Computers & Business Machines

Apple II Personal Computer

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

Name: Bowmar/Ali

Commodore Minuteman 2 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and an array of square black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and an array of square black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition, another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is below the keyboard. The text next to it reads: commodore (/) Minuteman 2.
The eight-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.)
The back has four plastic feet. A metal plate there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom reads: COMMODORE (/) MODEL MM-2 SER. NO. R216527 (/) SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
This was one of the first models of a handheld calculator sold by Commodore. It was manufactured by Bowmar/Ali and is similar to the Bowmar 901B.
Compare 1986.0988.099 (the Commodore Minuteman 1) and 1988.0988.129 (the Bowmar 901B).
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
New York Times, December 19, 1972, p. 26. Advertisement indicates that the Minuteman 2 had a regular price of $179, sale price of $92.
New York Times, February 13, 1973, p. 6. Minuteman 2 has a regular price of $179 and a sale price of $79.
Los Angeles Times, February 22, 1974, P. A2 – Commodore MM2 calculator listed as on sale for $69.95, marked down from an original price of $99.50.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972-1974
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.098
catalog number
1986.0988.098
accession number
1986.0988

Bowmar MX55 Handheld Electronic Calculator

The handheld calculator has a black plastic case with ten digit keys, a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a total key, a percentage key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on-off switch is on the keyboard, the eight-digit display behind this.
Description
The handheld calculator has a black plastic case with ten digit keys, a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a total key, a percentage key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on-off switch is on the keyboard, the eight-digit display behind this. The plug for the power supply is on the right side. A mark at the top reads: Bowmar. It uses the Bowmar trademark registered in 1974.
A sticker on the back of the calculator reads in part: Bowmar MX55 PERSONAL CALCULATOR (/) WITH OMNI-CONSTANT® REGISTER. It also reads in part: BOWMAR MODEL MX55 SERIAL NO. 91220(/) BOWMAR/ALI, 531 MAIN ST., ACTON, MA. Pat. Pend. (/) ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
This example has no power supply, box, or instructions.
This is one of a series devices introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s. A LED (light emitting diode) display manufacturer and defense contractor, Bowmar/Ali, Inc. (USA), found they could not sell their displays to Japanese electronic calculator makers. In 1970–71, Bowmar decided to design and manufacture portable calculators. Some were marketed by other companies, other, like this one, by Bowmar/Ali. The MX55 sold in 1974 at a list price of $69.
Compare 1986.0988.058 and 1986.0988.059.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, pp. 35–37.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.205
catalog number
1986.0988.205
accession number
1986.0988

Bowmar MX35 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This four-function handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case, and an array of ten digit keys and a decimal point key, all black.
Description
This four-function handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case, and an array of ten digit keys and a decimal point key, all black. In addition, it has memory, percentage, clear/clear entry, and total keys, as well as four arithmetic function keys, all of these are blue. The on/off switch is to the right on the top row of keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A black plastic cover fits over the keyboard and display. A mark behind the display reads: Bowmar. A sticker behind this reads: MEMORY. A plug for the power supply is on the right.
The back of the calculator has a case for three AA batteries at the top. A sticker at the bottom reads: MODEL MX35 SERIAL (/) NUMBER 144885 (/) Bowmar/ ALI Inc. Acton, Mass (/) Patent Pending. A stamp on this sticker reads: ASSEMBLED (/) IN MEXICO.
Compare 1986.0988.206.
Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems.
An advertisement in the New York Times in September 1974 indicates that the Bowmar MX35 was then on sale for $54.95. An advertisement in the Chicago Tribune December 7, 1975, describes a buyout sale in which the Bowmar MX35 sold for $29.99, below the original dealer's cost of $45.50.
References:
Chicago Tribune, December 7, 1975, p. 30.
New York Times, September 17, 1974, p. 7.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-1975
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.207
catalog number
1986.0988.207
accession number
1986.0988

Bowmar 90911 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This four-function handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and black keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has clear, total, clear entry, and four arithmetic function keys. The on/off switch is to the right on the top row of keys.
Description
This four-function handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and black keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has clear, total, clear entry, and four arithmetic function keys. The on/off switch is to the right on the top row of keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A black plastic cover fits over the keyboard and display. A mark behind the display reads: Bowmar. A plug for the power supply is on the right.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for three AA batteries at the top. A sticker at the bottom reads: MODEL 90911 SERIAL (/) NUMBER 178970 (/) Bowmar/ ALI Inc. Acton, Mass. 01720 U.S.A. (/) Assembled in MEXICO Patent Pending.
Compare 1986.0988.207, which has somewhat more functions but a similar design. For references on Bowmar, see 1986.0988.106.
Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February of 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems.
No advertisements for this particular model have been found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-1975
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.206
catalog number
1986.0988.206
accession number
1986.0988

