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 is designed for scientific work. It has an array of digit keys with a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a clear entry/clear key, and an equals/constant key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is designed for scientific work. It has an array of digit keys with a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a clear entry/clear key, and an equals/constant key. Pushing down a function key allow one to use the digit keys to find trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions in either degrees or radians. Other keys are converted by the function key to give square roots, natural logs, exponents, pi, and the inverse of a number. Still others perform vaious memory functions. A convert key transforms results from scientific notation to floating point notation or vice versa.
Text on the keyboard reads: aPF MARK 50 SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR (/) LOG X = LN X + 2.30259.
A hole for the adapter is at the back, as well as a compartment for a battery. The calculator presently has no battery. The lid of the compartment is on the back. A mark on the inside of it reads: JAPAN (/) 0101641. A sticker attached to the back reads in part: aPF MARK 50 (/) OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. It also reads in part: Use only Model 710 of 751S adaptor (optional) (/) to operate on A.C. (/) Model No. MARK-50 Serial No. J-44134 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. The back has four rubber feet.
The vacuum fluorescent display is behind the keyboard. It has two digits for the exponent, five for the mantissa, and two for the sign (one each for the exponent and the mantissa).
The APF Mark 50 calculator was advertised in the Los Angeles Times on June 8, 1975, as "New!" and "Ultra advanced!" It then sold for $59.95. According to a June 11, 1975, advertisement in the New York Times, the APF Mark 50 had originally sold for $89.95 and was then on sale for $40.00. An October 22, 1975, sale advertisement lists a price of $35. Similarly, a January 4, 1976, advertisement in the Chicago Tribune gives a price of $34.99. A September 16, 1979, advertisement in the Washington Post lists the model as selling for $9.99.
References:
Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1975, p. T19.
New York Times, June 11, 1975, p. 6.
New York Times, October 22, 1975, p. 14.
Chicago Tribune, January 4, 1976, p. 12.
Washington Post, September 16, 1979, p. K5.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.170
catalog number
1986.0988.170
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten brown plastic keys for digits and a decimal point. Above these are inversion, squaring, and square root keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten brown plastic keys for digits and a decimal point. Above these are inversion, squaring, and square root keys. To the immediate left is an x/y exchange key, a percentage key, keys for the four arithmetic operations, and an equals/constant key. Left of these is a clear entry/clear key and a set of five memory keys. A mark above the switch reads: aPF MARK 31.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit display.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for a battery but no battery or compartment cover. A silver-colored sticker pasted to the back reads: aPF mark 31 (/) SLIDE RULE CALCULATOR. It gives operating instructions. The bottom of this label reads: MARK 31 (/) Model No. It also reads: MT-019962 (/) Serial No. Further text reads: APF ELECTRONICS INC. (/) NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. A mark in the bottom left corner reads: 7545. The top edge of the calculator has a hole for an adapter but no adapter.
An August 1976 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times lists the APF Mark 31 as on sale for $19.99. An October 1976 advertisement in The Chicago Tribune gives a regular price of $14.95 and a sale price of $13.99. An ad in the Los Angeles Times the same time gives the same prices.
Compare 1986.0988.083 (the Montgomery Ward P203).
References:
Los Angeles Times, August 25, 1976, p. 11.
Los Angeles Times, October 17, 1976, p. M20.
Chicago Tribune, October 17, 1976, p. 40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.168
catalog number
1986.0988.168
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case with a metal keyboard and an array of twenty-seven rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case with a metal keyboard and an array of twenty-seven rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total/constant key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a memory exchange key, an inverse key, a square key, a square root key, a percentage key, an exchange key, and a clear entry/clear key. The on/off switch is in the top row of keys. To the left of these a mark reads: MONTGOMERY (/) WARD (/) P203. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A jack for a power adapter is on the right side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment at the top for a nine-volt battery. A sticker below the battery compartment reads: WARDS P-203. Further text reads: MODEL NO. DAN-8751 (/) SERIAL NO. 67X 004855 (/) Distributed By (/) Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc. (/) Chicago, Illinois 60671 (/) 7545 MADE IN JAPAN.
The DAN in the model number indicates that the calculator was made for Montgomery Ward by APF Electronics. Compare the APF Mark 31 (1986.0988.168).
The zippered leather case has a loop at the back so the case could be carried on a belt. A tag inside the case reads: Made in (/) U.S.A. (/) #50.
