$800k Apple 1 motherboard signed by Wozniak and Jobs
In the high-stakes world of technology auctions, certain artifacts transcend mere monetary value to become pieces of computing history. One such item is currently slated for auction at Bonhams in New York: a beautifully preserved and fully functional Apple 1 computer motherboard, bearing the coveted signatures of Steve Wozniak and a personal letter from Steve Jobs.
This is not just a relic; it is a tangible link to the very genesis of personal computing. The centerpiece of the lot is a rare piece of hardware from the original Apple Computer Company, dating back to 1976. It represents an era when computing was raw, experimental, and built by visionary minds. What makes this particular motherboard truly exceptional is its status as a working model, complete with all the essential original components needed to run the system.
The hardware itself is a fascinating study in technological evolution. It features the original Apple-1 labeling, including the component-side copyright information, and is equipped with the original MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, 8KB RAM, and original Sprague ‘Big Blue’ capacitors. This is the foundational architecture upon which the entire personal computer revolution was built.
Beyond the intricate circuitry, the story of this piece is amplified by the human element. The motherboard is accompanied by a letter penned by Steve Jobs, the visionary who would eventually lead Apple, addressed to the original owner, Fred Hatfield. This letter, dated 1978, authorized the exchange of the Apple 1 for an Apple II board, providing a poignant glimpse into the early, collaborative history of the company.
Adding further luster to this historical offering are the signatures. The motherboard is signed by Steve Wozniak, the co-founder known for his brilliant engineering, and the accompanying letter bears the signature of Steve Jobs, reflecting the deep personal connection between the hardware and the minds that created it. This combination of artifacts elevates the item far beyond typical collector status.
The package is complete, offering more than just the core board. Auction watchers will also receive period-appropriate accessories, including a monitor, cassette recorder, ASCII keyboards, and original manuals, providing a complete, immersive experience of the Apple 1 system as it existed in the late 1970s.
The estimated value for this remarkable piece of computing history is between US$500,000 and US$800,000. While past sales have demonstrated the high desirability of such items, the inclusion of both Wozniak and Jobs’ connections ensures that this lot is positioned at the pinnacle of historical technology sales.
This exceptional offering is set to be featured in the History of Science, Technology & Computing auctions at Bonhams, where it will be available for public viewing and bidding, bringing this iconic piece of computing heritage to a new generation of collectors.
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