- The Apple I ‘Hatfield’ computer, personally signed by Steve Wozniak, sold for a record sum at auction.
- The final sale price reached $1,148,200, nearly doubling its 2013 valuation.
- This specific unit is notable for its original owner having declined an upgrade offer.
Record-Breaking Auction for Apple I ‘Hatfield’
A rare Apple I ‘Hatfield’ computer, named after its original owner Fred Hatfield, has been sold at auction for an unprecedented $1,148,200. This particular unit, one of the few remaining original Apple computers, boasts additional value due to the signature of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
The sale establishes a new record for an Apple I computer, underscoring the increasing collector interest in the early history of the technology industry. This same machine was previously sold in 2013 for $686,000, indicating a substantial appreciation in value over the past decade.
Value Progression of the Apple I ‘Hatfield’
The auction price progression for this specific Apple I unit is detailed below:
| Year of Sale | Price |
|---|---|
| 2013 | $686,000 |
| Current Sale | $1,148,200 |
An intriguing aspect of this sale is the inclusion of a letter offering an upgrade, which, fortuitously for its current value, the original owner opted to ignore. This circumstance likely contributed to the preservation of its pristine condition and unique historical significance.
This record-setting sale confirms that vintage technological artifacts, especially those linked to pivotal figures and moments in IT history, continue to appreciate significantly. For collectors and investors, it serves as an indicator of high liquidity and growth potential for rare and well-preserved specimens. It also highlights the enduring cultural and historical importance of Apple’s early innovations.
It’s wild to see how much these early tech pieces are fetching! I’ve been dabbling in restoring some vintage PCs myself, though nothing quite this high-end. Sourcing original components is always the biggest headache; you really need to scour forums and niche online shops. What works well is having a clear vision for the restoration, but what doesn’t is underestimating the time commitment for troubleshooting old hardware. My tip: start with a simpler project to get a feel for it before tackling something as complex as an Apple I.