Reference:
Online Datamath Calculator Museum, accessed August 29, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
Montgomery Ward
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.083
catalog number
1986.0988.083
accession number
1986.0988
This compact handheld electronic calculator has eleven white plastic keys, ten for digits and one for a decimal point. It also has four gray plastic memory keys and eight tan plastic keys.
Description
This compact handheld electronic calculator has eleven white plastic keys, ten for digits and one for a decimal point. It also has four gray plastic memory keys and eight tan plastic keys. The tan keys are for arithmetic operations, square root, percentage, clear entry/clear, and equals. The display is behind the keys. A mark above it reads: aPF EXECUTIVE. Battery sealed. A hole for the adapter and recharger is on the back edge.
A metal tag on the back reads: aPF EXECUTIVE (/) MODEL NO.:MARK 61 (/) D.C. 2.4 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: USE ONLY (/) A.C. ADAPTOR (/) RECHARGER MODEL 751S to OPERATE (/) ON A.C. Another mark there reads: SERIAL NO:A012559 (/) APF ELCETRONICS INC. (/) NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
No advertisements have been found for this calculator. Ball and Flamm say that the calculator has a fluorescent display and cost $19.85 in 1977.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector"s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin CA: Wilson/Barnett,1997, p. 30.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.172
catalog number
1986.0988.172
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has twenty-four indented square plastic keys. These include ten white digit keys and an eleventh white decimal point key; and keys for the four arithmetic functions as well as percentage, square root, clear entry/clear, and equals keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has twenty-four indented square plastic keys. These include ten white digit keys and an eleventh white decimal point key; and keys for the four arithmetic functions as well as percentage, square root, clear entry/clear, and equals keys. Five orange memory keys are in the rightmost column. The on/off switch is above these keys on the left, and the nine-digit fluorescent display is behind this. A mark below the display reads: aPF rechargeable MARK 65r. The hole for the recharger/adapter is on the top edge.
The black plastic case has two rubber feet at the top. A silver-colored paper sticker below this reads: aPF ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO. MARK 65r (/) D.C. 4.5 VOLTS (/) CAUTION. Use only A.C. adaptor/recharger (/) model 751S to operate on A.C. (/) SERIAL NO. H65r-024822 (/) 7545.005 HONG KONG. Below this is the cover for the sealed battery case. A black paper sticker on this reads: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH (/) RECHARGEABLE NICAD BATTERIES. (/) BATTERY COVER IS SEALED. (/) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN.
Ball and Flamm mention a 1977 advertisement for this calculator which gave a price of $18.95.
Compare the Sears F85 (1986.0988.182).
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 30.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.174
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.174
This relatively early, relatively large, handheld electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. To the right are clear entry, clear, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction keys, as well as an equals bar.
Description
This relatively early, relatively large, handheld electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. To the right are clear entry, clear, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction keys, as well as an equals bar. Sliding the on/off switch to the on position opens a window to reveal the eight-digit fluoresent tube display.
A mark at the top front reads: aPF Mark V. A metal plaque on the back has the title: OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. It reads in the bottom right: JAPAN. A mark scratched below the plaque reads: M. R. (/) Williams. A sticker attached to the cover for the batteries reads: A.P.F. ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO. MARK-V (/) D.C. 6.0 VOLTS (4 TYPE C-CELLS) (/) CAUTION - USE ONLY MODEL (/) M5 AC ADAPTOR (/) SERIAL No. 27680 JAPAN.
The microprocessor inside the calculator is marked: TMS0101ANC[delta] (/) 7305. this indicates that the chip was made in the fifth week of 1973. It also has the logo of Texas Instruments. A mark on the back of the circuit board reads: MODEL PB-5001 E46473. A mark on the fluorescent tube reads: Toshiba (/) 6520 (/) . . .
A 1973 advertisement in the New York Times lists the calculator as selling, with power adapter, for $79.95. This example has no power adapter.
Reference:
New York Times, May 6, 1973, p. 46.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1973
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1989.0047.01
catalog number
1989.0047.01
accession number
1989.0047
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten digit keys and a decimal point key on the left with an array of function keys on the right.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten digit keys and a decimal point key on the left with an array of function keys on the right. The main function keys are clear entry/clear, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentage, and switching of the entered number and the result. Pressing a red F key changes these to memory keys, a square root key, an inverse key, and a squared key. The device has an eight-digit display and a compartment for a battery behind this.
