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

Date: 1970s

Sperry-Remington 807B Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has an off-white and black plastic case and eighteen rounded rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and an all clear key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an off-white and black plastic case and eighteen rounded rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and an all clear key. To the left of the top two keys is a switch for setting a constant. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. The on/off switch is on the left side and a power jack is along the back edge. A mark above the display reads: SPERRY REMINGTON.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for four AA batteries at the base. A sticker on the inside of the lid of the compartment reads: 163995. A metal plaque on the back of the calculator reads: SPERRY REMINGTON (/) MOD. 807B (/) BATTERY SUPPLY 1.5Vx4 (/) OR USE AC ADAPTOR AD-4145 (/) 1.1 W MADE IN JAPAN.
This calculator was manufactured by Casio Corporation. Compare to the Casio 8E.
References:
The mycalcdb.free.fr database indicates that this was the same as the Casio 8E.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 19, 1974, p. N13. Remington 807-B Mini Calculator sold for $19.88 if purchased with another item in a warehouse sale. Manufacturer’s list price $109.95.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 147. Gives date of ca. 1972.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972-1974
maker
Casio Computer Company
ID Number
1986.0988.068
catalog number
1986.0988.068
accession number
1986.0988

Rockwell 12R Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a dark brown plastic case, a cream-colored keyboard, and sixteen rounded rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has a clear entry/clear key, and four arithmetic function keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a dark brown plastic case, a cream-colored keyboard, and sixteen rounded rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has a clear entry/clear key, and four arithmetic function keys. Pushing the divide and then the multiply key allows one to take square roots.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A mark behind the keyboard reads: Rockwell. A mark along the front edge reads: SQUARE ROOT 12R. The on/off switch is on the left side and the jack for a power adapter along the back edge.
The back has a battery compartment at the top for a nine volt battery. A sticker below this gives operating examples. It also reads: Microelectronic Product Division (/) Rockwell International (/) Anaheim CA 92803 (Calculator Model 12R (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. Further text reads: Ser. (/) No. 144332.
Compare 1986.0988.239 (the Rockwell 10R).
References:
[Advertisement], New York Times, June 29, 1975, p. 2. Rockwell 12R a giveaway with purchase of a printing Rockwell 82R calculator for $170.
[Advertisement], Statesville (N.C.) Record and Landmark, May 12, 1975, p. 3. Rockwell 12R on sale for $29.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
maker
Rockwell International
ID Number
1986.0988.014
catalog number
1986.0988.014
accession number
1986.0988

Sharp EL-8117K Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a brown and white plastic case with a gold-colored metal inset. It has an array of twenty-two rounded square keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a brown and white plastic case with a gold-colored metal inset. It has an array of twenty-two rounded square keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, three memory keys, a square root key, and a clear/clear entry key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit green fluorescent display. A mark behind this reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-8117K. An on/off button is on the left side and a jack for a power adapter along the back edge.
At the top of the back of the calculator is a compartment for two AA batteries. A sticker on the inside of this compartment reads: 78104423. Text near the center of the back reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8117K. Further text reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN KOREA. A sticker below this lists patent numbers assigned by the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Italy. The most recent U.S. patent listed has number 3902169. It was issued in 1975 and assigned to Sharp.
The calculator is in a cardboard box with a cardboard sleeve that slides over it to serve as a cover. Also in the box are a plastic carrying case and a sheet of instructions.
References:
The calculator.org website, accessed October 22, 2014, dates this calculator to 1977. This is also the date given by the computinghistory.org.uk website.
[Advertisement], North Hills [Pennsylvania] News-Record, March 21, 1978, p. 7. Advertises calculator as regularly priced at $15.00, on sale for $10.00.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977-1978
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.092
catalog number
1986.0988.092
accession number
1986.0988

