Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and black plastic case and an array of thirty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and black plastic case and an array of thirty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. In addition the instrument has clear, clear entry, percentage, CS, and CA keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. A mark at the back reads: Unisonic 1541L. The on/off switch is on the right edge.
A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. At the top of the back is a compartment for a nine-volt battery. A sticker below it reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 031491 (/) Made in Hong Kong.
According to the Vintage Calculators website, this model calculator also sold as the Prinztronic 400, the dsc CAL-0041, the Meir 880, the RJP 880, and the Texet 880 Executive.
References:
Calcuseum website gives date of 1978.
[Advertisement], , August 7, 1979, p. 41. Advertises calculator.
Website vintagecalculators.com lists related models.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1979
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.246
catalog number
1986.0988.246
accession number
1986.0988
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the US Constitution in 1913.
Description
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the US Constitution in 1913. A form for calculating these taxes known as the 1040 was introduced soon thereafter, and was widely known by American workers by the 1970s. Hence the name of this calculator.
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-six rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. The keys are the same as those on the Unisonic 1040, although they are arranged slightly differently. Right of the top two keys is an on/off switch. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1040. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display.
A power jack is along the back edge.
A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. A mark on it reads: 1040-AT. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 353519 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
Compare five examples of the Unisonic 1040: 1986.0988.110 (the 1040), 1986.0988.291 (the 1040-1), 1986.0988.292 (the 1040-AT), 1986.0988.109 (the 1040-C), and 1986.0988.108 (the 1040-C). The keys are not identical.
References:
For a timeline of historical events relating to personal income taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
[Advertisement], Morning Herald [from Hagerstown, Maryland], November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1040 for $22.96.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 1, 1977; p. I2. Unisonic 1040 selling for $10.96, regularly $13.96.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.292
catalog number
1986.0988.292
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and dark brown and tan plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and dark brown and tan plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. In addition the instrument has a change sign key, an exchange key, a square root key, a percentage key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above these is the on/off switch. Behind is an eight-digit red LED display. A mark at the back reads: Unisonic 1540L.
A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. At the top of the back is a compartment for two AA batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 59545. A sticker near the base of the back reads in part: Remove batteries if unit unlikely (/) to be used for more than 7 days. (/) Made in Hong Kong.
References:
[Advertisement], Ludington [Michigan] Daily News, August 29, 1977, p. 18. Unisonic 1540L on sale for $8.88, regularly $11.59.
[Advertisement], Grand Prairie [Texas] Daily News, August 11, 1977, p. 14. Unisonic 1540L on sale for $8.88, regularly $11.59.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.294
catalog number
1986.0988.294
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-six rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-six rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. In addition there are two parenthesis keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a clear/clear entry key, an inverse key, and a squaring key. On the right side next to the two topmost keys is the on/off switch. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1148.
A jack for a power supply is along the back edge.
A sticker on the back of the calculator gives calculation examples. It is marked in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 001202 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. A further mark reads: 1148-A. Below this is a compartment for three AA batteries.
No advertisements found.
Reference:
The BECALC vintage calculator website dates the Unisonic 1148 calculator to 1979.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1979
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.290
catalog number
1986.0988.290
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a black- and silver-colored plastic and metal case with an array of twenty-one square plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a black- and silver-colored plastic and metal case with an array of twenty-one square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys and a decimal point key (white) as well as four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, a clear entry key, and a percentage key (turquoise). The square root and change sign keys in the topmost row are orange. Right of these, a mark scratched on the case reads: UNISONIC-830A. Right of this is an on/off switch. Behind is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. A power jack is on the back edge.
A paper sticker on the back gives calculation examples. It reads in part: 830A. It also reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 004991 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four 1.5V (AAA) batteries.
Compare 1986.0988.114 (a Unisonic 811-A). That calculator lacks the square root and change sign keys.
No references found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.113
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.113
This handheld electronic scientific calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of twenty-six rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white. They can take on a different meaning if the orange F key is pushed.
Description
This handheld electronic scientific calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of twenty-six rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white. They can take on a different meaning if the orange F key is pushed. The calculator can perform basic arithmetic; compute trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions; and compute powers, exponents, natural logarithms, common logarithms, inverses, and square roots. It also has memory keys and a key for pi. To the right of the F key are radian/degree and on/off switches. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 799.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. This display also could show a five-digit mantissa and two-digit exponent (with signs for both).
A power jack is on the top edge.