Commodore MM-1 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and eighteen square plastic "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and eighteen square plastic "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition, another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a D key for recalling the display (which turns off after fifteen seconds), a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is below the keyboard along with a switch for setting the position of the decimal point.
The eight-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.)
The back has four plastic feet. A metal plate there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom reads: COMMODORE BUSINESS MACHINES, INC. (/) MODEL MM-1 (/) SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
This was one of the first models of a handheld calculator sold by Commodore. It was manufactured by Bowmar/Ali and is similar to the Bowmar 901B.
Compare 1986.0988.098 (the Commodore Minuteman 2) and 1988.0988.129 (the Bowmar 901B).
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
Los Angeles Times, March 14, 1972, p. C5. Advertised as selling for $179. “Now you can face this year’s taxes with confidence.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.099
catalog number
1986.0988.099
accession number
1986.0988

Bowmar 90506 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case, display window, and keys. It has an array of nine digit keys above the zero and decimal bars. Four keys for arithmetic functions are right of these.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case, display window, and keys. It has an array of nine digit keys above the zero and decimal bars. Four keys for arithmetic functions are right of these. At the top is a percentage key, a total key, a clear key, and an on/off switch. Behind this is a red eight-digit LED display. A mark at the top reads: Bowmar.
A plug for a power cord is on the right side. This example lacks a cord.
An "OPERATING OUTLINE" in raised characters on the back of the case gives instructions. A tag at the bottom reads: MODEL 90506 SERIAL (/) NUMBER 126277 (/) BOWMAR/ALI Inc. Acton, Mass. 01720 U.S.A. (/) Made in U.S.A. Patent Pending
Four screws hold the back of the case to the front. The case holds three circuit boards, one much smaller than the other two. The calculator has no separate battery compartment. This example lacks a battery or battery pack. A mark on the inside of the lid of the case reads: E905-020. A mark on the inside of the back of the case reads: E905-011.
A Bowmar 905 (not 90506) calculator, with a percentage key but a different BOWMAR mark, was advertised in the Washington Post in 1973. A January 28, 1973 advertisement gives a price of $99.99.
The form of the Bowmar trademark used on this calculator was registered by Bowmar Instrument Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 26, 1974. The date the mark was first used in commerce and the date of the trademark application are not given.
Compare the Craig 4507, 1986.0988.311.
References:
Washington Post, January 28, 1973, p. K10.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin CA: Wilson/Barnett 1997, pp. 35–36.
Website of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.105
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.105

Bowmar 905 Handheld Electronic Calculator

The Bowmar Instrument Corporation was established in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1951 by Edward A. White, an engineer who had attended Tufts University.
Description
The Bowmar Instrument Corporation was established in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1951 by Edward A. White, an engineer who had attended Tufts University. The firm came to sell solid-state light emitting diodes, but was unable to persuade Japanese calculator companies to use them in calculator displays. This prompted Bowmar to enter the calculator business in 1971. This is a relatively early Bowmar calculator.
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case colored tan and brown with a plastic display window and keys. It has an array of nine digit keys above the zero and decimal bars. Four keys for arithmetic functions are right of these. At the top is a constant switch, a clear entry key, a clear key, and an on/off switch. Behind this is a red eight-digit LED display. A mark at the top reads: BOWMAR.
A plug for a power cord is on the right side. This example lacks a cord.
An "OPERATING OUTLINE" in raised characters on the back of the case gives instructions. A tag at the bottom reads: MODEL 905 Serial (/) NUMBER 118910 (/) BOWMAR/ALI Inc. Acton, Mass. 01720 U.S.A. (/) Made in U.S.A.
Four screws hold the back of the case to the front. Removing these reveals one small and two large circuit boards. A mark inside the case near the top reads: E905-010.The same mark is on the inside bottom of the case. A mark on the upper circuit board reads: D905-300. A space for a battery or battery pack is empty. The calculator has no separate battery compartment.
A different form of the Bowmar 905, with a percentage key rather than a constant switch, was advertised in the Washington Post in 1973. A January 28, 1973 advertisement gives a price of $99.99. The ad, which included several electronic calculators, was entitled "if you're still using your head, you're not using your head."
References:
Robert Metz, "Market Place: Keeping Figures in Your Pockets," New York Times, May 27, 1972, p. 36.
Washington Post, January 28, 1973, p. K10.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, pp. 35–36.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.204
catalog number
1986.0988.204
accession number
1986.0988

