The listing of a 1976 Apple-1 computer in a Christie’s sale “caused quite a stir – especially over the estimated price of £100,000 – £150,000 ($US160,300 – $US240,450),” reports “IT Wire” (http://www.itwire.com/your-it-news/home-it/43431).
The Apple 1 was the original Apple computer designed by Steve (“Woz”) Wozniak. The significance of the particular example auctioned by Christie’s was that it included a number of associated items including the all-important (to collectors, at least) cardboard box, plus the manual, original invoice, and a typed letter signed by Steve Jobs, says “IT Wire.” Also, the Apple-1 offered for sale was number 87 of a production run of perhaps 200, of which as few as 50 are thought to survive, the article adds.
(Pictured is an Apple 1 at the Smithsonian.)