The back of the calculator has a sticker describing advanced problem solving. It reads in part: 799-A. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 030944 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AA batteries.
Compare 1986.0988.116 (Unisonic 796).
References:
John F. Free, “Now There’s a Personal Calculator for Every Purpose,” Popular Science, 206 #2, February, 1975, pp. 78–81, 136–137. The Unisonic 799 is listed as selling for $99.
[Advertisement], Hartford Courant, June 13, 1976, p. 15M. Unisonic 799 on sale for $26.88.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.115
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.115
This handheld electronic scientific calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of thirty-seven rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic scientific calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of thirty-seven rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has keys for trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, pi, logarithms, natural logarithms, exponents, powers of ten, general powers, inverses, squares, square roots, arithmetic functions, change sign, exchange, parentheses, and memory. Pushing an INV key at the top left allows some keys to perform a second function. Switches for radians/degrees/grad and for on/off are left of the INV key at the top of the keyboard. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1299R. A green vacuum fluorescent display is behind this. It shows an eight-digit mantissa and a two-digit exponent, with signs for both.
A power jack is on the top edge.
The back of the calculator has a sticker describing calculation examples. It reads in part: 1299R-A. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 032370 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AA batteries.
The black plastic sleeve holds not only the calculator but a pamphlet with title Unisonic 1299R 8-Digit Scientific Slide Rule Calculator Instruction Manual. It describes the function of the keys in detail.
The case of this calculator is similar in style to 1986.0988.117 (Unisonic 790R-C), 1986.0988.118 (Unisonic 790RM-C), 1986.0988.116 (Unisonic 796-A), and 1986.0988.115 (Unisonic 799-A), which is used as the basis for a rough date of 1975. No advertisements found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.112
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.112
This compact, thin handheld electronic calculator has a silver and brown colored metal case and an array of twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a decimal point key, and a total key.
Description
This compact, thin handheld electronic calculator has a silver and brown colored metal case and an array of twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a decimal point key, and a total key. The calculator also has four memory keys and square root, percentage, clear entry, and clear keys. The off key is on the left in the top row of keys.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. Behind it is a mark that reads: Unisonic (/) LC-200.
A mark on the back of the calculator reads: LIQUID CRYSTAL CALCULATOR (/) RATING: DC 3V 0.0005W (/) 625 TYPE BATTERY x 2. Further text reads: MADE IN HONG KONG. Unscrewing two screws at the bottom of the case reveals a brown plastic circuit board and two batteries above it. A mark on the chip reads: A1.
The calculator comes with a worn plastic case and a set of instructions in both English and French.
Compare 1986.0988.321.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, January 4, 1979, p. I8. On sale for $12.99. Price includes case. The calculator shown in this advertisement resembles this calculator more than 1986.0988.321.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1979
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.121
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.121
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913.
Description
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913. A form for calculating these taxes known as the 1040 was introduced soon thereafter, and was widely known by American workers by the 1970s. Hence the name of this calculator.
The handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, and a clear/clear entry key. The keys are the similar to those on the Unisonic 1040, although they are arranged slightly differently and the clear and clear entry keys have been combined. Above these keys is an on/off switch. A mark left of this reads: Unisonic 1040. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display.
A power jack is along the back edge.
A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. A mark on it reads: 1040-C. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 177368 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
Compare five examples of the Unisonic 1040: 1986.0988.110 (the 1040), 1986.0988.291 (the 1040-1), 1986.0988.292 (the 1040-AT), 1986.0988.109 (the 1040-C), and 1986.0988.108 (the 1040-C). The keys are not identical.
References:
For a timeline of historical events relating to personal income taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
[Advertisement], Morning Herald [from Hagerstown, Maryland], November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1040 for $22.96.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 1, 1977; p. I2. Unisonic 1040 selling for $10.96, regularly $13.96.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.109
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.109
This handheld electronic calculator has a black- and silver-colored plastic case with an array of nineteen square plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a black- and silver-colored plastic case with an array of nineteen square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys and a decimal point key (white) as well as four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and a clear entry key (turquoise). The percentage key is orange. Above the keys and on the right is an on/off switch. Above this, on the left, a mark reads: Unisonic 811. Behind this is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. A power jack is on the back edge.
A paper sticker on the back gives calculation examples. It reads in part: 811-A. It also reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 143884 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four 1.5V AAA batteries.
Compare 1986.0988.113 (a Unisonic 830-A).
