The Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower

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We’ve all had that boss who loves to spin yarns about their legendary sales conquests, boasting about closing deals so massive they practically caused an eclipse. But let’s be real, did they ever sell the Eiffel Tower?

Victor Lustig, born in Austria-Hungary in 1890, etched his name in the annals of history not as a hero, but as one of the most audacious con artists ever known. His story is a fascinating blend of cunning, charisma, and deception, culminating in the sale of an iconic monument that seemed impossible to sell—the Eiffel Tower.

In the bustling streets of Paris in 1925, Lustig saw an opportunity in the form of the Eiffel Tower, a structure both loved and loathed. The maintenance costs were high, and there were whispers about the possibility of demolition. Lustig crafted a scheme so bold that it would baffle even the most sceptical minds.

Disguised as a high-ranking government official, Lustig sent out letters on forged stationery, inviting six prominent scrap metal dealers to a clandestine meeting at the luxurious Hôtel de Crillon. The dealers arrived, intrigued and eager, but Lustig spun a tale of secrecy and urgency. He claimed the government was looking to sell the Eiffel Tower for scrap but wanted to avoid a public outcry. The dealers were captivated by the prospect of acquiring such a significant contract.

Lustig’s real target was André Poisson, a dealer who was new to the city and eager to make a name for himself. Lustig sensed Poisson’s desperation and saw it as his key to success. During their private meetings, Lustig dropped hints of his own supposed corruption, suggesting that a generous bribe could secure the deal. Poisson, blinded by the potential profit and reassured by Lustig’s apparent credibility, handed over a substantial sum of money.

With the money in hand, Lustig disappeared to Vienna, leaving Poisson to grapple with the crushing realisation that he had been duped. Poisson, too embarrassed to report the scam, allowed Lustig’s deception to go unpunished.

Emboldened by his success, Lustig returned to Paris a few months later to try his luck again. This time, his prospective victim grew suspicious and went to the police. Lustig narrowly escaped arrest and fled to the United States, where he continued his life of crime, including a notorious counterfeiting operation. His luck finally ran out, and he was arrested and sentenced to 20 years in prison, dying in Alcatraz in 1947.

As sellers, we’re constantly battling to change buyers’ perceptions because, let’s face it, they often think we’re all pulling off stunts like Victor Lustig!

Victor Lustig’s legacy as the man who sold the Eiffel Tower serves as a reminder of the power of persuasion and the importance of ethical conduct in all dealings. His story is a blend of brilliance and moral failure, offering lessons that are as relevant today as they were nearly a century ago.