Bowmar Math Mate Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case with a charcoal-colored plastic keyboard and blue plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case with a charcoal-colored plastic keyboard and blue plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a decimal point key, a total key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a percent key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is right of the clear key. Behind these is an eight-digit LED display. A mark on the display reads: math mate. Another mark there reads: by Bowmar.
The socket for the AC adapter is on the right side. The back of the calculator has a compartment for a battery as well as two rubber feet. The calculator has no serial number.
The object and a sheet of instructions fit in a cardboard box. A mark on the back of the box reads: math mate by Bowmar (/) The first inexpensive calculator (/) good enough to be called Bowmar. (/) Fully featured (/) Quick and easy to operate (/) Full one year guarantee. Further text reads: Printed in USA. Another mark reads: Assembled in Mexico. A sticker attached to the back of the box reads: CONTINENTAL MICROSYSTEMS (/) P. O. Box 1964 (/) NOGALES, AZ. 85621l.
Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems. A September 14, 1975, advertisement indicates that the Math Mate then was on sale for $14.77.
Compare 1986.0988.106.
References:
William D. Smith, "Hand-Held Calculators: Tool or Toy?" New York Times, August 20, 1972, p. F7.
George Lazarus, "Bowmar's calculators add up sales, potential," Chicago Tribune, June 27, 1973, p. E10.
"Business Briefs," New York Times, August 28, 1974, p. 43.
Leonard Wiener, "Pocket calculator industry in ferment," Chicago Tribune, September 23, 1974, p. C9.
"Bowmar to drop its calculator line," Chicago Tribune, p. C9.
Leonard Wiener, "Calculator's answers are right - it says so," Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1976, p. C11.
Washington Post, September 14, 1975, p. 136.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.107
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.107

Bowmar Math Mate II Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case with a dark brown plastic keyboard and tan plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case with a dark brown plastic keyboard and tan plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a decimal point key, a total key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a percent key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is right of the clear key. All of these keys were on the Math Mate. In addition, the Math Mate II has a key to turn the memory on and five keys that can do double duty as memory keys.
Behind these is an eight-digit LED display. A mark on the display reads: math mate. Another mark there reads: by Bowmar.
The socket for the AC adapter is on the right side. The back of the calculator has a compartment for a battery as well as two rubber feet. The calculator has no serial number.
The object and a sheet of instructions fit in a cardboard box. A mark on the back of the box reads: math mate by Bowmar (/) The first inexpesive calculator (/) good enough to be called Bowmar. (/) Fully featured (/) Quick and easy to operate (/) Full one year guarantee. Further text reads: Printed in USA. Another mark reads: Assembled in Mexico. A sticker attached to the back of the box reads: CONTINENTAL MICROSYSTEMS (/) P. O. Box 1964 (/) NOGALES, AZ. 85621. A sticker on the other side of the box reads: math mateII (/) with (/) memory.
Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems.
A May 8, 1975, advertisement indicates that the Math Mate II regularly sold for $34.95 and was then on sale for $29.88.
Compare 1986.0988.107.
References:
William D. Smith, "Hand-Held Calculators: Tool or Toy?" New York Times, August 20, 1972, p. F7.
George Lazarus, "Bowmar's calculators add up sales, potential," Chicago Tribune, Jule 27, 1973, p. E10.
"Business Briefs," New York Times, August 28, 1974, p. 43.
Leonard Wiener, "Pocket calculator industry in ferment," Chicago Tribune, September 23, 1974, p. C9.
"Bowmar to drop its calculator line," Chicago Tribune, p. C9.
Leonard Wiener, "Calculator's answers are right - it says so," Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1976, p. C11.
Chicago Tribune, May 8, 1975, p. 14.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.106
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.106

Bowmar 901B Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal case and an array of black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal case and an array of black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit keys and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition, another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a D key for recalling the display (which turns off after fifteen seconds), a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is behind the clear key and the eight-digit red LED display behind this. A cord for recharging the battery attachs at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.)
The back has four plastic feet. A metal plate there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom of it reads: BOWMAR MODEL 901 B (/) SER. Mo 203295 (/) BOWMAR/ALI , INC ACTON, MASS 01720 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. PATENT PEND. Stamped in ink on the bottom of the back are the numbers: 72 52 35.
This is the first model of an electronic calculator sold by Bomar/Ali, and the first type of commercial handheld electronic calculator manufactured in the United States.
Compare 1987.0435.025, the same calculator sold as the Craig 4501, and 1986.0988,035, the Radio Shack EC-200.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, pp. 35–36.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.129
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.129