Reference:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 4, 1975, p. S4. A different version of the Unisonic 811 advertised as selling for $15.88.
The calculator.org website dates the Unisonic 811 to 1976.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.114
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.114
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913.
Description
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913. A form for calculating these taxes known as the 1040 was introduced soon thereafter, and was widely known by American workers by the 1970s. Hence the name of this calculator.
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-six rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. Right of the top two keys is an on/off switch. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1040. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display.
A power jack is along the back edge.
A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. A mark on it reads: 1040. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 048441 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
Compare five examples of the Unisonic 1040 – 1986.0988.110 (the 1040), 1986.0988.291 (the 1040-1), 1986.0988.292 (the 1040-AT), 1986.0988.109 (the 1040-C), and 1986.0988.108 (the 1040-C). The keys are not identical.
References:
For a timeline of historical events relating to personal income taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
[Advertisement], Morning Herald from Hagerstown, Maryland, November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1040 for $22.96.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 1, 1977; p. I2. Unisonic 1040 selling for $10.96, regularly $13.96.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.110
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.110
This handheld electronic scientific calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of thirty-five rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white.
Description
This handheld electronic scientific calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of thirty-five rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white. The keys for total, four arithmetic functions, three trigonometric functions, three inverse trigonometric functions, natural logarithms, exponents, clear, pi, square roots, inverses, and exchange are colored turquoise. The enter exponent, CHN, and four memory keys are orange. A mark behind the keyboard reads: Unisonic 796. The radian/degree and on/off switches are to the right of this. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. This display also could show a five-digit mantissa and two-digit exponent (with signs for both).
A power jack is on the top edge.
The back of the calculator has a sticker giving calculation examples. It reads in part: 796-A. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 002305 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AA batteries.
Compare 1986.0988.115 (Unisonic 799).
Reference:
Unisonic 896 8 Digit Electronic Slide Rule Calculator Instruction Manual, available from wass.net. Accessed June 30, 2015. The manual is for the 796-B, but the diagrams appear very similar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.116
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.116
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key (in white), it has total, four arithmetic function, exchange, change sign, percentage and clear/clear entry keys (in turquoise). In addition it has a square root key and four memory keys (in orange). A mark behind the keyboard reads: Unisonic 790RM. The on/off switch is to the right of this. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display.
A power jack is on the top edge.
The back of the calculator has a sticker giving calculation examples. It reads in part: 790RM-C. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 127212 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AA batteries.
The calculator has a black plastic sleeve. Also stored in the sleeve is a pamphlet entitled Unisonic 790RM 8 Digit Pocketable Calculator . . . Instruction Manual. Writing on the last page of the manual indicates that the calculator was purchased August 27, 1976.
Compare 1986.0988.117 (Unisonic 790R-C) and 1986.0988.118 (Unisonic 790RM-C). Similar in general shape of the case are 1986.0988.116 (Unisonic 796-A), 1986.0988.115 (Unisonic 799-A), and 1986.0988.112 (Unisonic 1299R-A).
The calculator.org website indicates that the Unisonic 790RM was both introduced and discontinued in 1978. It also refers to a Unisonic 790RM-1 introduced in 1975. The MyCalcDB website shows a 1978 Unisonic 790RM, taken apart to show a Texas Instruments chip made in Singapore.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.118
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.118
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-four rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, a percentage key, a square root key, an off key, an on/clear key, and a clear entry key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic LC 270.
A mark printed on the back reads: Unisonic LC 270 (/) 1.5V BATTERY x 2 PCS. (/) EVERREADY BATTERY NO. 189 (/) SERIAL NO. 5673107 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN R. O. C.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
References:
[Advertisement], Fort Hood Sentinel, December 17, 1981, p. 3A. Unisonic LC270 and Unisonic LC222 calculators advertised as on sale for $7.88, regularly $12.95.
[Advertisement], Tonawanda NY Evening News, April 14, 1982, p. 5. Both Unisonic LC270 and Unisonic LC222 calculators on sale for $6.96, regularly $8.99.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1981
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.160
catalog number
1986.0988.160
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of nineteen square plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of nineteen square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, a clear entry key, and a percentage key (the last is orange). A mark above the keys reads: Unisonic 1011. The on/off switch is right of this. Behind this is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. A jack for a power supply is along the back edge. A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. Text on it reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 042340 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. It also reads: 1011-A. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
Compare 1986.0988.119.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Morning Herald [from Hagerstown, Maryland], November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1011 for $16.88.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.111
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.111
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key (in white), it has total, four arithmetic function, exchange, change sign, percentage, and clear/clear entry keys (in turquoise). In addition it has a square root key and four memory keys (in orange). A mark behind the keyboard reads: Unisonic 790R. The on/off switch is to the right of this. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display.
