Apple-1 prototype has been auctioned for nearly $700,000

A rare Apple-1 prototype was auctioned on Thursday for nearly $700,000. The prototype was used in 1976 by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to demonstrate the Apple-1. It is unknown who bought it.

The printed circuit board has the description ‘Apple Computer A’. According to auction house RR the board is hand-soldered by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Jobs used the prototype to demonstrate the Apple-1 to Paul Terrell, owner of The Byte Shop in Mountain View, California. The Byte Shop was one of the first personal computer stores in the world.

The demonstration earned Jobs and Wozniak their first major order. Initially, the Apple founders wanted to sell the Apple-1 as a kit for $40. However, Terrell suggested selling the Apple-1 as a fully assembled personal computer for $666.66.

The prototype sat in the Apple Garage for many years before being given to the seller by Jobs about 30 years ago. To verify authenticity, the prototype was compared with Polaroid photos of the device from the 1970s. It was also researched by Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen, who prepared a thirteen-page report for the auction, writes AP news agency.

Despite the damage the prototype has sustained over the years, it has been auctioned for $677,196. Few details are known about the buyer, other than that he hails from the San Francisco Bay Area.