Ron Wayne’s set of four original sketches for the cabinet design of the Apple II personal computer, each signed in the lower right corner in black ink by the Apple co-founder, "Ronald G. Wayne,” who signs over his embossed personal seal. Accomplished in graphite on individual off-white sheets of 17 x 11 drawing paper, the four sketches contain early preproduction renderings of the Apple II case, pictured in front and side views, which appear to show three different versions: a ‘boxy’ version with angular front arms; a ‘sleeker’ version, not unlike the final product, with a compartment cover that opens from the right side; and two related sketches that serve as a composite of the first two sketches: rectangular but also streamlined, with an upper compartment cover. The sketches are individually mounted and framed to an overall size of 20 x 14. In overall fine condition, with vertical folds, and some wear to frames.
Although Ron Wayne’s partnership with Apple was short-lived, he continued to work for and with the company throughout its early years. He famously created Apple’s first logo of Isaac Newton under an apple tree, and he was later contracted by Steve Jobs to produce case designs for the forthcoming, more ambitious Apple II computer.
Provenance: Christie’s Auctions, The Ron Wayne Apple Archive, December 2014.