Summit K08M Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case with twenty rectangular plastic keys. The keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, a clear key, and a clear entry key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case with twenty rectangular plastic keys. The keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. The memory key may serve for storage or accumulation. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. The on/off switch is right of it. A power jack is on the back edge. A tag on the front reads: Summit.
A tag on the back of the calculator gives operating instructions. It reads in part: SUMMIT INTERNATIONAL CORP. (/) Serial No. M13014 Model K08M (/) Salt Lake City, Utah MANUFACTURED BY NCE NUCLEAR (/) made in U.S.A.
Compare to 1986.0988.282 and 1986.0988.287.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, July 9, 1973, p. 6. Advertised as selling for $115.
[Advertisement], Salt Lake City Tribune, November 10, 1977, p. 17. Offered in closeout sale for $1.88.
Guy Ball, “Summit a Man and the Idea,” International Calculator Collector. A version of this article is online, accessed November 19, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973
maker
Summit International Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.072
catalog number
1986.0988.072
accession number
1986.0988

Unisonic 1299R-A Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

Unisonic LC-200 Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

Texas Instruments TI Business Analyst Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator is similar to those of the TI SR-51 family. It has a black plastic case with an array of forty small rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is similar to those of the TI SR-51 family. It has a black plastic case with an array of forty small rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a change sign key (all in white), the calculator has a total key and four arithmetic function keys (all in gold). The remaining keys are brown. One is for on/clear, one is for off, and another, marked "2nd," is pushed to activate the “dual function” indicated on the keyboard above most of the brown keys. The calculator has a variety of statistical, business, and mathematical functions, and limited memory.
Text above the keys reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) TI Business Analyst. Behind this is an eight-digit LED display. The jack for a charger/adapter is on the right side of the calculator.
Text on the back of the calculator (there is no sticker) reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) electronic calculator (/) SERIAL NO. (/) 9818968 LTA4976 (/) ASSEMBLED IN USA. An empty battery pack inside the middle of the back is marked: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS BATTERY PACK BP-7.
There are no screws to easily take apart the calculator. The device has a black plastic zippered case with a loop.
References:
[Advertisement], New York Times, October 19, 1976, p. 130. List calculator as selling for $42.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, May 13, 1977, p. A29. Business Analyst on sale for $34.95, regular price $39.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1986.0988.055
catalog number
1986.0988.055
accession number
1986.0988

Sharp EL-206 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This battery-operated handheld electronic calculator has a black and white plastic case and an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This battery-operated handheld electronic calculator has a black and white plastic case and an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear/clear entry key, a memory key (for the total), a square root key, and a total key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit yellow LCD display. The on/off switch is behind the display on the right. A tag left of this reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL- 206.
At the top of the back is a compartment for a nine volt battery. A sticker inside it reads: 83283314. Text below the compartment reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-206. Further text reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM. Two U.S. patents listed as protecting the device have numbers 3902169 and 3976994. The second patent relates to liquid crystal displays. It was issued in 1977 and assigned to Sharp.
Compare 1986.088.315 (the EL-104). That calculator has an LED display and no memory.
References:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 13, 1978, p. 10Y. The calculator is advertised as regularly priced at $9.95 and on sale for $6.97.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 9, 1978, p. R4. Calculator is on sale for $7.99.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, August 22, 1979, p. C3. Calculator is selling for $9.77.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978-1979
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.133
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.133

Unisonic 1040-C Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

Monroe 98 Handheld Electronic Calculator

A few makers of calculating machines survived into the era of electronic calculators. Monroe Calculating Machine Company, formed in New Jersey in the early twentieth century, initially made stepped drum calculating machines.
Description
A few makers of calculating machines survived into the era of electronic calculators. Monroe Calculating Machine Company, formed in New Jersey in the early twentieth century, initially made stepped drum calculating machines. A few years after it became a division of Litton Industries in 1958, the firm began to sell desktop electronic calculators. By the mid-1970s, it sold handheld electronic calculators as well. These were imported from Asia.
This handheld calculator has a tan plastic case and twenty-seven rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a change sign key, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. In addition the device has a clear key, a squaring key, a square root key, a clear entry key, an inverse key, and a percentage key. The on/off switch is on the right of the top row of keys.
Text behind the keys reads: li MONROE 98 (/) Litton. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display. A jack for a power adapter is on the back edge.
The back of the case has four rubber feet. At the bottom is a battery compartment that would hold four batteries. A sticker on the back of the cover reads in part: CHARGING TIME 10-15 HOURS. A sticker above the compartment reads in part: MADE IN JAPAN FOR MONROE. It also reads in part: MODEL: 98 (/) SERIAL NO. F162199 (/) VOLTS 6 DC AMPS 0.05.
The calculator has a dark brown zippered case. A mark on the front reads: li MONROE (/) Litton The Calculator Company.
The case also holds a small pamphlet of instructions with title Monroe 98 Handbook of Operating Instructions. It is copyrighted 1976.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Litton Industries
ID Number
1986.0988.077
catalog number
1986.0988.077
accession number
1986.0988

