos to sell artifacts of his life."
posted by hippybear at 2:46 PM on May 17, 2011 [4 favorites]

Unabomb34 is a working unexploded device, so if you successfully bid on it, don't open the package when it's delivered.
posted by perhapses at 2:50 PM on May 17, 2011

Something about this feels a bit wrong. Can't quite put my finger on it.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:05 PM on May 17, 2011

I want that C-clamp.
posted by StickyCarpet at 3:05 PM on May 17, 2011

These shoes, obviously designed to alter the wearer's footprint size, are the cat's pajama's.
posted by item at 3:27 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]

The man had poor taste in ball-peen hammers.
posted by clavdivs at 3:30 PM on May 17, 2011

I have really mixed feelings about this. Some of this stuff, I think, should be archived, not sold. Other items are truly personal belongings, not criminal evidence except in the most general sense.

I also find myself wondering if they're encouraging a little hero worship of Kaczynski. Who's to say there isn't some would-be Unabomber II out there who will feel emboldened once they start writing letters while wearing Kaczynski's sweatshirt?
posted by anastasiav at 3:34 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]

It's all just a bunch of crap. I'm saving my money to bid on Osama's porn stash.
posted by perhapses at 3:34 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

XQUZYPHYR, looks like you can go see it. From the GSA site's pages featuring Ted's stuff:

INSPECTION WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011 FROM 9 AM UNTIL 5 PM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT TONYA DILLARD TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW THE LISTED PROPERTY.
posted by item at 3:35 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

OH the unabomber...back when terrorism was just a little disagreement between gentlemen. It's almost....quaint.
posted by spicynuts at 3:43 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]

So, lot 4 is basically his blog, yeah?
posted by spicynuts at 3:44 PM on May 17, 2011

I have really mixed feelings about this. Some of this stuff, I think, should be archived, not sold. Other items are truly personal belongings, not criminal evidence except in the most general sense.

I also find myself wondering if they're encouraging a little hero worship of Kaczynski. Who's to say there isn't some would-be Unabomber II out there who will feel emboldened once they start writing letters while wearing Kaczynski's sweatshirt?

Well, it does say "Proceeds from the auction will be used to compensate Kaczynski’s victims." It's not like it's going into their "TGIF" fund.
posted by spicynuts at 3:46 PM on May 17, 2011

XQUZYPHYR one of the auctions says you can make an appointment to inspect the items:

INSPECTION WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011 FROM 9 AM UNTIL 5 PM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PLEASE CONTACT TONYA DILLARD TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW THE LISTED PROPERTY.

Please contact the custodian for inspection dates and times and for removal arrangements.
...
Property Location and inquiries/questions regarding property, its inspection and/or removal:
General Services Administration
401 W. Peachtree Street, 4qscc
Suite 2600
Atlanta, GA 30308
Contact: Tonya Dillard
Phone: [phone]

[e-mail]

posted by Jahaza at 3:55 PM on May 17, 2011

Something about this feels a bit wrong. Can't quite put my finger on it.

I feel this way too. Usually when someone is selling serial killer items, there is an uproar about someone profiting from the sale. In this case, the victims will be profiting, and I don't have a problem with that. But there's so much potential for the buyers to profit from the secondary sale of the items and that is troubling to me.
posted by Calzephyr at 4:30 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

The perfect gag gifts for the Luddites in my life.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 4:35 PM on May 17, 2011

I say destroy it all. If there is value in anything maybe we can regret that the item was destroyed, but I'm still for destroying it.
posted by cjorgensen at 4:50 PM on May 17, 2011

I seriously admire this guys sort and order that his cabin was. Some of his actions; not so much. he could have used confetti rather than projectiles and gotten a better, more effective way of getting his point across; and done it for a far longer time too.

Diabolical science fiction "Arrow of the Unibomber" ... A Dozen Arrows for a Dozen Evils. Dipped in industrial waste and poison, each arrow is marked for a different victim!
posted by buzzman at 5:10 PM on May 17, 2011

Something about this feels a bit wrong. Can't quite put my finger on it.

Well maybe because it's like the government selling Gacy paintings.

This asswipe killed or wounded many people... tried to take down a plane full of people. This crap has no legacy to it. It should all be destroyed.
posted by Bighappyfunhouse at 5:30 PM on May 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

I Wanna Be A Unabomber
posted by yellowbinder at 5:55 PM on May 17, 2011

Something about this feels a bit wrong. Can't quite put my finger on it.

I think because it feels like graverobbing, or scavenging. And the government is doing it.
posted by likeso at 6:20 PM on May 17, 2011

I'm going to raise money to help fight cancer. For every $5 raised I will kick a puppy. That's right for $25 I will kick 5 puppies. Right in the fucking face too! And I'm not talking about kicking the same puppy 5 times either. No, this will be 5 individual puppies. I know, if enough money is raised I will end up dedicating my life to puppy kicking, but damn it, I'm willing to do it! Who's with me?

