Vintage computer workstation based on an IBM Personal Computer AT Model 5170, accompanied by an IBM 5153 color monitor, IBM 5152 dot matrix printer, NTC Enhanced 102-key keyboard, and IBM documentation.

IBM Personal Computer AT – Model 5170

At the heart of the lot is the IBM Personal Computer AT (Advanced Technology), Model 5170, one of the most significant systems in the history of personal computing. Introduced by IBM in 1984, the PC/AT represented a major evolution of the IBM PC family through the adoption of the Intel 80286 processor and the AT architecture, which would have a considerable influence on the subsequent development of PC-compatible computers.

Features associated with the platform included 16-bit ISA expansion and support for high-capacity 5¼-inch floppy disk drives.

The label on the rear of the computer identifies this example as an IBM Model 5170, manufactured in Greenock, Scotland, in the European 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz electrical configuration. Cosmetically, the unit retains the characteristic IBM appearance of the period, with its substantial desktop case, front ventilation grille, indicator lights, and distinctive front security key lock.

The front also bears a “Gruppo Euromagant Assistenza” service sticker, an interesting detail documenting part of the machine's history of use in Italy and contributing to its provenance. Photographs of the interior of the computer are also provided, documenting its current condition and configuration.

Installed Floppy Disk Drives

The computer is fitted with floppy disk drives, including a 5¼-inch drive. The PC/AT 5170 was historically available in configurations featuring high-capacity floppy drives; however, this information relates to the specifications of the platform and should not be interpreted as confirmation of the capacity or exact model of the drives installed in this particular example. The additional photographs document the construction and mechanism of the installed drives.

IBM 5153 Color Display

The workstation is complemented by an IBM 5153 Color Display, a color CRT monitor designed by IBM for its Personal Computer family and closely associated with CGA graphics. The rear label confirms its identification as Model 5153. The monitor retains the characteristic IBM design of the period, including the distinctive front badge with red, green, and blue elements, together with the front adjustment controls.

The presence of an IBM 5153 monitor together with the PC is particularly interesting from a collector's perspective, as many surviving IBM computers of this generation are now found without their corresponding IBM CRT monitor.

NTC Model KB-6252EN Keyboard

The lot includes an extended 102-key keyboard. The keyboard has been precisely identified from its label as: NTC Model KB-6252EN, Enhanced 102 Keys, Manufactured by NTC and Assembled in Malaysia.

It is therefore expressly stated that the keyboard is not an original IBM Enhanced Keyboard. It is an NTC Enhanced 102-key keyboard, belonging to the type of compatible keyboards used with personal computers of the period.

IBM 5152 Printer

Also included is an IBM 5152 Graphics/Dot Matrix Printer, a dot matrix printer designed for IBM PC workstations of the period. The label identifies the unit as Model No. 5152004, Made in Japan.

The printer retains important elements of its original configuration, including the tractor-feed system for continuous-form paper and the transparent upper cover over the printing area.

The IBM 5152 is a particularly evocative addition to the workstation, allowing not only the computer itself but also a more complete 1980s IBM working environment to be recreated.

Documentation and Historical Details

The lot also includes IBM documentation, including “Benvenuti – IBM PS/ValuePoint” material preserved in its corresponding envelope.

Although this material belongs to a later IBM generation than the PC/AT, it represents an interesting record of the workstation's continued use and history over the years.

One of the main strengths of the lot is its completeness. Rather than simply an isolated IBM 5170, this is a workstation comprising several period components: IBM Personal Computer AT Model 5170, IBM 5153 Color Display CGA monitor, NTC KB-6252EN Enhanced 102-key keyboard, IBM 5152 Dot Matrix Printer, IBM documentation, and period provenance/service details.

The IBM PC/AT 5170 represents a fundamental milestone in the evolution of the personal computer: a machine that helped establish hardware standards upon which a significant part of personal computing would develop in the years that followed.

Condition and Functionality

1. The cosmetic condition is documented in detail in the photographs, which form an integral part of the description.
2. Any statements regarding functionality, internal hardware configuration, drive capacities, or specifications of installed components should be considered confirmed only where expressly shown or stated in the lot description.
3. After some of the original photographs of the lot had been taken, part of the front bezel of the 5¼-inch floppy drive was accidentally broken. The additional photographs show the damaged component in its current condition.
4. The detached part has been retained and is included with the lot.

A complete and visually striking vintage IBM-based workstation of considerable historical interest, particularly suitable for discerning collectors, retrocomputing enthusiasts, and exhibitions dedicated to the history of computing.

Shipping costs, to be borne by the buyer, can only be finalized after the auction has ended, based on the buyer’s country of residence, due to the overall size of the lot.

Shipping costs, to be borne by the buyer, can only be finalized after the auction has ended, based on the buyer’s country of residence, due to the overall size of the lot.

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