Apple Computer's first trade sign....

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Apple Computer's first trade sign. This is the very first sign used by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to promote their fledgling start-up, Apple Computer Co. It was used at the first industry trade show they attended (ca. late 1976) to promote the Apple I. It remained in service for years outside the company's headquarters at 10260 Bandley Drive in Cupertino, California. The sign measures an impressive 100 x 22.5 in. (2540 x 572 mm.), and its original weathered wood frame is about 1.5 in. (38 mm.) thick. The sign within is made of opaque white Plexiglas bearing "apple computer inc." in black Motter Tektura font applied thereto. At left appears Apple's iconic rainbow-colored apple 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 with solid brass letters proved to be less than what its founders hoped for. This historic relic was obtained from M. Thomas Liggett, Jr. who was hired by Apple as a Facilities Engineer "B" in 1978 (Apple Computer Employee #114). Apple was founded on 1 April 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne to sell the Apple I personal computer kit. They were hand-built by Steve Wozniak in the living room of Jobs' parents' home, and eventually 200 computers were built. In contrast, last year Apple's estimated net worth was $605 billion and it's often referred to as the world's most valuable company. On 9 January 2007, Steve Jobs announced that Apple would drop the word "Computer" from its name to become "Apple Inc." This sign has been exhibited for over five years at the "Apple-recognized" All About Apple Museum in Savona, Italy - the world's largest Apple museum. Without question, one of the most important American industrial relics ever to be offered. This item is located in Italy and special shipping arrangements will apply. Provenance: M. Thomas Liggett, Jr. who was hired by Apple as a Facilities Engineer "B" in 1978 (Apple Computer Employee #114).