[Eug]

Auction price felt to probably be in the $15000-20000 range.



APPLE COMPUTER'S FIRST TRADE SIGN
We offer nothing less than a true icon of American industry, the very first sign used by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to promote their fledgling start-up, Apple Computer Co. at the first trade shows they attended in 1976, and which remained in service for years outside the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California. The sign measures an impressive 100" long x 22 1/2" tall, and its original weathered wood frame is about 1 1/2" thick. The sign within is made of opaque white Plexiglas bearing "apple computer inc." in black lettering applied thereto. At left appears Apple's rainbow-colored apple-shaped logo, also applied to the Plexiglas. The sign was originally part of a light box when used at trade shows, and then was called back into service when Apple's new sign proved to be less than what its founders hoped for. This historic relic was obtained directly from M. Thomas Liggett, Jr. who was hired by Apple as a Facilities Engineer "B" in 1978, Apple Computer Employee #114.

In his letter of provenance (original included), Liggett notes: "...In my rounds of the building, I had noted a fluorescent light box...that had both the Apple logo on it, along with the words "apple computer inc." written on it. I was told that said device was from the first industry trade show that Steve Jobs and [Steve] Wozniak had attended, when they were showing the Apple I [ca. late 1976]...I was directed to throw [it] away. I asked and received permission to take it home, where it stayed...At that time there was no sign out on the street in front of 10260 Bandley Dr. [Apple headquarters] and folks with business with us were constantly complaining that we were hard to find...Steve Jobs had...paid $6,000 for a sign with solid brass letters, but it was set to arrive in some vague future...I came up with turning the light box's lens into a 'temporary sign'. I was given permission...In its present iteration, that sign hung for over one year in front of the 10260 Bandley Dr. location, then in front of one of our two Bubb Rd. buildings. When Steve Jobs' brass sign turned out not to be what was hoped for...[this sign] went back up in front of 10260 Bandley Dr., until the then new-style redwood sign arrived...the sign that I made ended up in the dumpster and I once again asked and received permission to take it home as my own property. I have owned it since...".

Too bad it's not on ebay. Then maybe I'd bid a couple of thousand $ for it.

[starman]

I could probably make one for much less.

[Eug]

Yes you could, but then it'd just be a knockoff.

[starman]

Who would I impress with a $20k original?

[Eug]

Originally Posted by starman 

Who would I impress with a $20k original?

Everyone at MacNN!