A label stuck to the back of the calculator reads in part: aPF mark 30 (/) SLIDE RULE CALCULATOR. It also reads: MARK 30 (/) Model No. Further text reads: R-21114 (/) Serial No. At the bottom of this label are the words: APF ELECTRONICS INC. (/) NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. A mark on the inside of the lid for the battery compartment reads: JAPAN (/) K-140032.
A June 11, 1975, advertisement in the New York TImes claims that the Mark 30 originally sold for $69.95 and was on sale at Macy's for $25.00. An October 1975 advertisement in the New York Times lists the APF Mark 30 as selling for $24.95, with an additional $3.95 for the adapter. An ad in the January 4, 1976, Chicago Tribune gives a price of $24.99. The price of the adapter is not listed. Advertisements for the calculator appeared in the Los Angeles Times in 1975 and 1976.
References:
Chicago Tribune January 4, 1976, p. 12.
New York Times, June 11, 1975, p. 6.
New York Times, October 23, 1975, p. 20.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.167
catalog number
1986.0988.167
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator is designed for scientific work. It has an array of digit keys with a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a sign change key, a reverse x and y key, a down key, an ENT key, and an EE key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is designed for scientific work. It has an array of digit keys with a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a sign change key, a reverse x and y key, a down key, an ENT key, and an EE key. At the top are shift, recall, standard deviation, natural log, and clear display keys. Below these are sine, cosine, tangent, summation, and power keys. The function keys all can assume a second function, allowing for evaluation of hyperbolic trigonometric function, decimal logarithms, mean values, square roots, and so forth. A few keys are devoted to converting decimal and standard units of weight and measure—centigrade and Fahrenheit temperatures, liters and gallons, centimeters and inches, and kilograms and pounds.
The ten-digit LED display is behind the keyboard. The device has space for a nickel/cadmium battery behind this, as well as an outlet for an adapter/charger.
A mark above the keyboard, even with the on/off switch, reads: aPF MARK 55. A mark on the sticker on the back of the case reads: aPF mark 55 (/) ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR. After brief operating instructions, futher marks read: MARK 55 (/) Model No.; J-036646 (/) Serial No.; and: APF ELECTRONICS INC. (/) NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
A March, 1976, advertisement compared the features of the APF Mark 55 with those of the HP-45, noting that both calculators used reverse Polish notation for data entry, carried out a wide array of operations, and could store and recall nine registers of numbers. According to the advertisement, the HP-45 cost $195 while the APG Mark 55 cost only $79.95.
References:
Los Angeles Times, March 14, 1976, p. V57.
Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1976, p. 9.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.171
catalog number
1986.0988.171
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys and five black keys for the four arithmetic operations and percentage. Red keys are for a decimal point, EX, clear entry/clear, equals, four memory functions, and D (display).
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys and five black keys for the four arithmetic operations and percentage. Red keys are for a decimal point, EX, clear entry/clear, equals, four memory functions, and D (display). A vacuum fluorescent display for eight digits and a decimal point is behind the keys. A battery compartment is at the top.
A mark above the keyboard reads: aPF MARK 25/MEMORY. A silver-colored paper tag on the back gives operating instructions. Toward the bottom of this tag it reads: APF ELECTRONICS INC (/) MODEL MARK 25 (/) SERIAL # K55342 (/) THIS CALCULATOR TO BE USED ONLY WITH APF LISTED A.C. ADAPTER MODEL 710 OR MODEL 716 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. A mark inside the lid of the battery case reads: JAPAN (/) K-140032.
A February 1975 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times indicates that the APF Mark 25 sold for $24.95 with an additional $4.95 for the power adapter. A November 1975 advertisement in the New York Times indicates that the APF Mark 25 pocket calculator (with eight-digit display) regularly sold for $19.95 and could be purchased for $17.95, with a few dollars more for the power adapter. A February 1976 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times indicates that the APF Mark 25 sold on clearance for $19.99.
References:
Los Angeles Times, February 28, 1975, P. A26.
New York Times, November 2, 1975, p. 46.
Los Angeles Times, February 27, 1976, p. B9.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.165
catalog number
1986.0988.165
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a light tan plastic case and a gray plastic keyboard. It has an array of eighteen rectangular keys with oval corners.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a light tan plastic case and a gray plastic keyboard. It has an array of eighteen rectangular keys with oval corners. These include ten digit keys and a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, an equals/constant key, a percentage key, and a clear entry/clear key. The eight-digit LED display is behind the keyboard. The battery compartment opens from the back at the top. The device has two plastic feet. The socket for the adapter is on the right.
