Photos: Computer history goes under the hammer

Take your pick from a collection of early computers and calculators being auctioned at Bonhams

This is the Lyons Electronic Office - LEOII/3 electronic programmable storage computer which was first demonstrated in 1958.

Just 13 of the Leo II devices were built and it was one of the first commercially sold computers, used by the Ford Motor Company among others.

The device is part of Michael Bennett-Levy's private collection of early technology being auctioned at Bonhams in London this week and is expected to fetch at least £2,000.

But it's not the only device for sale. Read on to see if any other items in the auction take your fancy.

Photo credit: Bonhams

Sinclair computers were leaders in personal computing in the 1970s and 1980s and this ZX81 is from 1981. The lot also includes a ZX Spectrum 48K extension.

Photo credit: Bonhams

Another classic in the collection is this BBC Micro computer which comes complete with user manual, the game 'Tank Attack' and the Prinztronic tournament mini TV game, otherwise known as 'Pong' (with original box). The lot also includes an FO3 Acorn cassette data recorder.

Photo credit: Bonhams

A range of early calculators are also part of the collection. These 56Hz bandwidth red LED calculators from the 1970s are expected to fetch £200-£300.

Photo credit: Bonhams

This is the GEC V500H, first produced in 1983. It's a video laser disc player and includes film classics such as Star Wars, Easy Rider and Goldfinger.

Photo credit: Bonhams

This is a Zarach sphere television from 1975. It was sold by the exclusive designer shop Zarach in London's Sloane Square and is expected to sell for at least £1,500 in the auction.

In the Bonhams catalogue Michael Bennett-Levy says of the television: "Acquiring this set for the collection was a 'must' but in order to prise it out of the seller I was forced to buy his entire collection of another 14 televisions too!"

Photo credit: Bonhams