APF Mark 31 Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

Unisonic 811 Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

Radio Shack EC-380 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a case in two shades of brown and an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a case in two shades of brown and an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys. The leftmost column of keys includes %, square root, clear, and clear entry keys. The on/off switch is at the top of the keyboard, next to three memory keys. Behind this is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark above this reads: Radio Shack. A power jack is on the back edge.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. Below this is a sticker that reads in part:
CAT. NO 65-616 (/) MODEL EC-380 (/) Radio Shack A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION (/) DC 3V(“AA” CELL X 2). (/) FOR 120V AC OPERATION (/) USE ADAPTER 14-854. It also reads: 8A6 (/) JAPAN.
Compare 1986.0988.040 (Radio Shack EC-231) and 1986.0988.46 (Radio Shack EC-380).
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1977 Catalog No. 276 , p. 152, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $24.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.046
catalog number
1986.0988.046
accession number
1986.0988

Teal 826 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys with rounded corners.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys with rounded corners. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a percentage key, a square root key, a clear/clear entry key, and four memory keys. To the left in the top row of keys is an on/off switch. Text behind this reads: Auto Constant. Behind this is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. Text above this reads: Memory (/) TEAL 826. A jack for a power adapter is along the front edge of the calculator.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. Below this is a sticker that reads in part: TEAL 826 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads in part: NO 110874 (/) TEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. CARSON, CALIF. 90746 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
The calculator has a black plastic sleeve that serves as a carrying case.
TEAL calculators were made in Japan by Tokyo Electronic Application Laboratory Ltd. According to U.S. trademark records, the term "Teal" referring to electronic calculators was first used in commerce in 1972. Teal Industries Inc. of Carson, California, applied for a trademark for the term in 1977 and received registration in 1978.
References:
The calculator.org website (accessed December 1, 2014) says that the Teal 826 was introduced in 1975 with an original price of $49.95.
[Advertisement], San Antonio Light, May 17, 1977, p. 5. Teal 826 advertised as on sale for $12.47.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 7, 1977, p. M7. Teal 826 advertised as on sale for $9.88.
[Advertisement], Traverse City [Michigan] Record-Eagle, September 10, 1977, p. 30. Teal 826 advertised as regularly priced at $11.88, on sale for $9.88.
[Advertisement], The Register-Guard [Eugene, Oregon], August 17, 1978, p. 11B. Teal 826 advertised as on sale for $8.95, with an additional $2.59 for an AC adapter.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, January 14, 1979, p. V6. Teal 826 on sale for $8.88, regularly $10.99.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976-1978
distributor
Teal Industries
maker
Tokyo Electronic Application Laboratory Ltd.
ID Number
1986.0988.080
catalog number
1986.0988.080
accession number
1986.0988