A mark on the front reads: aPF MARK 40. The paper tag on the back reads: aPF ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO: MARK 40 (/) D.C. 9.0 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: Use only model 710 (/) or 751S adaptor (optional) to (/) operate on A. C. (/) SERIAL No: R-0205395 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
According to an advertisement in the May 30, 1975, Los Angeles Times, the APF Mark 40 sold for $13.88, with an additional $3.95 for the adaptor. In July, 1976, it was advertised there as selling at a sale price of $5.99 with an additional $3.99 for the adapter. The January 4, 1976, Chicago Tribune gives a regular price of $12.99, a sale price of $9.97 and a price for the adapter of $3.99.
Compare 1986.0988.329 (a Montgomery Ward P90).
References:
Chicago Tribune, January 4, 1976, p. 12
Los Angeles Times, May 30, 1975, p. B23.
Los Angeles Times, July 8, 1976, p. B13.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.169
catalog number
1986.0988.169
accession number
1986.0988
This compact handheld electronic calculator has ten gray digit keys and a gray decimal key, four blue keys for arithmetic functions, a percentage, equals, and clear entry/clear key, and an M key to shift the keys for arithmetic functions to memory keys.
Description
This compact handheld electronic calculator has ten gray digit keys and a gray decimal key, four blue keys for arithmetic functions, a percentage, equals, and clear entry/clear key, and an M key to shift the keys for arithmetic functions to memory keys. Memory keys made it possible to work with subtotals and stored numbers. A red LED display for eight digits and a decimal point is behind the keyboard. The battery compartment at the top has its cover on the back. There presently is no battery and no adapter.
A stamp above the display window reads: aPF MARK 26. A small silver-colored paper tag on the back reads: aPF Electronics, INC. (/) MODEL No: MARK 26 (/) D.C. 9.0 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: Use only model 710 (/) or 751S adaptor (optional) to (/) operate on A. C. (/) SERIAL NO: J125182 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
An October, 1975, advertisment in the New York Times indicated that the APF Mark 26 sold for $16.95, with an additional $3.95 for the adapter. In May 1975, an advertisement in the Los Angeles Times listed the APF Mark 26 as selling for $19.95 plus $3.95 for the adapter. Another ad in the same paper that month gave a price of $19.99. A March1976 advertisement gave a regular price of $16.88 and a sale price of $9.95. A January 1976 ad in the Chicago Tribune offered the APF Mark 26 for $14.97.
References:
Chicago Tribune, January 4, 1976, p. 12.
New York Times, October 23, 1975, p. 20.
Los Angeles Times, May 2, 1975, p. B14.
Los Angeles Times, May 28, 1975, p. E18.
Los Angeles Times, March 28, 1976, p. T75.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.166
catalog number
1986.0988.166
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case with metal keyboard and twenty-four rounded rectangular plastic keys. These include an array of ten white digit keys and five black keys for the four arithmetic operations and percentage.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case with metal keyboard and twenty-four rounded rectangular plastic keys. These include an array of ten white digit keys and five black keys for the four arithmetic operations and percentage. Decimal point, exchange, clear entry/clear, equals, four memory functions, and D (display) keys are red. A red LED display for eight digits and a decimal point is behind the keys and a battery compartment at the top. A mark above the display reads: MONTGOMERY (/) WARD P201. A power jack is along the back edge.
A silver-colored paper tag on the back gives operating instructions. It reads at the top: MONTGOMERY (/) WARD. It also reads near there: P201 MEMORY CALCULATOR (/) OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS. It reads near the bottom: DAN-8659A (/) Model No. It also reads there: 47X-47654 (/) Serial No. The bottom of this tag reads: Assembled in U.S.A.
Compare the APF Mark 25 (1986.0988.165).
The calculator was made for Montgomery Ward by APF Electronics.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 102.
Online Datamath Calculator Museum, accessed August 29, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.249
catalog number
1986.0988.249
accession number
1986.0988
This white and black calculator has black number entry and digit keys. It also has white arithmetic function keys, a clear entry/clear key, a percentage key, an x/y exchange key, and an equals key.
Description
This white and black calculator has black number entry and digit keys. It also has white arithmetic function keys, a clear entry/clear key, a percentage key, an x/y exchange key, and an equals key. Pushing a read function key allows one to switch the function of the white keys to memory keys, a square root key, an inverse key, and a square key . The display shows nine digits. The non-printing device has a sealed, rechargeable battery. It fits in a plastic sleeve.
