We found dusty old computer in attic & thought nothing of it – but it’s worth £37k after seeing 4 letters on back

THE world's first desktop computer has been unearthed in a London house clearance - and it's sold for an eye-watering sum of over £37,000.

The legendary Q1 desktop microcomputer, dating back to 1972, was uncovered by waste firm Just Clear during a routine clear-out of a London property.

The Q1 desktop microcomputer from 1972 found in old London property (Photo: Heritage Auctions via SWNS)

This historic piece of tech sold for £37k after Kingston University exhibition (Photo: Heritage Auctions via SWNS)

Alongside it was its slightly younger sibling, the Q1 Lite, which fetched a respectable £8,316 at auction.

These historical gems are two of the only three known surviving Q1s, making this discovery a monumental find.

To top it off, a Q1 desktop companion printer for the Q1 Lite was also found and sold for £1,175.

All three items were auctioned off with no reserve by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions.

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These relics were showcased earlier this year at Kingston University's "Creating the Everything Device" exhibition, which celebrated early computers and gaming machines.

The Q1’s debut predated the Apple 1 by a whopping four years, demonstrating the true pioneering spirit of the era.

Valarie Spiegel, Heritage's Director of Video Games said: "This is a landmark occasion.

"The Q1’s advanced architecture for its time ... set a precedent in the computing industry and hinted at the future of personal computing."

Sara Balbi, managing director of Heritage Auctions' London office, was thrilled with the outcome.

She added: "These items have never been to auction before."

The auction, which concluded on May 24th, has left tech enthusiasts and historians buzzing.

Who knew that buried under years of dust in a London home lay the very foundation of today's tech-driven world.

Could Q1 be your sign to start collecting old tech?

Love Antique say people should collect their old tech. Sharing their top tips for collecting old mobile phones.

Top tips for collecting old mobile phones

BELOW are some tips for collectors of old mobile phones from LoveAntiques.

Check the condition of the phone - Items in their original packaging, with their original paperwork and accessories will fetch more money.

Find the unique selling point of the phone - Icon status and tech milestones are far more valuable than age alone.

Understand the tech - Many old phones either don’t work due to the battery or can no longer connect to a network. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but make sure to understand why it no longer works.

Study the phones - Most importantly make sure to understand the differences between models that have barely been altered - it could make a vast difference to the price.

Prior to it being auctioned the Q1 had never been auctioned before.

Balbi continued: "There was no telling how the market would react. There was no record set for them."

But she claimed "the results spoke for themselves".

The £37k sale may be one of many old tech gems in the UK with Britain sitting on a goldmine with old computer equipment potentially worth up to £500,000..