Texas Instruments 1265 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and a metal keyboard. It has an array of twenty-four rectangular black plastic keys. The meaning of the keys is indicated on the keyboard.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and a metal keyboard. It has an array of twenty-four rectangular black plastic keys. The meaning of the keys is indicated on the keyboard. There are ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear key, a clear entry key, a change sign key, and a percentage key. Above these is a row of four memory keys. The on/off switch is on the left edge. A mark above keyboard on the left reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit blue-green vacuum fluorescent display. A mark below the keys reads: TI-1265.
A jack for a power outlet is along the back edge. A sticker on the back reads: US PAT 3819921 AND OTHER PATS PENDING (/) TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) Serial No. A 2028431. The sticker indicates that the calculator should be recharged using an AC9180 adapter/charger. It also reads in part: ASSEMBLED IN USA. Below the sticker is a compartment for a nine-volt battery (the cover is missing on this example). A mark below it reads: 1077 LTA.
Compare the TI-1200 (1986.0988.074). The TI-1200 lacks a change sign key.
Also compare the TI-1250 (1986.0988.053). It has the same keys, but different coloring of the keyboard and a different display.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1986.0988.193
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.193

Commodore GL-987R Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and exchange key, four memory keys, and a percentage key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and exchange key, four memory keys, and a percentage key. The on/off switch is to the right of the top keys.Text below the keyboard reads: commodore. Text below eight-digit green fluorescent display reads: CUSTOM (/) GREEN LINE. Above the display are lights for indicating when the memory is on and when the battery needs recharging. Text above these reads: GL 987R. An outlet for a power adapter is on the right side of the calculator.
Text on a sticker on the back cover reads in part: MODEL GL987R (/) Rechargeable Electronic Calculator. It includes explanation of the function keys. Additional text reads: Serial No. (/) 16342. Further text reads: Commodore Business Machines (/) Made in Japan.
The calculator has a black plastic sleeve with a metal snap.
Compare 1986.0988.127.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
Chicago Tribune, November 30, 1975, p. 17. Advertised as on sale for $18.99. Original price $29.88. Eight-digit green fluorescent display.
Los Angeles Times, February 17, 1975, p. A10. “Price is the first problem out calculators solve for you.” GL987R advertised as on sale for $49.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.209
catalog number
1986.0988.209
accession number
1986.0988

Litronix 1603 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This Litronix 1603 handheld electronic calculator has a brown plastic case and twenty-four rounded rectangular plastic keys.These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a percentage key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, two memory keys, a square root key, a squar
Description
This Litronix 1603 handheld electronic calculator has a brown plastic case and twenty-four rounded rectangular plastic keys.These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a percentage key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, two memory keys, a square root key, a squaring key, a clear key, an on key, and an off key. A mark above the top row of keys reads: slide rule. Behind is an eight-digit red LED display. A mark behind this reads: litronix (/) SOLID STATE (/) 1603. A socket for the power adapter is along the back edge.
The back of the calculator has a compartment at the top that would hold two batteries. A label below this reads: litronix 1603 (/) 9.0 VDC 300 MW 216455 (/) Use AC Adaptor #112 for 110 volts (/) #113 for 230 volts (/) Dim or erratic display (/) indicates discharged battery (/) Assembled in Malaysia (/) Litronix, Inc., Cupertino, Ca.
One sale price found for the calculator is $10.95.
For further information about Litronix, see 1986.0988.253.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Witchita Falls Times, November 17, 1976, p. 23, sale price $10.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975-1976
maker
Litronix
ID Number
1986.0988.066
catalog number
1986.0988.066
accession number
1986.0988

Unisonic 1040 Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

Montgomery Ward P203 Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

APF Mark 61 Handheld Electronic Calculator

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

Minitec TE-8M Handheld Electronic Calculator

This sturdy handheld electronic calculator has a black metal case with aluminum and plastic trim. It has seventeen rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This sturdy handheld electronic calculator has a black metal case with aluminum and plastic trim. It has seventeen rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys (one of which is a summation key and another a difference key), a clear key, and a clear entry key. At the far left of the keyboard is a constant switch. A tag above the keyboard reads: MINITEC TE-8M. Above it are a red light marked “CHARGE” and a power switch. Behind this is an eight-digit display. The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a power adapter.
A tag on the back of the calculator reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) MODEL TE-8M (/) SER NO. 02547 (/) TOYO ENTERISE CO., LTD. (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
The calculator has a black plastic carrying pouch with two metal snaps. Text near the bottom edge reads: MINITEC TE-8M.
No references found. There is presently a Japanese firm named Toyo Enterprise that sells clothing. Another Japanese firm, Toyo Corporation sells electronic equipment. The date assigned to the object is quite arbitrary.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Toyo Enterprise Company
ID Number
1986.0988.140
catalog number
1986.0988.140
accession number
1986.0988

