An Enigma code making machine is up for sale on eBay. Current bids stand at €9,980 but the seller is hoping for a final price of €40,000.

The auction is due to end on 3 April.

The machine was made in 1941 but the serial numbers have been removed, making it impossible to tell who it was used by. It is in working order and comes with two spare rotors. More details here.

The machine is being sold by an "eBay shop" in Munich which uses the online auction house to sell items for customers. A spokesman at the shop told us the machine had been brought in by a customer who got it from his grandfather. He said there had already been a lot of interest in the machine.

An Enigma machine was stolen from Bletchley Park, home to UK code breakers during the Second World War, in 2000. It was eventually returned and a man imprisoned on related charges.

The machines were first made during the 1920s and were used commercially before becoming synonymous with the Nazis.

Thanks to boing boing for bringing this to our attention. ®

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