A working Apple 1 computer with an original box signed by Steve Wozniak and many of the original parts and manuals is headed to auction.
When the Apple 1 launched, it retailed for $666.66, a price that was quite unusual and has since become a part of tech lore. This particular unit is expected to raise considerably more at auction, with bidding starting at $50,000. However, given its historical significance and rarity, it is anticipated to fetch a much higher final price.
The Historical Significance of the Apple 1
The Apple 1 computer holds a special place in the history of personal computing. Introduced in 1976, it was the first product sold by Apple Inc., then known as Apple Computer Company. The Apple 1 was designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak, with Steve Jobs responsible for the marketing and sales. Unlike other computers of its time, the Apple 1 was sold as a fully assembled circuit board, which was a significant innovation. Buyers still had to provide their own case, power supply, keyboard, and display, but the pre-assembled board made it much more accessible to hobbyists and early computer enthusiasts.
This particular Apple 1 is even more special because it comes with an original box signed by Steve Wozniak. The inclusion of many original parts and manuals adds to its value, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. The fact that it is fully operational further enhances its appeal.
This Apple-1 computer was restored to its original, operational state in September 2020 by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, and a video of it running and functioning is available upon request. A comprehensive, technical condition report prepared by Cohen is available to qualified bidders; he evaluates the current condition of the unit as 8.0/10. Aside from the presence of the exceptionally rare original shipping box—one of just a handful of known Apple-1 and box sets known today—the most remarkable aspect of this Apple-1 computer is that it is documented to be fully operational: the system was operated without fault for approximately eight hours in a comprehensive test.
The Auction and Its Implications
The auction of this Apple 1 is being handled by RR Auction, a company known for its expertise in selling rare and valuable collectibles. Bidding starts on the 10th of December, and the event is expected to attract significant attention from collectors, tech enthusiasts, and investors alike. The starting bid of $50,000 is just the beginning, as previous auctions of Apple 1 computers have seen prices soar into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, in 2014, an Apple 1 sold for $905,000 at a Bonhams auction.
The high value of these computers is not just due to their rarity but also their historical importance. The Apple 1 represents the beginning of one of the most influential companies in the world. Owning a piece of this history is a dream for many collectors. Additionally, the fact that this unit has been restored to working condition by a recognized expert like Corey Cohen adds a layer of assurance for potential buyers.
You can find out more details about this working Apple 1 computer over at RR Auction at the link below, bidding starts on the 10th of December.
Source RR Auction, MacRumors
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