A mark behind the keyboard reads: aPF MARK 23 (/) Electronic Slide Rule Calculator. A plaque on the back gives operating instructions. A mark on it reads: MARK 23 (/) Model No. Another mark on it reads: J-007440 (/) Serial Number. Another mark there reads: APF ELECTRONICS INC. (/) NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
A May 1976 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times lists the APF Mark 23 as regularly priced at $39.95 and on sale for $29.99.
Reference:
Los Angeles Times, May 28, 1976. p. D5.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.370
catalog number
1986.0988.370
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys and an eleventh white deimal pont key. It has keys for the four arithmetic functions, percentage, clear entry/clear, and equals. Five orange memory keys are in the rightmost column.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys and an eleventh white deimal pont key. It has keys for the four arithmetic functions, percentage, clear entry/clear, and equals. Five orange memory keys are in the rightmost column. The on/off switch is above these keys on the left, and the nine-digit fluorescent display is behind this. A mark below the display reads: aPF MARK 85. The hole for the adapter is on the top edge.
The black plastic case has two rubber feet at the top. A silver-colored paper sticker below this reads: aPF ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO. MARK 85 (/) D.C. 4.5 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: Use only A.C. adaptor (/) model 751S to operate on A.C. (/) SERIAL NO: 053059 (/) S85 MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is the cover for the battery case that holds three AAA bateries. A mark on the inside of the lid of this case reads: JAPAN (/) 0108641.
This calculator closely resembles the APF Mark 65r, although the function keys are slightly different (no square root key on the 85) and there is no rechargeable battery. Compare 1986.0988.174.
No advertisements found for this calculator. Assigned date on basis of similarity with APF Mark 65r.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.176
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.176
This white and black battery-operated calculator has number entry keys, arithmetic function keys, and memory function keys. It also has a clear entry/clear key, a percent key, and an EX key, as well as a decimal point key. There is a nine-digit display.
Description
This white and black battery-operated calculator has number entry keys, arithmetic function keys, and memory function keys. It also has a clear entry/clear key, a percent key, and an EX key, as well as a decimal point key. There is a nine-digit display. The non-printing device has a sealed, rechargeable battery.
A mark behind the keyboard reads: aPF MARK 21 (/) Electronic Memory Calculator. A plaque on the back gives operating instructions. A mark on it reads: MARK 21 (/) Model No. Another mark on it reads: R-009175 (/) Serial Number. Another mark there reads: APF ELECTRONICS (/) NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. A very small mark in the bottom corner of the plaque reads: 215901.
An October 1976 advertisement in the New York Times lists the APF Mark 21 as regularly priced at $24.99 and on sale for $19. An April 1977 ad in the Los Angeles Times lists the APF Mark 21 as selling regularly for $19.99 and available, with the exchange of any calculator, for a sale price of $14.99.
References:
Los Angeles Times, April 13, 1977, p. A10.
New York Times, October 17, 1976, p. 380.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.369
catalog number
1986.0988.369
accession number
1986.0988
This compact handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys, a white decimal point key, and eight orange function keys. These are four arithmetic function keys, an equals/k key, a percentage key, a square root key, and a clear entry/clear key.
Description
This compact handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys, a white decimal point key, and eight orange function keys. These are four arithmetic function keys, an equals/k key, a percentage key, a square root key, and a clear entry/clear key. The red LED display appears to have eight digits. A mark at the back top reads: aPF MARK 62.
A metal connector for an adopter is on the right side. The back has the cover for the battery case, a silver paper sticker, and two rubber feet. A mark on the sticker reads: aPF ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO. MARK 62 (/) D.C. 9.0 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: Use only optional (/) A. C. adaptor model 710 or (/) 751S to operate on A. C. (/) SERIAL NO: H62-23524 (/) 50321 MADE IN HONG KONG.
No advertisement found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.173
catalog number
1986.0988.173
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a light tan plastic case and a gray plastic keyboard. It has an array of eighteen rectangular keys with rounded corners.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a light tan plastic case and a gray plastic keyboard. It has an array of eighteen rectangular keys with rounded corners. These include ten digit keys and a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, an equals/constant key, a percentage key, and a clear entry/clear key. The eight-digit LED display is behind the keyboard. The battery compartment opens from the back at the top. The device has two plastic feet. The socket for the adapter is on the right.
