The finest known example of Apple’s first ever computer is set to go under the hammer - and it’ll set you back a lot more than a new iPhone.
Despite being manufactured in 1976, The Apple-1, complete with original documents and even records of telephone calls with company founders Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs, is expected to fetch up to £262,000 at auction.
It is one of only eight working examples left in the world still showing the roots of the technology giant today.
The Apple-1 was designed and built by hand by Wozniak in Silicon Valley.
He began marketing it along with Steve Jobs through the electronics chain Byte Shop in 1976, after the retailer bought the first 50 units.
In total, only 200 examples of the Apple-1 were ever made. They originally went on sale for £545, (US $666.66) as Wozniak liked repeating numbers.
Despite it being the first PC ever that was ready to use with monitor and keyboard access, it was actually delivered as just the motherboard. This meant users had to get hold of a power pack, keyboard, monitor, and cassette recorder of their own.
This example comes complete with the necessary equipment to make it work, as well as proof of telephone correspondence with Wozniak and Jobs.
It also contains the original card and the original early 6502 microprocessor in a rare white ceramic design. The card contains the software system Basic, which was only available for Apple-1 at the beginning of 1977.
It was invented at the computer did not originally have an operating system, only a monitor programme to provide an interface between keyboard entry and the monitor.
A spokesperson said: “The Apple-1 is already a legendary highlight of the great, young history of the computer.
“This Apple-1 has the very rare, original NTI sign.
“According to the Apple-1 register, compiled by Mike Willegal, there are only 60 sets still in existence, and a mere eight in working order!
“This model has the serial number 01-0073 and is logged as the fourteenth in the register.
“The lot also comes with the original documents from the computer’s first and only owner, including the receipt for the motherboard and cassette interface dated 30/11/1967, an original letter from Apple Customer Service refusing an upgrade to Apple-II and a record of telephone conversations with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
“The original Apple-1 manual included still shows the primary logo. The founders chose Isaac Newton as a symbol in recognition of the binary system he was credited with inventing in the 18th century.”
Apple changed their logo in 1977 to the world- famous apple with a bite taken out of it. This was in response to the first advertising campaign run by their client, The Byte Shop, and allowed them to use the slogan: “Byte into an Apple.”
The computer is being auctioned by Auction Team Breker in Cologne, Germany, on March 20.