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

Button, Are You Amiable?

This circular button has grey and maroon text on a white background that reads: Are You Amiable? It has two maroon bars across button.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has grey and maroon text on a white background that reads: Are You Amiable? It has two maroon bars across button.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.441
catalog number
2009.3071.441
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Royal Standard Typewriter

This Royal Standard Typewriter was manufactured by the Royal Typewriter Company of New York, New York beginning in 1906. This typewriter is the original Royal Standard model, which was soon followed by a Royal Standard model number 1.
Description
This Royal Standard Typewriter was manufactured by the Royal Typewriter Company of New York, New York beginning in 1906. This typewriter is the original Royal Standard model, which was soon followed by a Royal Standard model number 1. The Royal Standard typewriter was a flatbed model with a QWERTY keyboard that featured visible writing. Early typewriters had upwards striking typebars that required the typist to lift the carriage to see what they had written.
The Royal Typewriter Company was founded in 1906 by Thomas Fortunes Ryan and Edward B. Hess, with Ryan providing the capital and Hess providing the inventiveness. Hess owned over 150 patents, many of which were assigned to the Royal Typewriter Company. Hess’s most noteworthy patents related to increasing the ease of typing, including an accelerating typebar, anti friction roller escapement, Magic Margins, and selective touch control. In 1954 Royal merged with the McBee Corporation, operating as Royal Mcbee until 1964. In 1964 Royal McBee was acquired by Litton Industries, which used Royal as a brand until 1968.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1982.0201.04
accession number
1982.0201
catalog number
1982.0201.04
serial number
15995

Keyboard Cover

This brown plastic cover has a JMC company logo.Currently not on view
Description
This brown plastic cover has a JMC company logo.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1987.0249.14
catalog number
1987.0249.14
accession number
1987.0249

Quark Lapel Pin

This oval lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. Atop the blue background is a gold border and gold underlined text reading: Quark. The reverse is of gold-colored metal, as is the clasp.Currently not on view
Description
This oval lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. Atop the blue background is a gold border and gold underlined text reading: Quark. The reverse is of gold-colored metal, as is the clasp.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.747
catalog number
2009.3071.747
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, I'm getting TWISTED. Transistion Engineering. Ethernet. Twinax. Coax

This circular button has white text on red background that reads: I'm getting TWISTED. Transition Engineering. Ethernet. Twinax. Coax. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on red background that reads: I'm getting TWISTED. Transition Engineering. Ethernet. Twinax. Coax. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring 89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.315
catalog number
2009.3071.315
nonaccession number
2009.3071

National Semiconductor Mathematician Handheld Electronic Calculator

In addition to selling calculators under the Novus name, National Semiconductor Company sold models with the same capabilities but somewhat different styling under its own name.
Description
In addition to selling calculators under the Novus name, National Semiconductor Company sold models with the same capabilities but somewhat different styling under its own name. This handheld electronic calculator has the same capabilities as the Novus Mathematician.
The calculator has a black plastic case, thirty-two rectangular plastic keys, and a plastic display cover. The function of the keys is written on the keyboard rather than being marked on the keys themselves.
At the bottom of the keyboard are ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a clear key. To the right of these is a column of four arithmetic function keys. Depressing the F key in the upper left corner of the keyboard allows two of these keys to be used as memory keys, another for entering degrees, and the fourth for entering radians.
Above these keys are an enter key and a variety of function keys, some of which also can assume more than one function. These include two memory keys, a change sign key, a pi key, a square root / square key, a log key, an exchange key, a power key, an exponent key, a natural log key, an inverse key, and keys for trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions. A mark above the keyboard reads: Mathematician.
Problems are entered into the Mathematician using reverse Polish notation.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. It has no provision for displaying results in scientific notation. A mark above the display reads: National Semiconductor. The jack for a power adapter is along the back edge and a power switch is on the left edge.
A battery compartment opens on the back of the calculator. A faint mark molded into the plastic near the top of the back reads: MADE IN MALAYSIA (/) P641. This particular example lacks both a cover for the battery compartment and any stickers identifying the model and serial number.
Compare the Novus Mathematician (1986.0988.277) and the HP-21 (1987.0435.08).
Reference:
[Advertisement], Steubenville [Ohio] Herald-Star, September 7, 1977, p. 11. National Semiconductor Mathematician is on sale for $13.88.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975-1977
maker
National Semiconductor Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.232
catalog number
1986.0988.232
accession number
1986.0988

