Attention Apple enthusiasts and tech collectors! A rare vintage Apple computer, autographed by none other than Steve Wozniak, is up for auction. The Apple-1, which kickstarted the company that recently reached a staggering $3 trillion market value, has been fully restored and even comes with a custom-built case and keyboard.
Originally sold for around $666 back in the day, this iconic piece of tech history is expected to fetch a whopping $200,000 at the auction, which will run until August 24th. Last year, an Apple-1 prototype sold for nearly $700,000, highlighting the immense value and desirability of these early computers.
Only about 200 Apple-1 units were manufactured in Steve Jobs’ garage in California between 1976 and 1977, with approximately 175 of them being sold. According to Bobby Livingston, RR’s Executive Vice President, this computer is truly legendary as it launched Apple into the tech stratosphere.
Interestingly, the Apple-1 was one of the first personal computers that didn’t require soldering by the purchaser. Paul Terrell, owner of The Byte Shop, agreed to buy 50 fully assembled units from Jobs, which marked a significant milestone in the personal computing industry. The subsequent release of the Apple-2 in 1977 further revolutionized the field.
Adding to its allure, this particular Apple-1 was signed by Wozniak himself during an event at Bryant University in 2017. Its previous owner acquired it in 1980 at a computer hobbyist show and used it throughout the 1980s. Thanks to the expertise of Apple specialist Corey Cohen, the computer has been brought back to full operational capacity.
But that’s not all! The auction also includes an Apple company check signed by both Jobs and Wozniak in 1976. This check, made out to a circuit board maker called Ramlor, Inc., is believed to be connected to the production of the first Apple-1 computers. Early bidding for the check has already surpassed the expected price of $50,000.
So, if you’re a die-hard Apple fan or a tech aficionado looking to own a piece of computing history, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Place your bids and get ready to own a true gem from the early days of Apple’s journey.