The Apple-1 "Hatfield" Computer to be Sold at Bonhams this Fall in New York
This fall, the exceptionally rare and fully functional "Hatfield" Apple-1 Computer, offered at an estimate of $500,000 – 800,000, will headline Bonhams forthcoming History of Science, Technology & Computing sale, running online from October 4–14.
The iconic machine is signed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and is accompanied by a letter signed by Steve Jobs to the computer's original owner, Fred Hatfield. It is one of fewer than 75 verified Apple-1 computers known to survive and among an even smaller number that remain operational today.
Originally purchased by computer enthusiast and Computer Data Systems employee Fred Hatfield during the earliest days of Apple, the "Hatfield" Apple-1 Computer is listed as No. 48 on the Apple-1 Registry and represents one of the most important surviving artefacts from the dawn of personal computing. Built in 1976 by Steve Wozniak, the Apple-1 helped usher in a new era of computing as one of the first computers sold with a fully assembled motherboard and integrated video output, making it significantly more accessible and user-friendly than competing microcomputers of the period. Offered during Apple's 50th anniversary, the "Hatfield" Apple-1 Computer serves as a tangible link to the company's earliest days and the origins of the personal computing revolution.
Its exceptional provenance is further distinguished by Steve Wozniak's signature on the motherboard and an accompanying 1978 letter from Steve Jobs to Hatfield authorising a trade-in upgrade to the newly released Apple II after Hatfield wrote to Apple regarding the limited software available for the Apple-1. Although Hatfield ultimately declined the offer and retained the computer, the correspondence provides a rare glimpse into Apple's formative years, when Jobs and Wozniak remained personally involved in every aspect of the business, from product development to customer support.
"The Apple-1 stands among the most important milestones in computing history, and the 'Hatfield' example is among the most compelling surviving examples," commented Ian Ehling, Director of Fine Books & Manuscripts, North America, Bonhams. "As Apple's first product and one of the world's earliest commercially available personal computers, it helped lay the foundation for a transformative technological revolution. Surviving examples are exceptionally rare, particularly those that remain operational, and the combination of Steve Wozniak's signature on the motherboard and the accompanying Steve Jobs-signed letter makes this one of the most significant Apple-1 computers ever to come to market."
Main Image: Apple-1 Motherboard. Apple Computer Company: Palo Alto, CA, 1976. 230 x 395 mm (9 x 15 1/2 in). Labeled "Apple Computer 1 / Palo Alto. Ca. Copyright 1976," on component side, with "NTI" stamp underneath (second batch), board complete with white ceramic MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor ("MCS 6502 / 2977"), keyboard interface and connector, 3 original Sprague "Big Blue" capacitors, 8KB RAM, expansion connector, cassette board connector, original Apple cassette interface board labeled "Apple 1 Cassette Interface Copyright 1976." Signed by Steve Wozniak ("Woz") along top edge of motherboard. WITH: Typed Letter Signed ("Steven Jobs") as Vice President, Operations of Apple Computer Inc., to original owner, Fred Hatfield, authorizing the exchange of the Apple-1 for an Apple II 4k board, 1 p, 280 x 215 mm, Apple Computer Inc. Cupertino, CA, January 18, 1978.