Sears CI 801.58000 Desktop Electronic Calculator

Description:

This lightweight desktop electronic calculator has a turquoise and gray plastic case, an array of nine digit keys, and a zero bar and decimal point key below the digit keys. Keys for the arithmetic operations, a percent key, an equals key, and a cancel key are right of these. The liquid crystal display is behind the keys, and the power switch is on the side. The calculator has prongs for a cord but no cord. It has a clear plastic cover.

A stamp on the bottom of the inside of the case reads: 111772.

A mark above and behind the display reads: Sears C1. A sticker on the bottom reads in part: MODEL (/) NUMBER 801.58000 (/) CALCULATOR (/) # 142329. It also reads in part: ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.

Sears reportedly first sold an electronic calculator in 1972. An advertisement for the C1 appeared in the Boston Globe in January of 1973, listing the machine as on sale for $89.88, $10.07 off the usual price of $99.95. The ad indicates that the calculator had an eight-digit capacity.

References:

“Sears Catalog Geared to Special Customers,” Chicago Daily Defender, January 15, 1972, p. 16.

[display ad], Boston Globe, January 21, 1973, p. A6.

Date Made: ca 1972

Maker: Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Mexico

Subject: Business

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Computers, Computers & Business Machines, Desktop Electronic Calculators

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of John B. Priser

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1986.0988.008Catalog Number: 1986.0988.008Accession Number: 1986.0988

Object Name: electronic calculatorOther Terms: electronic calculator; Desktop

Physical Description: plastic (case, keys material)glass (display material)metal (wiring material)Measurements: overall: 14.732 cm x 24.892 cm x 7.112 cm; 5 13/16 in x 9 13/16 in x 2 13/16 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a1-38e5-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_334422

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