Have an Apple I computer? It could be worth over $350,000.

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.

Apple I motherboard, Sotheby's lot #57

Included in Sotheby’s New York sale of Fine Books and Manuscripts, was a working Apple I computer from 1976, with the original manual. Curious choice of sales in which to put a computer, but apparently they did so because of its historical significance. Estimated to sell for $120,000 – $180,000, it almost tripled its low estimate to sell for $374,500, including buyer’s premium. Not a bad return, considering the original price was $666. It’s also interesting to note that a computer then is not what a computer is today. You only got the motherboard in 1976. You had to supply your own keyboard, monitor and cassette machine to run the programs. Here is the link to Sotheby’s sale. Apple I computer results.

Detail of the Apple Computer Company contract, Sotheby's lot #241

The Apple I sales price shouldn’t have been a surprise considering that in December, 2011, Sotheby’s New York sold three Apple documents, including the original contract for the formation of the Apple Computer Company, for $1,594,500 — 15 times the pre-sale estimate of $100,000 – $150,000. The historical significance of the lot was not lost on the public. Here is the link. Sotheby’s sale of Apple contracts.

So go searching in your attic if you were into early Apple computers. Maybe you’ve got a fortune there.

Our next show won’t be until July 27-29, in Redondo Beach, CA, but we’re still very much in business. Don’t hesitate to call or write, and let me know what you’d like to buy, sell, or trade.

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Superb Galle water lily blownout vase, just in

Look around my website. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. I regularly add Tiffany vases, lamps and desk accessories, as well as French cameo glass by Galle and Daum Nancy and Louis Icart etchings. Just recently, I added about 10 new items. I’ve listed those and more will be coming this week. Here’s the link. chasenantiques.com