Texas Instruments SR-16 II Handheld Electronic Calculator

This is an example of a scientific calculator introduced by Texas Instruments in 1975 that offered many of the capabilities of the SR-16 calculator at a lower cost.
Description
This is an example of a scientific calculator introduced by Texas Instruments in 1975 that offered many of the capabilities of the SR-16 calculator at a lower cost. The handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case with an array of thirty-one small rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a change sign key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear display key, and a clear key, the calculator has twelve further function keys. These are for powers, reciprocals, square roots, squares, logs to the base 10, storage, recall, summation, exponents, natural logarithms, entering exponents, and pi. The meaning of the keys is indicated on the keyboard, not on the keys themselves. Text on the keyboard, above the keys and to the right, reads: SR-16 II. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit LED display that shows eight-digit positive and negative numbers and two-digit positive and negative exponents. A mark below the display reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. The on/off switch is right and slightly above this mark.
The calculator has a jack for a recharger/adapter along the back edge. A sticker on the back gives instructions. It also gives the serial number SR-16 II 180524. It also reads: ASSEMBLED IN USA. Above the sticker is a compartment for three batteries. A mark below the sticker reads: LTA4375.
Unscrewing four screws on the back reveals the workings of the calculator. It has a total of three chips. The largest of these is marked TMS1016NL (/) KAΔ7543. This is a TMS1016 chip, manufactured in late 1975.
The calculator comes in a dark brown plastic zippered case with belt loop.
References:
[Advertisement], New York Times, May 5, 1976, p. 10. Gives a sale price of $29.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, October 19, 1975, p. A7. Gives price of $44.95.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 153.
Online Datamath Museum.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1986.0988.352
catalog number
1986.0988.353
accession number
1986.0988

Advertising Button, Apple, Macintosh PC Exchange

This square button has teal and black text on a white background that reads: Macintosh PC Exchange. It has a solid black Apple logo at the top and at the bottom, a black text box with white text that reads: Apple Utilities for Macintosh.
Description
This square button has teal and black text on a white background that reads: Macintosh PC Exchange. It has a solid black Apple logo at the top and at the bottom, a black text box with white text that reads: Apple Utilities for Macintosh. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX 11/92?
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.160
catalog number
2009.3071.160
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Unisonic 1540L Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and dark brown and tan plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and dark brown and tan plastic case and an array of twenty-five square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. In addition the instrument has a change sign key, an exchange key, a square root key, a percentage key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above these is the on/off switch. Behind is an eight-digit red LED display. A mark at the back reads: Unisonic 1540L.
A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. At the top of the back is a compartment for two AA batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 59545. A sticker near the base of the back reads in part: Remove batteries if unit unlikely (/) to be used for more than 7 days. (/) Made in Hong Kong.
References:
[Advertisement], Ludington [Michigan] Daily News, August 29, 1977, p. 18. Unisonic 1540L on sale for $8.88, regularly $11.59.
[Advertisement], Grand Prairie [Texas] Daily News, August 11, 1977, p. 14. Unisonic 1540L on sale for $8.88, regularly $11.59.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.294
catalog number
1986.0988.294
accession number
1986.0988

Button, 50 MHz Accelerator IIx. DayStar Digital

This circular button has white/blue text on a white/blue background that reads: 50 MHz Accelerator IIx. DayStar Digital. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white/blue text on a white/blue background that reads: 50 MHz Accelerator IIx. DayStar Digital. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.331
catalog number
2009.3071.331
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, WordPerfect

