Working Apple-1 home computer sets new world record at Bonhams

A working Apple-1 home computer has set a new world record for the machine at Bonhams' History of Science auction in New York.

The lot beat an estimate of $500,000 by 81% to take $905,000 on October 22.

Apple 1 computer
The Apple-1 is the first computer ever released by Apple

Steve Wozniak built the Apple-1 in a run of just 50 in 1976, making it the first product ever produced by the tech titan.

Very few have made it to the present day. Most were recalled the following year to be upgraded to the Apple II, and even fewer are in working order.

Expert Corey Cohen explained this example's particular appeal prior to the sale. "This is one of the best examples of a working early Apple-1 board that I have seen," he said.

"The condition is unlike the other Apple-1 computers that have come up for sale before. This one has had no modifications ever performed or removed; even the screws on the power regulators aren't heat cycled."

The Henry Ford Museum in Michigan was the successful bidder.

The previous record for an Apple-1 stood at $667,960, a figure that this latest specimen smashed by 35.4%.

Cassandra Hatton of Bonhams commented: "The provenance on the Apple-1 is excellent and the condition is outstanding, so it was not surprising that it did so well.

"We are thrilled to have broken the world record for its sale, and are even more thrilled that it is going to a wonderful new home at the Henry Ford Museum."

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