A rare Apple-1 computer housed in its original Byte Shop wooden case has sold for $475,000 at RR Auction’s “Remarkable Rarities” event. The sale underscores the enduring value of early Apple hardware, with this machine fetching nearly double the price of the next-highest lot, which included items signed by Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen.
Fully Restored and Functional
This Apple-1 stands out not only for its wooden casing but also for its working condition. It came complete with its original board, cassette interface, Datanetics keyboard, Triad power supply, period monitor, and cassettes. Restoration expert Corey Cohen graded the computer’s condition an impressive 8 out of 10.
The unit’s backstory adds to its appeal. It was purchased from the estate of June Blodgett Moore, the first woman to graduate from Stanford Law School. This link to both computing and social history helped elevate interest among collectors.
Auction Highlights Beyond the Apple-1
The Apple-1 wasn’t the only Apple-related item to draw attention. A 1976 check signed by Steve Jobs, made out for $10 to “cash,” sold for $46,250. Collectors continue to pay premium prices for items tied directly to Apple’s co-founders, reinforcing their cultural significance.
A Strong Market for Early Apple Devices
While this is the first Apple-1 in a wooden case sold by RR Auction, it isn’t the highest price ever achieved. In 2021, another Apple-1 in a similar casing sold for $500,000. Given the limited number of surviving units—many without their original cases—each auction appearance attracts global interest.
The $475,000 sale shows how Apple’s early innovations remain not just technological milestones but also cultural artifacts. For collectors, owning one of these machines represents both a piece of computing history and a symbol of Apple’s rise from garage startup to global giant.
