A very rare piece of computing history is about to go up for sale. A fully functional original Apple-1 computer, known as the Hatfield machine, will hit the auction block this October. Experts estimate the device could sell for anywhere between $500,000 and $800,000. Out of the 200 units originally built in 1976, fewer than 75 are known to exist today, making this a highly prized item for collectors.
The machine includes rare signatures and a letter from Jobs
The device takes its nickname from its original owner, Fred Hatfield. He was a computer enthusiast and employee of Computer Data Systems who bought the unit shortly after its release. Interestingly, the auction includes a letter written to Hatfield and signed by Steve Jobs. In the note, Jobs offered Hatfield a chance to trade the machine in for the newer Apple II model because Hatfield had complained about the software on the original device. Hatfield actually turned down the offer since he would have needed to pay a $400 upgrade fee.
The computer also features a signature by Steve Wozniak. Wozniak built the machines alongside Jobs in 1976. Apple initially sold these as bare circuit board kits for hobbyists to complete. However, the company also sold 50 fully assembled versions to a retailer called The Byte Shop, which then resold them for $666.66.
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Bidding opens this October following a brief public viewing tour
Hatfield originally sold his computer back in 2013 for just $40,000. At that time, the hardware did not work. The buyer managed to repair it, secured a signature from Wozniak, and later sold it at auction for $671,400. Now, the machine is returning to the market as item number 48 on the official registry for the computer.
Collectors can view the device in person during a tour that stops in Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, and New York. Bids will be accepted from October 4 through October 14. While an $800,000 price tag sounds high, functional units have previously sold for over $900,000. For anyone with deep pockets, this auction represents a shrinking opportunity to own a working piece of the foundation Apple built its massive empire on.
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