R&R Auctions has announced the release of a pre-production Apple II Motherboard (REV1) for auction on their site as part of their “Steve Jobs and the Apple Computer Revolution” auctions lot. The Motherboard auction started at $500 but is expected to draw bids of over $5,000.
It is currently unknown what the actual source of the board is, however, internal speculation is that this is one of the rate Apple II boards which were part of the famed Tony Diaz collection which sadly has been scattered in dozens of directions.
For further information about the auction or to participate, check out the posting on their website at:
https://www.rrauction.com/auctions/lot-detail/348975806984031-apple-ii-pre-production-logic-board-rev-1/
About the Auction (from R&R)
Ultra-early, pre-production prototype of the Apple II logic board—a significant Steve Wozniak design
Extremely early, pre-production Apple II bare logic board (Rev. 1), 14.25″ x 8.5″, without solder mask and graphics, produced as an internal development and evaluation unit. The part number, “820-0014-01,” corresponds with the Apple II revision 1—making this one of the earliest Apple computer prototype boards available.
The early microcomputer was designed by Steve Wozniak and based on the 6502 8-bit processor. In fine condition. The early success of the Apple-1 in 1976 paved the way for the introduction of the Apple II in the spring of 1977. In Apple’s 1980 IPO prospectus, the company described its progress: ‘In April 1977 the Company introduced the Apple II computer mainframe which was similar to the Apple I but incorporated additional circuitry and a keyboard, and was packaged in a plastic housing.’ In other words, the Apple II built upon the Apple-1 to become an even more capable, more consumer-ready machine.
Between 1977 and 1980, on the sales of the Apple II and its peripherals, accessories, and software, Apple Computer’s yearly revenue grew from $774,000 to $118 million, making it one of the great growth stories of Silicon Valley.