A mark on the front reads: MONTGOMERY (/) WARD ELECTRONIC P90. The paper tag on the back reads: WARDS P-90. It also reads: MODEL NO. DAN-8670A (/) SERIAL NO. 57X-003112 (/) Distributed By (/) Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc. (/) Chicago, Illinois 60671 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
Compare 1986.0988.169, an APF Mark 40. The Ward P90 was made for Montgomery Ward by APF Electronics.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 102.
Online Datamath Calculator Museum, accessed August 29, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.329
catalog number
1986.0988.329
accession number
1986.0988
This compact handheld electronic calculator, advertised as a "mini-calculator," has twenty-three square plastic keys and two buttons.
Description
This compact handheld electronic calculator, advertised as a "mini-calculator," has twenty-three square plastic keys and two buttons. These include ten white plastic digit keys; a white decimal point key; keys for the four arithmetic functions, percentage, and square roots; a clear entry/clear key; an equals key; and four memory keys. There are separate on and off buttons. Behind the keyboard is a liquid crystal display, advertised as showing eight digits. A mark below the keyboard reads: aPF MARK 1910.
Space for two small 1.5 volt batteries is at the bottom of the back. A mark printed on the back reads: MARK 1910 (/) LIQUID CRYSTAL CALCULATOR (/) RATING: DC 3V 0.0002W (/) (1.5v BATTERY x 2) (/) APF ELECTRONICS INC> (/) NEW YORK, N. Y. 10022 (/) SERIAL NO: 2038842 (/) TAIWAN. The actual serial number is on a paper sticker on top of the rest of the mark.
The case opens at the bottom to reveal two Union Carbide batteries and a green breadboard. A mark on the chip at the top of the breadboard reads: C3. A mark on the bottom right of the breadboard reads: LC4100.
According to an October 1978 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, the APF Mark 1910 regularly sold for $15.99 and was on sale for $12.88. A November, 1978, advertisement in the Chicago Tribune gives a regular price of $14.99 and a sale price of $11.88. Both advertisements show the calculator in a "billfold case." This example lacks such a case.
References:
Chicago Tribune, November 12, 1978, p. U12.
Los Angeles Times, October 12, 1978, p. CS7.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1978
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.337
catalog number
1986.0988.337
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys with a white decimal point key. Right of the digit keys are orange keys for the four aithmetic functions, which also can serve as memory keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys with a white decimal point key. Right of the digit keys are orange keys for the four aithmetic functions, which also can serve as memory keys. An orange equals/constant key, which can also serve as a memory key, is next to the decimal point key. The top row has keys for percentage, clear entry/clear, and memory. The row also contains an on/off switch. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit (or possibly nine-digit) fluorescent display. A mark at the back reads: aPF MARK 84. The hole for the adapter is on the right side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for the battery at the top and two rubber feet at the bottom. A mark on the interior of the battery back reads: 2 (/) JAPAN (/) 0108241. A silver-colored sticker on the back reads: aPF ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO. MARK 84 (/) D.C. 9.0 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: Use only optional (/) A. C. adaptor model 710 or (/) 751S to operate on A. C. (/) SERIAL No: J 0119684 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
This calculator closely resembles an APF calculator advertised in a March 1977, issue of the Los Angeles Times as selling for $7.99. That advertisement does not give a model number.
Reference:
Los Angeles Times, March 19, 1977, p. 15.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.175
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.175
This brown- and gold-colored handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-five rectangualr plastic keys.
Description
This brown- and gold-colored handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-five rectangualr plastic keys. These include ten white plastic digit keys; a white decimal point key; keys for the four arithmetic functions, percentage, and square roots; a clear entry/clear key; an equals key; and five memory keys. The off key is in the upper left corner of the keyboard. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. A mark below the keyboard reads: aPF MARK 1920 (/) AUTO SHUT OFF.
A mark printed on the back reads: aPF MARK 1920 (/) LIQUID CRYSTAL CALCULATOR (/) RATING: DC 3V 0.2 MW (/) (1.5V BATTERY x 2) (/) (SILVER OXIDE G13 x 2) (/) APF ELECTRONICS INC (/) NEW YORK, N. Y. 10022 (/) HONG KONG. A further mark, partly obscured, reads: SERIAL NO 5[. . .]54.
The calculator fits in a plastic jacket which has been mended with red duct tape.
A 1980 advertisement lists the APF Mark 1920 as regularly priced at $14.99 and on sale for $11.97.
Reference:
Chicago Tribune, August 27, 1980, p. F6.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980
maker
APF Electronics
ID Number
1987.0435.29
accession number
1987.0435
catalog number
1987.0435.29

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