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In a world where tech enthusiasts are willing to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a piece of history, the recent auction of a sealed 4 GB original iPhone for nearly $200,000 made headlines. Now, avid collectors have another golden opportunity to own a piece of Apple’s early days. A new batch of rare Apple items is up for grabs, and this time, it includes a truly remarkable piece of history: Apple’s second-ever written check, signed by both visionaries, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
The auction, hosted by RR Auction, boasts an impressive collection of over 50 rare Apple items that are sure to excite tech history buffs and investors alike.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the historic Wells Fargo bank check, measuring 7.5 x 3 inches, which carries the iconic signatures of Steve Jobs, who signed as “steven jobs,” and Steve Wozniak, who used his full name, “Steve Wozniak.” The check, dated March 19, 1976, was made out to Ramlor, Inc., with an amount of $116.97. It was issued during the time when Apple was still in its infancy and in the process of building its first-ever product, the legendary Apple-1 computer.
What makes this check even more intriguing is its unique background. Acting as “Check No. 2,” it predates the official founding of Apple Computer, Inc. by a mere thirteen days. On April 1, 1976, the iconic trio of Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne would sign the partnership agreement that solidified Apple’s existence as a company. The agreement designated 45% ownership to each of the Steves and 10% to Wayne. Interestingly, any expenditure exceeding $100 required the approval of two partners, possibly explaining why both Jobs and Wozniak had their signatures on this particular check.
Experts speculate that the payment made to Ramlor, Inc., a reputable printed circuit board maker in the Palo Alto area, was likely for boards affiliated with the first-ever Apple-1 Computers. Initially envisioned as a DIY soldered PCB kit, the product’s fate changed when the brilliant minds behind Apple approached Paul Terrell, owner of The Byte Shop in Mountain View, California. The Byte Shop, one of the pioneering personal computer stores globally, agreed to sell the Apple-1, ultimately altering the course of tech history forever.
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Intrigued? The bidding for this rare piece of tech history is open until August 24. With its early date and the iconic signatures of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, this check is expected to fetch a handsome sum, potentially surpassing the $50,000 mark.
Apple enthusiasts and collectors of vintage tech treasures should definitely check out the auction listing for further details. Whether you’re an ardent Apple fan or a savvy investor looking for a unique and valuable piece, this auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a tangible slice of the company’s remarkable origins.