Apple-1 Computer Signed by Steve Wozniak Sells for Over $223,000
One of the first personal computers manufactured by Apple and signed by one of the company’s founders, Steve Wozniak, was sold at auction for more than $223,000.
The Apple-1 has been restored to its original condition and has a built-in keyboard, according to Boston-based RR Auctions, which witnessed Thursday’s bid.
About 200 devices were made in the garage of Steve Jobs, one of the company’s founders, in Los Altos, California, between 1976 and 1977 and helped launch the company, which in June became the first publicly traded company to close on a trading day with a market capitalization of $3 trillion.
The device was originally priced at $666, but was expected to fetch around $200,000 at auction, according to the auction house.
The Apple-1 bore the signature “Woz”, short for Wozniak, and appeared at an event at Bryant University in 2017.
Rich History and Remarkable Restoration
It was acquired by someone who sold it in 1980 at a computer hobbyist’s fair in Massachusetts and used it until the 1980s. It was restored to its original condition this year by Apple expert Corey Cohen.
Finally, the iconic computer was bought at auction by a collector, who has chosen to remain anonymous, as confirmed by the auction house.
Another notable item sold at the same auction was a handwritten ad for the Apple-1 computer, which was penned by Steve Jobs himself, and it fetched a price of $176,000.
A check bearing the number “No. 2” issued by Apple and signed by both Jobs and Wozniak, dated March 19, 1976, was also sold for an impressive sum of over $135,000.
The recent auction of a vintage Apple-1 computer, personally signed by Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, has captured the attention of technology enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. The historic computer was successfully sold for an astonishing amount exceeding $223,000.
According to Boston-based RR Auctions, the Apple-1 has undergone careful restoration to bring it back to its original condition and now features a built-in keyboard. The auction witnessess on Thursday were excited to witness the bidding frenzy surrounding this iconic piece of technology history.
The Apple-1 holds a special place in the annals of computer technology, as it was one of the earliest personal computers manufactured by Apple. Approximately 200 devices were painstakingly handcrafted by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak themselves in the famous garage in Los Altos, California, between 1976 and 1977. These devices played a pivotal role in launching Apple as a company, and their significance cannot be understated. In fact, Apple recently made headlines by becoming the first publicly traded company to achieve a market capitalization of a staggering $3 trillion.
Originally priced at $666, the Apple-1 was estimated to fetch around $200,000 at the auction. However, it surpassed all expectations by fetching over $223,000. The computer proudly bears the signature of “Woz,” which is a shortened version of Wozniak’s name. This particular Apple-1 made a notable appearance at an event held at Bryant University in 2017, further adding to its historical significance.
The journey of this legendary computer doesn’t end here. After being acquired by an individual who sold it at a computer hobbyist’s fair in Massachusetts in 1980, the computer continued to be used until the 1980s. This year, it was lovingly restored to its original pristine condition by Corey Cohen, an Apple expert who shares a deep passion for preserving and reviving vintage technology.
Finally, the Apple-1 found a new home when it was purchased at the auction by a collector, who has chosen to remain anonymous. This collector recognized the immense historical value and significance of the computer, and their acquisition solidifies the Apple-1’s legacy for generations to come.
The auction also featured several other remarkable items related to Apple’s early days. A handwritten advertisement for the Apple-1, personally crafted by Steve Jobs himself, fetched an impressive sum of $176,000. Additionally, a check numbered “No. 2” issued by Apple, dated March 19, 1976, and signed by both Jobs and Wozniak, was sold for over $135,000. These items serve as tangible reminders of the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that laid the foundation for Apple’s remarkable success.
The sale of the Apple-1 computer and its accompanying memorabilia not only highlights the enduring fascination with vintage technology but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Apple. Steve Wozniak’s signature on the computer is a symbol of the passion and ingenuity that went into its creation, and its sale at auction marks a significant moment in technology history.
