BOSTON – A Steve Jobs-signed Apple II Manual sold for $787,484 against an estimate of $25,000-$30,000 at RR Auction on August 19. The 196-page guide details the technical architecture and operation of the Apple II and features a fold-out schematic of the computer’s main logic board. The manual is signed and inscribed opposite the Table of Contents by the iconic Apple co-founder, who wrote, “Julian, Your generation is the first to grow up with computers. Go change the world! steven jobs, 1980.”
It is also inscribed by Apple’s angel investor and second CEO: “Mike Markkula, 1980.” When signed, Jobs and Markkula were in the UK to promote Apple — cultivating it from Cupertino start-up to global phenomenon. The recipient was the son of an entrepreneur who had negotiated exclusive distribution rights for Apple products in the United Kingdom and later became the first managing director of Apple (UK) Ltd.
Whereas the Apple I was primarily for hobbyists, with less than 200 units made, the Apple II truly “changed the world” by giving around six million homes and businesses their introduction to personal computing. Apple II’s revenues supported Apple’s successful stock market debut, the biggest tech IPO of the time.
Jobs’ inscription was prophetic, with Generation X-ers such as Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk truly “changing the world” with technology after being the first to “grow up with computers.”
The winning bid came from Jim Irsay, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts. It will be part of the Irsay Collection of historic and culturally-significant artifacts he has assembled during several decades.
“When we think of the greatest, most innovative minds of the past two centuries, Steve Jobs must certainly be included among them,” Irsay said in a statement provided to the auction house. “Jobs was a truly transformative figure who changed the way in which human beings think, do business and interact on a daily basis. As always, I look forward to sharing this piece in the hopes it may educate and inspire others to do great things in life.”
“Steve Jobs challenged a generation to go change the world, which they did,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. “The prices we received in the August 19 auction for Steve Jobs-autographed material has now changed the world for many of our consignors as well.”
Additional highlights from the sale include:
Steve Jobs’ ironic signed letter in which he stated “I’m afraid I don’t sign autographs” sold for $479,939.
A Steve Jobs- and Steve Wozniak-signed issue of Macworld #1 sold for $201,021.
Steve Jobs’ personal brown leather bomber jacket sold for $66,466.
The Steve Jobs and Apple Auction conducted by RR Auction began on August 12 and concluded on August 19. For more information, go to www.rrauction.com.
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