Bowmar MX-90 Handheld Electronic Calculator

The firm of Bowmar/Ali manufactured electronic calculators in the early 1970s. Its first calculators carried out basic arithmetic, with occasional attempts at percentages. In mid-1974, the company introduced what one advertisement called "a brilliant new calculator," the MX-90.
Description
The firm of Bowmar/Ali manufactured electronic calculators in the early 1970s. Its first calculators carried out basic arithmetic, with occasional attempts at percentages. In mid-1974, the company introduced what one advertisement called "a brilliant new calculator," the MX-90. It not only offered four arithmetic function keys and a percent key, but reciprocals, square roots, sign change and four memory keys. Behind the keyboard was a ten-digit display.
The plug for the power supply was at the back. (This example has no power supply.)
A tag on the back of this example reads in part: Bowmar MX-90 CALCULATOR. Further text toward the bottom of the tag reads: USE ONLY ADAPTER PROVIDED TO RECHARGE BATTERIES AND TO (/) OPERATE ON AC. (/) MODEL No. MX-90 SERIAL NO. 174939 (/) BOWMAR/ALI, INC., ACTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01720 U.S.A.
The device has a black zippered sleeve, with a loop so that it could be carried from the belt. The front of the sleeve reads: BOWMAR.
An advertisement in July 1974 issues of the Los Angeles Times indicate that the MX-90 then sold for $89.99. By December 1975, an advertisement in the New York Times lists the model as was on sale for $30. A Chicago Tribune advertisement from December 1975, indicates that the model had an original dealer's price of $58.50 and was on sale for $39.99.
References:
Los Angeles Times, July 12, 1974, p. G10.
New York Times, December 4, 1975, p. 16.
Chicago Tribune, December 7, 1975, p. 30.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-1975
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.104
catalog number
1986.0988.104
accession number
1986.0988

Craig 4507 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and black plastic case, with a plastic display window and square black plastic keys. It has an array of nine digit keys above the zero and decimal bars. Four keys for arithmetic functions are right of these.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and black plastic case, with a plastic display window and square black plastic keys. It has an array of nine digit keys above the zero and decimal bars. Four keys for arithmetic functions are right of these. At the top are a percentage key, a total key, a clear key, and an on/off switch. Behind this is a red eight-digit LED display. A mark at the top reads: CRAIG.
A socket for a power cord is on the right side. This example lacks a cord. The keys are loose.
An "OPERATING OUTLINE" on a tag on the back of the case gives instructions. It reads at the bottom: CRAIG 4507 SER. 112426 (/) CRAIG CORPORATION CRAMPTON, CALIFORNIA 90720 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. PATENT PENDING.
Four screws hold the back of the case to the front. The calculator has a battery compartment at the top of the back. A mark in plastic on the back of the lid reads: C905-051. A stamp on the back of the lid reads: 077418.
Compare the Bowmar 90506, 1986.0988.0105. That calculator has the same array of keys but keys are a different shape and there is no battery pack.
Bowmar/Ali manufactured this calculator and Craig Corporation sold it.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 63.
Chicago Tribune, November 29, 1973, p. A16. Advertised as on sale for $69.99, with a regular price of $159.95. Said to be the same calculator as the Bowmar MX-50.
Los Angeles Times, January 16, 1974, p. A28. Advertised as on sale for $69.99.
Los Angeles Times, April 12, 1974, p. OC_B6. Advertised as on sale for $69.99.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973-1974
maker
Bowmar/Ali
distributor
Craig Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.311
catalog number
1986.0988.311
accession number
1986.0988

