Home & Garden|A Model T Computer? He Can Restore It
A Model T Computer? He Can Restore It
Corey Cohen evaluates and repairs vintage personal computers.CreditCreditRobert Wright for The New York Times
Steven Kurutz
­On Dec. 11, as part of what is being calling the Exceptional Sale, Christie's in New York will auction off the "Ricketts" Apple-1 personal computer, a surviving example of the first model Apple sold commercially, in 1976. This particular computer — a green circuit board mounted under glass — can trace its history clear back to Steve Jobs's parents' garage (its original owner and namesake, Charles Ricketts, bought the computer there, as evidenced by a canceled check for $600 that is part of the sale). It is estimated to fetch $400,000 to $600,000 and will likely go higher, as did one that sold for $671,400 last year at Breker auction house in Germany.
To assess the condition of the "Ricketts" Apple-1 and bring it to full operation, Christie's called in Corey Cohen, a 43-year-old manager at a software company and vintage computer enthusiast from New Jersey who has become to early Apple circuitry what Renaissance art historians are to Caravaggios. Mr. Cohen spoke last week about his newfound role and the beauty of the Apple-1 design. (This interview has been edited and condensed.)
Q. How did you become the go-to guy to assess Apple-1s for auction houses?
A. There was a sale a few years ago when a board came up at Sotheby's. They were going to do the press event and somehow the machine wasn't working. The owner had come to New York and we'd conversed. I got a panicked call from him. I repaired what was wrong with that machine. Word spread. I started collecting original Apple-1 replacement parts to restore them back to original condition. I got to be known as the parts guy. I'm big into the vintage computer scene.
I didn't realize collecting vintage computers was a scene.
­It very much mimics the classic car community. You see the different factions: Should something look cosmetically correct? What's a restoration versus a rebuild? It's less messy than rebuilding an engine of a car. But like car collecting, you're starting to see some of these computers be escalated to works of art.
What accounts for the soaring value of the Apple-1? The popularity of Apple?
­Yes, partially because of Apple. There were only 175 made. There are only 60-odd boards that are actually known to still exist. It's probably one of the prettiest boards that you see because it was laid out really well. The Apple-1 board is a piece of art.
A fully operational Apple-1 personal computer is estimated to fetch $400,000 to $600,000 at auction this week.CreditRobert Wright for The New York Times
How much computing power does an Apple-1 have?
­It's incredible how primitive the machines are. You were able to type commands in to do things, but they were extremely cryptic. If you wanted to add two numbers it was a fairly complicated task. You couldn't even backspace on an Apple-1. Your iPhone is light years ahead.
What do you look for when assessing an Apple-1?
­I'm asked to determine, number one, is it real? A few years ago someone attempted to sell a replica. And I bring equipment with me to test whether I can turn it on. Not every board is worth the risk of turning on. There are three components that could explode and destroy the board. There's a vast difference between a basket case and a working system.
How does the machine's functionality affect its value at auction?
­Ones that don't work can range anywhere from close to $100,000 to $200,000. From a collector perspective, it's about being able to say, "I have a working unit." Having an actual working unit is bragging rights. It's also important how original it is. The other thing that's important is documentation and history. The one that sold at Breker's auction house had a letter from Steve Jobs and the original bill of sale.
What about other early computers: say, a Commodore 64? If I have one of those in my closet, can I cash in?
­If you have it in your closet and it works, it's worth about $50. If it doesn't, about $10. They were so mass produced, everyone had them, and they survived. There are some early 64s that are slightly different and might be worth a couple hundred dollars. People ask me all the time about the Apple II and what it's worth. I tell them about $50.­
A version of this article appears in print on , Section D, Page 2 of the New York edition with the headline: A Model T Computer? He Can Restore It. Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe