Apple I computer signed by Woz sells for record $1.15m

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 13:20 · Archive

A 1976 Apple I computer signed by Steve Wozniak has sold at auction for $1,148,200, setting a record for a commercially sold model.

The Apple I 'Hatfield' computer, signed by Steve Wozniak, sold for $1,148,200 at Bonhams auction on 14 October, setting a record price for a commercially sold Apple I. Two bidders competed for 28 minutes, driving the price well beyond its $500,000 to $800,000 estimate. The unknown buyer receives the original operation manual, a cassette operating manual, an invitation to join the Apple I Owners Club and a custom power supply, along with a period monitor and keyboards.

Built in 1976 and originally sold for $666.60 to Fred Hatfield, the machine is one of only 74 verified Apple I models left and one of the very few still in working condition. It comes with a 1978 letter from Steve Jobs offering Hatfield a motherboard upgrade to the Apple II in exchange for the Apple I and another $400. Hatfield declined and eventually sold the computer privately for $40,000 whilst it needed repairs. The buyer restored it and obtained Wozniak's signature before the machine sold at auction for approximately $686,000 in 2013.

Bonhams publicised the auction last month and put the machine on display in New York. Ian Ehling of Bonhams called it 'one of the most important milestones in computing history'. The Apple I was sold with 8KB of RAM and a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, enough to run Apple Integer Basic and a few games via the optional Apple Cassette Interface.

How it is being reported

• Rare Apple-1 With Steve Jobs Letter Sells for $1.15 MillionThe "Hatfield" Apple-1 has sold for $1,148,200 including the buyer's premium, setting a world auction record for a commercially sold Apple-1, according to Bonhams . Two bidders competed for 28 minutes before the October 14 auction closed, taking the working computer beyond its $500,000 to $800,000 estimate . The machine takes its name from original owner Fred Hatfield, who complained to Apple about the lack of software for the Apple-1. A letter included in the sale contains Steve Jobs' 1978 reply, offering an Apple II motherboard in exchange for the Apple-1 and another $400 . Hatfield kept…MacRumors · 15 Oct, 13:01
• Apple I 'Hatfield' computer signed by Woz fetches a record $1.15 million at auctionThe famous Apple I "Hatfield" computer signed by Steve Wozniak just sold to an unknown buyer for a record $1,148,200.Engadget · 15 Oct, 11:34

In this story: Steve Wozniak · Steve Jobs · Fred Hatfield · Apple · Bonhams

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