Practical question on valuation of old systems

Chris M wrote: Isn't part of what drives auctions the fact that the items sold could conceivably be used in the manner which the original designer / manufacturer intended, though? e.g. that old Ford model A could be restored to working condition and driven, that comic book could be read etc. Collectors (in the auction category) don't generally "use" what they buy, of course - but it seems to me that part of the attraction is that they could if they wanted. At the moment, I'd say that most computers really aren't seen (outside a select few which are - rightly or wrongly - seen as having a pioneering place in computer history) as rare enough to attract auction houses. Maybe in 50 years, but in 50 years the parts that make them functional (and therefore "complete") will probably no longer be maintainable... cheers Jules