A 1976 Apple I computer known as the "Hatfield" model sold for $1,148,200 at Bonhams, a record for the machine. The unit, signed by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, is one of only 74 verified Apple I computers still in existence and one of the few that still works. It was originally sold for $666.60 to Fred Hatfield.
The auction lot includes a letter from Steve Jobs encouraging Hatfield to upgrade his motherboard to the Apple II, a piece of correspondence that Bonhams says reflects how personally involved Jobs and Wozniak were in Apple's early operations. The package also includes the original operation manual, a cassette manual, an Apple I Owners Club invitation, a custom power supply, and period monitor and keyboards.
Bonhams put the machine on display in New York and the bidding came down to two people, pushing the price beyond the expected top range of $800,000. The previous time this particular Apple I was auctioned, in 2013, it sold for $671,400. Hatfield declined Jobs' upgrade offer and later sold the computer for $40,000, which he said he spent on dinners and nights out in New Orleans.