What? You people like cancer or something?
posted by cjorgensen at 6:21 PM on May 17, 2011 [4 favorites]

Hit post too soon. Meant to add, it's the government cashing in on the squicky popular interest in serial killer memorabilia. There's something diametrically opposed here: representatives of preferred ideal of wise, solemn judges/carnies hawking bits of genoowine! mermaid! fingers!
posted by likeso at 6:26 PM on May 17, 2011 [2 favorites]

posted by likeso I think because it feels like graverobbing, or scavenging. And the government is doing it.

posted by Bighappyfunhouse Well maybe because it's like the government selling Gacy paintings.

posted by likeso it's the government cashing in on the squicky popular interest in serial killer memorabilia. There's something diametrically opposed here: representatives of preferred ideal of wise, solemn judges/carnies hawking bits of genoowine! mermaid! fingers!

Don't know why you have such a problem with it:

"The U.S. Marshals Service has been given a unique opportunity to help the victims of Theodore Kaczynski's horrific crimes," said U.S. Marshal Albert Nájera of the Eastern District of California. "We will use the technology that Kaczynski railed against in his various manifestos to sell artifacts of his life. The proceeds will go to his victims and, in a very small way, offset some of the hardships they have suffered." link
posted by mattdidthat at 6:29 PM on May 17, 2011

Did anyone ask the victims what they wanted? I can't imagine I'd say, "Send me a check!" if I were a victim of Kaczynski. If they were asked, and the consensus was to sell the stuff, then I withdraw all objection. I will still find it distasteful, but I won't judge. If the goal is to raise money for the Kaczynski's victims I think there has to be nobler ways to go about it.
posted by cjorgensen at 6:32 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]

Completely agree with cjorgensen.
posted by likeso at 6:35 PM on May 17, 2011

I don't think much money is going to be made by this... a few math and science geeks might want a ?piece? of Ted's stuff for idiotic / sick humour value; but for the most part these items will bid to a certain point, stick at a price, and be sold. Nothing too unique either. Random hammer, axes, arrows, c-clamp, some drafting stuff, glasses, old shoes, worn bags... kinda boring in a serial killer context. His degrees? Sorta interesting; but eh, bfd. Flat auction, maybe $65k tops. That is optimistically counting on a few museums to want two-bit Kaczynski trivia.

No fan following... Serial killers like Gacy, Mansion, and a few others have wacked out fan followers. Kaczynski? None or few. Very little chance of the items increasing in value either.

If the gov't wanted to shill Kaczynski; I'd pay real money for his autograph. On my calculus book.
posted by buzzman at 6:47 PM on May 17, 2011

Yeah this seems gruesome to me. Seconding likeso's thoughts.. But looking at his possessions is fascinating nonetheless.

Reading up on the guy's Wikipedia entry, it was much more interesting than I expected, especially his manifesto.

Among many things he said, As I see it, I don't think there is any controlled or planned way in which we can dismantle the industrial system. I think that the only way we will get rid of it is if it breaks down and collapses ...

Huh, it's funny that the subprime mortgage guys are not called terrorists since they accomplished to some degree what Kaczynski intended with an economic collapse.

On the GSA site are other desirable things. That small craft patrol boat. Want. A fire truck :) , a government building for 5 thou to make an artists' colony...
posted by nickyskye at 8:19 PM on May 17, 2011 [3 favorites]

Huh, it's funny that the subprime mortgage guys are not called terrorists

criminals perhaps? Also, what the loss of Ted as a person and not as a terrorist, but hey.

see, what is taking place is what is called Moral equivalence or Moral relativism.

for example I would just say. Hate, dedication and 500,000$ does not this seem the more logical event to compare a terror driven plot to ruin an economy? But that is a matter of ethics.
posted by clavdivs at 9:27 PM on May 17, 2011

"Are there really people dying to buy scissors used by such a sick and twisted man? Murderabilia is a disgusting trade in so many ways."


...


*slowly, awkwardly, raises his hand*
posted by Uther Bentrazor at 12:36 PM on May 18, 2011

Curious to see what they end up going for...
posted by Dillonlikescookies at 8:30 PM on May 19, 2011

Unabomber chic; Unabomber as American Maker: “Of all things Americans are, we are makers,” its narrator began, over footage of boys building sand castles. “With our strengths and our minds and spirit, we gather, we form and we fashion: makers and shapers and put-it-togetherers.”
posted by wallstreet1929 at 8:19 AM on May 21, 2011

190k+. Missed it again. Pff.
posted by buzzman at 12:14 PM on June 9, 2011