Bonhams has billed it as the most iconic item to be offered in their History of Science auction on October 22. No wonder, since we’re talking about a rare Apple I system handmade by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. This collectors item was assembled by Woz in 1976 as part of an order for 50 systems by local store Byte Shop. Touted at the time as a complete PC, the Apple I would today be considered little more than a DIY kit; customers had to supply their own case, keyboard, power supply and monitor. The Apple I features a 1MHz MOS 6502 processor, 4K of memory and a 280 x 192 monochrome display output.
The computer sold for $666.66 when first offered. Now, Bonhams estimates that this model, one of the few Apple I’s which is still in working condition, will sell for anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000. In 2013, an Apple I sold for $387,750 in an online auction by Christie’s.
Bonham’s said it will be displaying the Apple I to the public in San Francisco from September 19-21 before transporting the board to New York for auction.
