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Lot Essay
One of roughly 200 Apple®-1 computers produced by the fledgling Apple Computer Company starting in 1976. Designed by Steve Wozniak and hand-built in Steve Jobs's parents' garage, the Apple-1 was the first step in Apple's long-term success in the personal computing world.
The Apple-1, originally priced at $666.66 for the motherboard without keyboard, transformer, or video display, was quickly eclipsed by Wozniak's second creation, the Apple II (released April 1977); Apple actively encouraged Apple I owners to trade-in their machines for the new model, reportedly so they would not have to support the older machines.
This particular unit appears to have been among the first 25 produced since it does not have a diamond NTI logo (the PCB manufacturer) etched into the front copper layer. The 'serial number' on the reverse (believed to have been written by the original retailer, the Byte Shop) tends to support this.
The date code on the 6402 processor is '1576,' suggesting that particular chip was manufactured in the 15th week of 1976, i.e. early April.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Light marks, scratches, faded coloration, and signs of general wear consistent with age. Please note given the age of the electronics we cannot guarantee the functioning electrical integrity of this lot. This equipment has been working but nonetheless we suggest the buyer contact a certified computer engineer before using the device.
Cost calculator
Lot 2Sale 3432
APPLE COMPUTER COMPANY, 1976An Apple®-1 Personal ComputerEstimate: USD 300,000 - 500,000
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