Apple-1 computer could fetch $800,000 at auction

A rare Apple-1 computer signed by co-founder Steve Wozniak and accompanied by a letter signed by Steve Jobs is estimated to sell for $500,000 to $800,000 at a Bonhams auction, the auction house said.

The computer, known as the Hatfield Apple-1, was originally owned by Fred Hatfield, who purchased it in 1976.

The Apple-1 was Apple's first product and was sold as an assembled circuit board, requiring buyers to supply components including a monitor, keyboard, power supply and case.

"This one is particularly special, because it's signed by Steve Wozniak on the board, and it comes with a signed letter from Steve Jobs," said Jeffrey Kral, a specialist in Bonhams' History of Science and Technology department.

Apple was founded by Jobs, Wozniak and Ronald Wayne in 1976. The auction comes during the 50th anniversary year of the company's founding.

"There's a lot of buzz around it," Kral said. He described the Apple-1 as an important artifact of computing and Apple history. According to Bonhams, it is one of fewer than 75 verified Apple-1 computers known to survive and among an even smaller number that remain operational today.

Other Apple items in the sale include a clear-plastic Macintosh "Apollo" Classic II prototype, estimated at $3,000 to $4,000, and an Apple Paladin all-in-one computer prototype, estimated at $40,000 to $60,000.

The online auction is open for bidding from October 4 through October 14.

Camera: Andrew Hofstetter; Writing, Editing, and Production: Christine Kiernan/Reuters