In 1978, Apple was destroying its first computers; Jobs sent a letter to an engineer
A rare 1978 Apple-1 computer, which survived Apple's attempt to destroy early models, is heading to auction with an estimated value of up to $800,000. The unit includes a letter from Steve Jobs instructing the owner to return the machine for destruction, highlighting the company's early efforts to consolidate support for newer hardware.
Why it matters
The item serves as a significant historical artifact of the computing industry, illustrating Apple's early business strategy and the rarity of its first commercial product.
Apple spent much of 1977 and 1978 trying to make its first computer disappear. In January 1978, the company’s co-founder Steve Jobs wrote to New Orleans engineer Fred Hatfield, offering him $400 and an upgraded board in exchange for his Apple-1, with instructions to send the old machine back so it could be destroyed. Hatfield declined. Nearly 50 years later, that decision has turned his Apple-1 into an auction lot with an estimate of up to $800,000.The Hatfield Apple-1 will be sold as part of Bonhams' History of Science, Technology & Computing sale, which will run online from October 4 through October 14, with an estimate of $500,000 to $800,000.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in