This rectangular button has a black background with yellow text. It shows a man dressed in turban and robes. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:PC Expo NY 6/92.Currently not on view
Description
This rectangular button has a black background with yellow text. It shows a man dressed in turban and robes. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads:PC Expo NY 6/92.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.037
catalog number
2009.3071.037
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, MicroPhone II

This circular button has yellow text on a teal background that reads: MicroPhone II. It has an image of a microphone in a yellow square. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has yellow text on a teal background that reads: MicroPhone II. It has an image of a microphone in a yellow square. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.300
catalog number
2009.3071.200
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Command Software Lapel Pin

This circular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. The yellow background has gold text around the edge that reads: COMMAND SOFTWARE COVER YOUR ACCESS.
Description
This circular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. The yellow background has gold text around the edge that reads: COMMAND SOFTWARE COVER YOUR ACCESS. In the center is a gray silhouette of a figure with hat and collar, with a gold outline, overlaid with a red circle and diagonal line, as in a prohibitory road sign. The reverse and the clasp are of silver-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.722
catalog number
2009.3071.722
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Microsoft LAN Manager Lapel Pin

This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. The front resembles a movie clapper board with black background, dark yellow detailing, a gold border, and a strip of black and yellow arrows across the top.
Description
This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. The front resembles a movie clapper board with black background, dark yellow detailing, a gold border, and a strip of black and yellow arrows across the top. The yellow text, printed on the 'board,' reads: "SCENE", "TAKE", "PRODUCER", "DIRECTOR", "CAMERA", "DATE" and "SILENT SOUND". Gold text in 'handwritten' font reads: "LAN Manager" beneath "SCENE"; "2.0" beneath "TAKE"; "Microsoft" next to "PRODUCER". The reverse is of gold-colored metal and is stamped: Union Made 65. The clasp is of gold-colored metal. The plastic bag reads "NW 2/90" in black permanent ink.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.703
catalog number
2009.3071.703
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Software on Cassette for the VIC-20, Home Inventory (VT 1012)

"Home Inventory (VT1012)," by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction pamphlet.Currently not on view
Description
"Home Inventory (VT1012)," by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction pamphlet.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.54
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.54

The Programmer;s Shop Button, Who Is Big Bertha?

This circular button has a pink background with large black question mark. In white text it reads: Who Is Big Bertha. At the bottom is a black "The Programmer's Shop" logo.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has a pink background with large black question mark. In white text it reads: Who Is Big Bertha. At the bottom is a black "The Programmer's Shop" logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.419
catalog number
2009.3071.419
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Lotus, Lotusphere

This circular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Ask Me About Lotusphere 1993. It has the Lotusphere logo in black, grey and yellow. A mark on the reverse reads: Groupware '93 San Jose 8/10/93.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a yellow background that reads: Ask Me About Lotusphere 1993. It has the Lotusphere logo in black, grey and yellow. A mark on the reverse reads: Groupware '93 San Jose 8/10/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.120
catalog number
2009.3071.120
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Omnicomp Graphics Button

This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Texas Friendly Spoken Here. Omnicomp Graphics. Houston. It has a red image of Texas in background. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NCGA Chicago 4/91.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Texas Friendly Spoken Here. Omnicomp Graphics. Houston. It has a red image of Texas in background. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NCGA Chicago 4/91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.514
catalog number
2009.3071.514
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Blickensderfer Model 8 Typewriter