Toshiba BC-8018 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a pi key, and a clear/clear entry key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a pi key, and a clear/clear entry key. Above the keyboard is an on/off switch. Behind it is an eight-digit blue vacuum fluorescent display. Text above the display reads: TOSHIBA BC-8018. Text below the keys reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR.
A battery compartment for two AA batteries is at the top of the back. A sticker below it reads in part: TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) BC-8018 (/) DC 3V (dry battery x 2) (/) DC 3V (AC adapter) 0.3W (/) NO. 175304 BM (/) TOKYO SHIBAURA ELECTRIC CO., LTD. JAPAN (/) USE MODEL BH-115, BH-116. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge.
References:
According to the datamath.org website (accessed December 3, 2014), this calculator was introduced in 1977.
According to the mycalcdb.free.fr website and the www.calcuseum.com website (both accessed December 3, 2014), this calculator was in production in 1978.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 7, 1978, p. B30. Calculator on sale for $9.99.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1978
maker
Tokyo Shibaura Electric Company
ID Number
1986.0988.126
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.126

Sharp EL-5808 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator combined Sharp’s thin calculator design (keys being replaced by a membrane) with an array of scientific functions. The calculator has a metal case.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator combined Sharp’s thin calculator design (keys being replaced by a membrane) with an array of scientific functions. The calculator has a metal case. The membrane is divided into thirty-five rectangular segments, with an additional five round segments across the top row. In addition to the usual digit, arithmetic function, change sign, decimal, and total “keys,” there are eighteen keys which can assume different actions if the “F” key is pressed. These relate to memory, statistical functions, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, square roots and cube roots, and conversion from polar to rectangular coordinates and vice versa. Pressing the sensor key causes a tone to sound whenever a section is pressed. Behind the membrane is an LCD display which shows up to eight digits in a mantissa and two digits in an exponent.
A mark at the base of the calculator reads: SHARP (/) SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR EL-5808. Text on the back reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-5808. It also reads: SER. No. (/) 91001503. It also reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Two silver oxide batteries are built into the calculator.
The calculator has a black plastic case marked on the outside: SHARP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It includes a warning against carrying the calculator in a back pocket, lest the glass break. The calculator and an instruction manual fit in a cardboard box.
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 15, 1978, p. S13X. Calculator advertised as regularly priced at $39.95, on sale for $29.96.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, February 24, 1979, p. F14. Sharp EL-5808 advertised as regularly priced at $39.95, on sale for $29.95.
Sharp, Sharp Compet Scientific Calculator Model EL-5808 Instruction Manual.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978-1979
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.135
catalog number
1986.0988.135
accession number
1986.0988

Accuron V Handheld Electronic Calculator

This compact, non-printing handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and display.
Description
This compact, non-printing handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and display. In addtion to an array of ten digit keys, it has decimal and equal keys along the bottom; percentage, multiplication, addition, and clear keys in a column to the right of the digit keys; and a sign reversal key, division, subtraction and clear entry key right of these. Above these keys is an on/off switch, a clear memory key, an RM key, a subtract memory key, and an add memory key. The device has a nine-digit display.
A mark above the display reads: ACCURON V.
The back has a battery case. Below this is a sticker that reads: BATTERY 006P 9V or equivalent (/) Attempted repair by (/) unauthorised persons void [sic] (/) warranty (/) Made in Malaysia. A sticker inside the battery case reads: USE ALKALINE BATTERY (/) 9V FOR LONGER LIFE (/) SERIAL NO. G (/) No. 048647.
According to the website calculator.org, the Accuron V was introduced in 1975.
Reference:
http://www.calculator.org, under Accuron.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
ID Number
1986.0988.152
catalog number
1986.0988.152
accession number
1986.0988

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