A power jack is on the top edge.
The back of the calculator has a sticker giving calculation examples. It reads in part: 790R-C. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 111290 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AA batteries.
Compare 1986.0988.117 (Unisonic 790R-C) and 1986.0988.118 (Unisonic 790RM-C). Similar in general shape of the case are 1986.0988.116 (Unisonic 796-A), 1986.0988.115 (Unisonic 799-A), and 1986.0988.112 (Unisonic 1299R-A).
Reference:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 23, 1977, p. I1. Unisonic 790R, a “deluxe calculator,” sells for $18.96.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.117
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.117
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913.
Description
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913. A form for calculating these taxes known as the 1040 was introduced soon thereafter, and was widely known by American workers by the 1970s. Hence the name of this calculator.
The handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, and a clear/clear entry key. The keys are similar to those on the Unisonic 1040, although they are arranged slightly differently and the clear and clear entry key have been combined. Above these keys is an on/off switch. A mark left of this reads: Unisonic 1040. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display.
A power jack is along the back edge.
A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. A mark on it reads: 1040-C. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 256086 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
Compare five examples of the Unisonic 1040: 1986.0988.110 (the 1040), 1986.0988.291 (the 1040-1), 1986.0988.292 (the 1040-AT), 1986.0988.109 (the 1040-C), and 1986.0988.108 (the 1040-C). The keys are not identical.
References:
For a timeline of historical events relating to personal income taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
[Advertisement], Morning Herald [from Hagerstown, Maryland], November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1040 for $22.96.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 1, 1977; p. I2. Unisonic 1040 selling for $10.96, regularly $13.96.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.108
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.108
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, two memory keys, a clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, and a percentage key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, two memory keys, a clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, and a percentage key. Above the keyboard are a decimal point switch (floating decimal point, two digits after the decimal point, or four digits after the decimal point) and a subtraction summation switch. A mark behind this reads: Unisonic 737 (/) SLIDE RULETTE. Behind this is a green vacuum fluorescent display. Another switch and a jack for a power supply are along the back edge. Text on the back reads: Unisonic 737 (/) RATING 6V-DC 0.5W (/) NO. 028723 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AA batteries.
Compare MachVI Slide Rulette (1986.0988.254).
Reference:
[Advertisement], Washington Post, May 15, 1974, p. E7. Unisonic 737 “pocket memory calculator,” regularly priced at $69.96, on sale for $59.88.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.119
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.119
This compact, thin handheld electronic calculator has a gold and brown colored metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a decimal point key, and a total key.
Description
This compact, thin handheld electronic calculator has a gold and brown colored metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a decimal point key, and a total key. The calculator also has three memory keys and change sign, square root, percentage, clear entry, and clear keys. The on/off switch is on the left in the top row of keys.
Behind the keyboard a mark reads: LC-200. Behind it is an eight-digit LCD display. Below the keyboard a mark reads: Unisonic.
A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic LC-200 (/) SILVER OXIDE BATTERY (/) 1.5V x 2 PCS 0.00025W (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. Unscrewing two screws at the bottom of the case reveals a green plastic circuit board and two batteries below it. A mark on the board reads: Santron.
Compare 1986.0988.121.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, January 4, 1979, p. I8. On sale for $12.99. Price includes case (no case with this example). The placement of the marks and coloring of the calculator shown in the advertisement is more like 1986.0988.121 than this calculator.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.321
catalog number
1986.0988.321
accession number
1986.0988
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913.
Description
Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913. A form for calculating these taxes known as the 1040 was introduced soon thereafter, and was widely known by American workers by the 1970s. Hence the name of this calculator.
The handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-seven rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, five memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. The only difference of the Unisonic 1040-1 from the Unisonic 1040 is the GPM memory key.
Right of the top two keys is an on/off switch. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1040. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display.
A power jack is along the back edge.
A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. A mark on it reads: 1040-1. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 440963 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
Compare five examples of the Unisonic 1040 – 1986.0988.110 (the 1040), 1986.0988.291 (the 1040-1), 1986.0988.292 (the 1040-AT), 1986.0988.109 (the 1040-C) and 1986.0988.108 (the 1040-C). The keys are not identical.