The Blickensderfer Model 8 typewriter was manufactured by the Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company of Stamford, Connecticut beginning in 1908.
Description
The Blickensderfer Model 8 typewriter was manufactured by the Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company of Stamford, Connecticut beginning in 1908. The Blickensderfer was advertised as having one quarter of the parts that other typewriters used, allowing for easier operation, maintenance, and repair. Other features include a tabulator and a scaled with slots for carriage stops. Blickensderfer typewriters also had a patented type action using their patented “type wheel,” a metal wheel containing all the characters which would rotate and strike the paper to create the inked mark. The type wheel allowed for easier type alignment, less jamming, and an easier way to change type fonts. The simplicity of the Blickensderfer made it portable, and this model had a wooden cover with a leather handle for easy carrying. While QWERTY keyboards could be ordered, by default most Blickensderfer typewriters eschewed the QWERTY keyboard in favor of a “Scientific” keyboard that put the most used letters “D, H, I, A, T, E, N, S, O, and R” on the bottom row nearest the space bar to minimize hand movement.
George C. Blickensderfer founded the Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company in Stamford, Connecticut in 1893. The Blickensderfer Manufacturing Company produced nine different models of typewriters, including an electric typewriter, and operated until George Blickenderfer’s death in 1917. The company was reformed as the Blick Typewriter Company for a few years before the Blickensderfer patents and designs were sold and manufactured by a variety of different companies.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1981.0653.01
accession number
1981.0653
catalog number
1981.0653.01

Advertising Button, Corporate Computing

This circular button is the fourth of ten in a series of Corporate Computing campaign buttons from 1992. White and red text on blue/light blue striped background reads: Corporate Computing Representing American Business.
Description
This circular button is the fourth of ten in a series of Corporate Computing campaign buttons from 1992. White and red text on blue/light blue striped background reads: Corporate Computing Representing American Business. The button also has an image of a hand pointing to the words. A mark in black ink on the reverse side of the button reads: PC Expo 6/92 NY 4/10.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
maker
unknown
ID Number
2009.3071.025
catalog number
2009.3071.025
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Sharp EL104 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a black and white plastic case and an array of twenty rounded rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a black and white plastic case and an array of twenty rounded rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear key, a clear entry key, a square root key, and a total key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit purple LED display that seems to have a ninth character space. The on/off switch is behind the display on the right. A tag left of this reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-104.
At the top of the back is a compartment for a nine-volt battery. Text below this reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-104. Further text reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM. A paper sticker below the mark gives a list of U.S., Canadian, Swedish and Australian patents protecting the device. The latest American patent is 3621219, issued in 1971 and initially assigned to Hayakawa.
The calculator has a leather or imitation leather carrying case with a metal snap and plastic edging. This case also has a hook so that it could be worn over a belt.
Compare 1986.0988.133 (Sharp Elsimate EL-206).
References:
The online MyCalc database dates this calculator to about 1976. The online Calculator.org database dates it to 1976. No advertisements found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.315
catalog number
1986.0988.315
accession number
1986.0988

Elographics Inc. Button

This circular button has blue and grey text on a white background that reads: get IN TOUCH with Elographics. The touchscreen company. It has a blue image of a hand with the index finger extended. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Atlanta CDX 5/93.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has blue and grey text on a white background that reads: get IN TOUCH with Elographics. The touchscreen company. It has a blue image of a hand with the index finger extended. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Atlanta CDX 5/93.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.500
catalog number
2009.3071.500
nonaccession number
2009.3071

ZD Classified Advertising Group Button, I'm A Savvy Marketer!

This circular button has a white background and a black and white image of a woman holding a book and pen. Red text reads: "I'm A Savvy Marketer!".A blue and yellow "ZD Classified Advertising Group" logo is at the bottom.
Description
This circular button has a white background and a black and white image of a woman holding a book and pen. Red text reads: "I'm A Savvy Marketer!".A blue and yellow "ZD Classified Advertising Group" logo is at the bottom. The reverse reads: "Spring Comdex '91" in red permanent ink.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.655
catalog number
2009.3071.655
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Publishers' VGA. Willow Peripherals Inc.

This circular button has green text on a white background that reads: Publishers' VGA. Willow Peripherals Inc. In the center is a green image of a caveman with a camera and printouts. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring '89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has green text on a white background that reads: Publishers' VGA. Willow Peripherals Inc. In the center is a green image of a caveman with a camera and printouts. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex Spring '89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.386
catalog number
2009.3071.386
nonaccession number
2009.3071

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