Original Apple-1 Computer Operation Manual Sells for Over $47,000 at Auction

An original working Apple-1 computer is nice, but have been known to go for over $1-million, while this original Apple-1 Computer Operation Manual from the collection of Clement Monk, just sold for $47,498. It was issued by the Apple Computer Company in 1976, consisting of 12 pages that measure 8.5 x 11 inches.

It features Apple’s original logo on the front cover, designed by Ron Wayne (Apple’s third co-founder), depicting Isaac Newton under a tree with an apple overhead. The manual includes instructions for setting up and running the Apple-1 system, using the system monitor, and expanding the system. Here’s one fun fact…it also contains a fold-out schematic of the Apple-1 computer and a page titled “6502 Hex Monitor Listing,” showcasing the innovative “Woz Monitor” memory program created by Steve Wozniak.

The Apple-1 was Apple’s first product, designed primarily by Steve Wozniak and marketed by Steve Jobs. Only around 200 units were produced, and accompanying documentation like this manual is exceptionally scarce today, making it a valuable piece of computing history. You can check out the auction page here.

The Apple-1 was not only a marvel of early computing ingenuity, but the pioneering product that launched what is today one of the most valuable and successful companies in the world. Very few of the original Apple-1 operating manuals—perhaps 65 or so—are known to exist today,” said RR Auction.