References:
For a timeline of historical events relating to personal income taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
[Advertisement], Morning Herald [from Hagerstown, Maryland], November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1040 for $22.96.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, Septrmber 1, 1977; p. I2. Unisonic 1040 selling for $10.96, regularly $13.96.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.291
catalog number
1986.0988.291
accession number
1986.0988
This colorful handheld electronic calculator also could be used to play the game of blackjack, with the calculator serving as the dealer and the user as a player.The object has a metal case with plastic trim and keys. It has an array of twenty-five oval plastic keys.
Description
This colorful handheld electronic calculator also could be used to play the game of blackjack, with the calculator serving as the dealer and the user as a player.
The object has a metal case with plastic trim and keys. It has an array of twenty-five oval plastic keys. Four arithmetic function keys are on the left, in a column labeled: Calc. Ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key are arranged in three columns in a section labeled: Bet. Eight gaming keys are arranged in two columns labeled: Play. Above this on the right is a shuffle/clear/clear entry key. Left of it are an on/off switch and a calculator/game switch. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic 21. Another mark there reads: Blackjack. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit display that is labeled on the left: Player. On the right it is labeled: Dealer. Text behind this reads: Dealer draws on 16.
A sticker on the back describes the "A/C" adapter that may be used with the calculator. A jack for it is on the bottom edge. Text printed on the back gives calculation examples. One mark reads: Unisonic 21-P1. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 078380 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
Below these marks is a compartment for three UM-4 batteries.
This calculator was actively discussed in early literature on electronic games.
Compare 1986.0988.295 (the Unisonic 21-P1) and 1986.0988.048 (the Radio Shack EC-21).
References:
A copy of the instructions for the game is at the wass.net website, accessed July 2, 2015.
“Card Counter,” Texas Monthly, 7 #7, July, 1979, p. 16. Price of Unisonic 21 varies from $20 to $30, depending on model. Image shown appears to be the desktop version of the device.
Anne Douglas, “Game Shows Have Serious Aspects Too,” Chicago Tribune, June 18, 1977, p. 1B 11. Unisonic 21 available in both desktop and portable forms for $50 and up.
Kris Jensen, “New 1978 Electronic Games,” Modern Mechanix, January 1978, pp. 33–43. Mentions that the Unisonic 21 is available in both desktop and portable versions.
John Free, “Pocket Calculators for More than Math,” Popular Science, 214 #4, April 1979, p. 22, 24, 26, 29.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.295
catalog number
1986.0988.295
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four metal keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four metal keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, a percentage key, and an on/off key.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. Behind this are five small solar panels.
A mark above the display reads: SOLAR POWER. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic SOLAR 185.
A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic SOLAR 185A MADE IN TAIWAN. The instrument is in a black plastic wallet. A mark on the wallet reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
No advertisements found.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1983
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1987.0435.15
catalog number
1987.0435.15
accession number
1987.0435
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and dark brown and tan plastic case and an array of twenty square plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and dark brown and tan plastic case and an array of twenty square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above these is the on/off switch. Behind is an eight-digit red LED display. A mark at the back reads: Unisonic 1511L.
A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. At the top of the back is a compartment for two AA batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 142588. A sticker near the base of the back reads in part: Remove batteries if unit unlikely (/) to be used for more than 7 days. (/) Made in Hong Kong.
Compare 1986.0988.245 and 1981.0922.06 (both examples of the Unisonic 1511L).
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, Jul 29, 1976, p. OC_B9. On sale for $8.99.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1981.0922.06
catalog number
1981.0922.06
accession number
1981.0922
This handheld electronic calculator has a black and silver-colored plastic case and an array of nineteen rectangular plastic keys on a metallic-colored keyboard.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a black and silver-colored plastic case and an array of nineteen rectangular plastic keys on a metallic-colored keyboard. It has ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear/clear entry key, a memory key, and a percentage key. The on/off switch is at the far right on the top row of keys. Text behind the keyboard reads: Unisonic 940. Behind this is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display.
A jack for a power supply is on the right side.
A compartment for three AAA batteries is on the back. A sticker above this gives calculation examples. Text here reads in part: 940-A. It also reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 03885 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. The name “JOHN” is scratched in the plastic on the back of the calculator.
Compare the Unisonic 940 (1986.0988.319). The two calculators have cases and keys of somewhat different colors.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 168.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1978
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.320
catalog number
1986.0988.320
accession number
1986.0988

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