Steve Wozniak-signed Apple 1 motherboard expected to reach $800,000 at auction
A rare, fully functional Apple 1 motherboard, personally signed by Steve Wozniak and accompanied by a signed letter from Steve Jobs, is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams in New York. The auction house has placed an official estimate of US$500,000 to US$800,000 for this specific unit, known as the “Hatfield” Apple 1, which previously sold for $686,000 in 2013. This lot is not merely a static artifact for display; it is a working computer system that includes period-appropriate accessories, original manuals, and significant historical provenance tied to the early days of personal computing.
The Hatfield Apple 1: A Working Piece of History
The centerpiece of this upcoming auction is a Apple 1 motherboard described by Bonhams as “beautifully preserved in working condition.” Unlike many vintage computing artifacts that are kept in glass cabinets solely for visual appreciation, this specific unit is operational. The auction house assures potential bidders that the board is a working model, complete with the essential accessories required to perform actual computing tasks. This functional status, combined with its historical significance, distinguishes it from non-working examples that often command lower prices despite similar rarity.
The motherboard itself is labeled “Apple Computer 1 / Palo Alto. Ca. Copyright 1976” on the component side. It features an “NTI” stamp underneath, indicating it belongs to the second batch of production. The board is complete with a white ceramic MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, a keyboard interface and connector, and three original Sprague “Big Blue” capacitors. It also includes 8KB of RAM, an expansion connector, and a cassetteboard connector. The lot description further notes the inclusion of an original Apple cassette interface board, labeled “Apple 1 Cassette Interface Copyright 1976.”
Accompanying Hardware and Documentation
The auction lot extends beyond the motherboard to include a comprehensive set of period-appropriate hardware and documentation. The hardware offering comprises a monitor, a cassette recorder, and a pair of ASCII keyboards. These components allow the system to be used as it was intended in the late 1970s, providing a complete user experience rather than just a core processing unit.
Documentation is a critical part of the lot’s value, as it provides context and authenticity. Included in the sale are three original manuals: an "Apple-1" Operation Manual, a Preliminary Apple BASIC Users Manual featuring a green coversheet with Apple’s original Newton logo, and an Apple 1 Cassette Interface manual. These documents would have originally accompanied the hardware when purchased in the late 1970s, adding to the historical integrity of the collection.
The Steve Jobs Letter and Historical Provenance
One of the most significant attractions of this auction is a letter signed by Steve Jobs. Dated 1978, the letter was addressed to the original owner, Fred Hatfield. It authorizes the exchange of the Apple 1 for an Apple II 4k board. The letter was written in response to Hatfield complaining about the lack of software available for the Apple 1. Jobs signed the letter making the offer, and it includes his title at the time: Vice President, Operations of Apple Computer Inc. This document provides a direct link to the company’s leadership during its formative years and offers insight into the early support and product transition strategies of Apple.
The provenance of this specific unit is well-documented. Fred Hatfield, a computing enthusiast working at Computer Data Systems in Columbus, Ohio, purchased his model sometime in 1976 from the second batch made available. The Apple 1 computer was first demonstrated in early 1976. Members of the Homebrew Computer Club and visitors to Byte Shop bought up the first batch of 50 Apple 1 devices in the summer of 1976. In total, fewer than 200 Apple 1 systems were ever made, making each surviving unit a rare piece of computing history.
Auction Details and Market Context
This Apple 1 will be sold as part of the History of Science, Technology & Computing auctions at Bonhams, New York, between October 4 and 14. Bidders will be able to participate in the auction online. The estimated range of US$500,000 to US$800,000 might seem modest given that this specific “Hatfield” sample last changed hands in 2013, achieving a price of $686,000. However, auctioneers sometimes set lower estimates to attract broader interest and ensure a competitive bidding environment. The previous sale in 2013 serves as a strong benchmark for the current market value of this particular artifact.
The Apple 1 holds a special place in the history of personal computing. It was one of the first mass-produced personal computers, designed and hand-built by Steve Wozniak. The fact that this specific unit is signed by Wozniak adds an additional layer of significance, as it represents a direct connection to the engineer who created the machine. The combination of the working condition, the signed letter from Jobs, the original manuals, and the documented ownership by Hatfield makes this lot one of the most desirable Apple hardware artifacts available at auction.
For collectors and enthusiasts of computing history, this auction presents a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of the foundation of the modern personal computer industry. The Apple 1 is not just a vintage computer; it is a symbol of the innovation and entrepreneurship that defined the early days of Apple and the broader tech industry. The upcoming sale at Bonhams is expected to draw significant attention from collectors worldwide, given the rarity and historical importance of the lot.
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