Sotheby’s will auction a working Apple-1 computer, serial number 01-0033, as part of its upcoming History of Science & Technology sale. Estimated at $300,000 - $500,000, this unit is notable as one of the first batch of Apple computers sold. The auction highlights the significance of such artifacts in tech history and collectors' markets.
The Apple-1 computer being auctioned is a working model with serial number 01-0033, part of the first 50 units created by Steve Wozniak in 1976. It represents a pivotal moment in computing history as one of the first commercial releases by Apple. The current owner, Harry Sadler, demonstrated the computer's functionality in a video, recounting its background and significance.
Harry Sadler purchased the Apple-1 from Byte Shop in 1976. Sadler's experience with the machine evolved from a hobbyist interest to a professional career in IT, which eventually included working for Apple after being hired by Steve Jobs in 2010. This interplay highlights the intertwining histories of early Apple computers and the personal narratives associated with them.
The auction's estimate for the Apple-1 computer ranges from $300,000 to $500,000, coming with original accessories such as a cassette deck, keyboard, and manuals. The sale will also feature other significant computers including the NeXT Computer used by Steve Jobs and various early Apple systems, emphasizing the auction’s scope in celebrating tech history.
This auction underscores the growing market for vintage computing hardware, as collectors seek out rare and historically significant pieces. The presence of notable figures’ artifacts, like those associated with Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein, adds depth to this particular sale, attracting tech enthusiasts and investors alike.
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Sotheby’s will auction a working Apple-1 computer, serial number 01-0033, as part of its upcoming History of Science & Technology sale. Estimated at $300,000 - $500,000, this unit is notable as one of the first batch of Apple computers sold. The auction highlights the significance of such artifacts in tech history and collectors' markets.