The “Hatfield” Apple-1 has sold for US$1,148,200 including the buyer’s premium, setting a world auction record for a commercially sold Apple-1, reports the Bonhams auctioneers.
Built by Steve Wozniak in 1976, the iconic machine is signed by the Apple co-founder on the motherboard and is accompanied by a 1978 letter signed by Steve Jobs to the computer’s original owner, Fred Hatfield, offering a trade-in upgrade to the newly released Apple II. Listed as No. 48 on the Apple-1 Registry, it is one of fewer than 75 verified Apple-1 computers known to survive and among an even smaller number that remain operational today.
“We are delighted with this exceptional result for the ‘Hatfield’ Apple-1, one of the most important milestones in computing history,” commented Ian Ehling, Director of Fine Books & Manuscripts, North America, Bonhams. “It was an honour to offer Apple’s first product during the company’s 50th anniversary year. Signed by Steve Wozniak and accompanied by a letter signed by Steve Jobs, it is one of the most significant Apple-1 computers ever to come to market, and the spirited competition it attracted is a testament to its rarity and enduring appeal.”
