( CNN ) -- A rare working model of the Apple 1 , the tech giant 's first desktop computer , sold for more than $ 671,000 over the weekend at an auction in Germany . The computer , along with a letter from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to its original owner , is believed to be one of only six working Apple 1s and one of only three on the open market . The buyer , who chose to remain anonymous , is from the Far East , according to Uwe H. Breker of Auction Team Breker , which auctioned off a roster of vintage tech Saturday in Cologne . The Apple PC was expected to bring at least $ 400,000 . But Breker said it 's no surprise that it fetched more than 50 % more . In November , his team auctioned a similar model for $ 640,000 . Sotheby 's New York sold one last year for $ 375,000 . Prices for the rare devices have gone up since Jobs ' death in 2011 . In November 2010 , Christie 's auctioned an Apple 1 for $ 212,000 . `` It 's not only the technology of the world 's first ready-to-use PC , '' Breker said in an e-mail to CNN . `` It 's more the symbol of the American Dream -- the story of two dropouts who had a superb idea ... and 35 years later their company is the richest and highest-valued company ever . '' Jobs and Steve Wozniak famously created the Apple computer in Jobs ' family garage , building the device by hand and financing the company through the sale of Wozniak 's fancy calculator and Jobs ' VW camper van . About 200 Apple 1s were built , and fewer than 50 are believed to exist still -- most of them not in working order . Saturday 's lot also included the letter from Jobs to a Fred Hatfield at Computer Data Systems in Columbus , Ohio . Dated January 18 , 1978 , the letter offers Hatfield the chance to trade in his Apple 1 , and $ 400 , for an Apple II . He obviously did not take Jobs up on the offer .
Only 200 Apple 1s were made , and only six are believed to be in working order . Rare Apple 1 computer sells for $ 671,000 at auction . The working Apple 1 was auctioned in Germany to an Asian buyer .