Bowmar MX55 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series devices introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s. A LED (light–emitting diode) display manufacturer and defense contractor, Bowmar/Ali, Inc.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series devices introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s. A LED (light–emitting diode) display manufacturer and defense contractor, Bowmar/Ali, Inc. (USA), found they could not sell their displays to Japanese electronic calculator makers. In 1970–71, Bowmar decided to design and manufacture portable calculators. Some were marketed by other companies, other, like this one, by Bowmar/Ali.
The handheld calculator has a black plastic case with ten digit keys, a decimal key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a total key, a percentage key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is on the keyboard, the eight-digit display behind this. The plug for the power supply is on the right side. A mark at the top reads: Bowmar. It uses the Bowmar trademark registered in 1974.
A sticker on the back of the calculator reads in part: Bowmar MX55 PERSONAL CALCULATOR (/) WITH OMNI-CONSTANT® REGISTER. It also reads in part: BOWMAR MODEL MX55 SERIAL NO. 210116 (/) BOWMAR/ALI, 531 MAIN ST., ACTON, MA. Pat. Pend. (/) ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
The calculator is in a cardboard case marked: MX55 Five Function (/) Eight Digit Rechargeable Batteries (/) Electronic Calculator (/) The Bowmar Brains (/) Bowmar/ALI, Inc., 531 Main Street, Acton, Massachusetts 01720. The box holds not only the calculator but a black zippered sleeve marked: Bowmar. A power supply and an instruction booklet are also included.
According to Ball and Flamm, the MX55 sold in 1974 at a list price of $69. A December 4, 1975 advertisement in the New York Times gives an initial price of $44.95 and a discount price of $17.00.
Compare 1986.0988.058 and 1986.0988.205.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, pp. 35–37.
New York Times, December 4, 1975, p. 16.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.059
catalog number
1986.0988.059
accession number
1986.0988

Craig 4501 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal case and an array of black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal case and an array of black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit and one decimal point key, there are four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition and another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a D key for recalling the display (it turns off after fifteen seconds), a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is behind the clear key. A mark next to it reads: CRAIG. The eight-digit red LED display is behind this. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.)
The back has four plastic feet. A metal plate there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom of it reads: CRAIG MODEL 4501 (/) SER NO 13330 (/) CRAIG CORPORATION COMPTON, CALIF. 90220 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. Stamped in ink on the bottom of the back are numbers which may be: 33 72 13. A mark scratched on the instruction plate reads: ZDENEK.
Ball & Flamm give a 1971 sale price as $239.95.
This calculator was made and sold as by Bowmar/Ali as the Bowmar 901B. Compare 1986.0988.129.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p.37, 63.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
maker
Bowmar/Ali
distributor
Craig Corporation
ID Number
1987.0435.25
accession number
1987.0435
catalog number
1987.0435.25

Craig 4508 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal plastic case and an array of black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal plastic case and an array of black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit keys and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition and another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a percentage key, a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is behind the clear key and the ten-digit red LED display is behind this. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.) A mark between the keyboard and the display reads: CRAIG.
The back has four plastic feet. It has no battery compartment. A metal plate gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom of the plate reads: CRAIG 4508 (/) SER. 101874 (/) CRAIG CORPORATION COMPTON, CALIF. 90220 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. A tag at the bottom covering the screws reads: REMOVAL VOIDS WARRANTY.
According to an advertisement in the Chicago Tribune, the Craig 4508 was manufactured by Bowmar and sold by Bowmar as the MX-80.
Compare to 1987.0435.24, which has a very similar design but a smaller display.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 64.
Chicago Tribune, November 7, 1973, p. 16. Advertised as made by Bowmar and sold by Bowmar as the MX-80. The Craig 4508 sold for $105.88. Rechargeable with a percentage key.
Los Angeles Times, February 1, 1974, p. OC_B5. Craig 4508 advertised as having been marked down from an original $139.95 to $99.95 to a present price of $84.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973-1974
distributor
Craig Corporation
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.145
catalog number
1986.0988.145
accession number
1986.0988

Bowmar MX55 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series of such calculators introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s. A LED (light-emitting diode) display manufacturer and defense contractor, Bowmar/Ali, Inc.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series of such calculators introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s. A LED (light-emitting diode) display manufacturer and defense contractor, Bowmar/Ali, Inc. (USA), found they could not sell their displays to Japanese electronic calculator makers. In 1970–71, Bowmar decided to design and manufacture portable calculators. Some were marketed by other companies, others, like this one, by Bowmar/Ali.
The handheld calculator has a black plastic case with ten digit keys, a decimal key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a total key, a percentage key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is on the keyboard, the eight-digit display behind this. The plug for the power supply is on the right side. A mark at the top reads: Bowmar. It uses the Bowmar trademark registered in 1974.
A sticker on the back of the calculator reads in part: Bowmar MX55 PERSONAL CALCULATOR (/) WITH OMNI-CONSTANT® REGISTER. It also reads in part: BOWMAR MODEL MX55 SERIAL NO. 170509 (/) BOWMAR/ALI, 531 MAIN ST., ACTON, MA. Pat. Pend. (/) ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.058
catalog number
1986.0988.058
accession number
1986.0988

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