References

References


In addition to the references cited below, information about specific calculators is given in individual records. This list suggests both references found especially useful and the kind of sources those examining calculators may wish to consider. It is by no means complete.


Print Publications


Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA:  Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997.


Kathy B. Hamrick, “The History of the Hand-Held Electronic Calculator,” American Mathematical Monthly, 102, October 1996, pp. 633–639.


Peggy Aldrich Kidwell, Amy Ackerberg-Hastings, and David Lindsay Roberts, Tools of American Mathematics Teaching, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2008.


W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers, Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997.


U.S. International Trade Commission, “In the Matter of Certain Electronic Calculators,” Investigation No. 337-7A-198, Washington, D.C, 1985.


Websites


Rick Bensene, The Old Calculator Web Museum, http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com


Serge Devidts, Calcuseum Vintage Electronic Calculators, http://www.calcuseum.com


Casio International website, historical section, http://www.casio-intl.com/asia-mea/en/calc/history


Datamath Calculator Museum, http://www.datamath.org


BE CALC Vintage Electronic Calculators website – this has become http://www.calcuseum.com


Epocalc, http://www.epocalc.net/


Flow Simulation Ltd., The Calculator Home Page, http://www.calculator.org


David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org


Philippe, My Calculators Database, http://mycalcdb.free.fr


Viktor T. Toth, Programmable Calculators, http://www.rskey.org/CMS


Nigel Tout, Vintage Calculators Web Museum, http://www.vintagecalculators.com/index.html. This has links to several other websites.


John Wolff, John Wolff’s Web Museum, Calculating Machines, http://www.johnwolff.id.au


Bob Wolfson, Bob’s Calculators and Slide Rules, https://sites.google.com/site/bobscalculatorsandsliderules


Katherine Wasserman, [Digitized Calculator Manuals], http://www.wass.net/manuals

This handheld electronic calculator has a tan and black plastic case and twenty-five rectangular 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 tan and black plastic case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The top row of keys has an off key, an on key, a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, and a % key. Behind the keyboard is a gray LCD display. A label at the back reads: NSC National Semiconductor (/) 836.
A mark molded into the back of the case reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) RATING: DC 3V (/) USE PENLIGHT BATTERY 1.5V x2. Another mark there reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
Pushing down a lever on the back edge of the calculator allows one to open the case to change the batteries (the object presently has no batteries). A sticker on the circuit board reads: PASSED 46. There is no provision for a recharger or power adapter.
No advertisements found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1980s
maker
National Semiconductor Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.233
catalog number
1986.0988.233
accession number
1986.0988
Walt Disney’s cartoon character Mickey Mouse has appeared on American consumer goods ranging from yo-yos to lunch boxes to watches to handheld electronic calculators.
Description
Walt Disney’s cartoon character Mickey Mouse has appeared on American consumer goods ranging from yo-yos to lunch boxes to watches to handheld electronic calculators. This device can be used either to do calculations or, in quiz mode, as an educational game.
It has a bright yellow plastic case with a black and white plastic cutout of Mickey Mouse on the cover. Mickey Mouse holds a sheet that reads: MICKEY (/) MOUSE’S (/) SCHOOL (/) BOOK. Opening the latch reveals a calculator with eighteen rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a longer bar marked “?”, and a total key. Below these keys is a switch that may be set either at “Calc” or “Quiz.” Next to this switch is the on/off switch.
Behind the keyboard is a green fluorescent display. Above this is a green light marked “Right” and a red one marked “Wrong;” above this is a plastic cutout of the face of Mickey Mouse. A space at the top of the calculator would hold two batteries. It presently has no batteries and the cover is missing. A jack for a power adapter is on the top edge.
Next to the calculator is a space that could hold a ruler. This example has no ruler. The inside of the lid of the case – right of the calculator when it is open – hold a pad of paper with odd numbers jotted on it. A sticker below the paper on the inside of the lid reads: IN ORDER TO REFILL PAD, PLEASE NOTE, (/) PAD SIZE TO FIT INTO YOUR MICKEY MOUSE (/) NOTE BOOK WOULD BE (89x149x6m/m SIZE) (/) 007577.
The back of the case has another image of Mickey Mouse. A mark in the molded plastic near the bottom reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
The calculator dates from between 1974, when inexpensive electronic calculators became common, and 1986, when it was given to the Smithsonian. Hence a rough date of 1980. No specific printed references to this calculator found. It resembles some Unisonic calculators.
References:
Ted Hake, Hake’s Price Guide to Character Toys, New York: Avon Books,1998, pp. 444–455.
Michael Stern, Stern’s Guide to Disney Collectibles, Paducah, N.Y.: Collector Books, 1989, pp. 10–55. This includes only materials from 1928-1938.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980
ID Number
1986.0988.340
catalog number
1986.0988.340
accession number
1986.0988
This very compact handheld electronic calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This very compact handheld electronic calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, a square root key, a % key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above the keys and to the left is an on/off switch. Text above this reads: Sears LC 82. Above this is an eight-digit LCD display.
Text printed on the back of the calculator reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING (/) THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NUMBER 711.58260. Further text reads: SERIAL NUMBER (/) #2504337 MADE IN TAIWAN.
The calculator fits in a brown plastic wallet.
Compare 1986.0988.363.
References:
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring Summer 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 575. Model LC 82 calculator on sale for $16.49.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Fall Winter 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 1273. Model LC 82 calculator on sale for $16.49. Not in 1978 or 1980 catalog.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979
maker
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
ID Number
1986.0988.364
catalog number
1986.0988.364
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator comes in a checkbook and is designed to assist in balancing checking accounts. It has a total of thirty-one plastic keys. On the left side are ten digit keys, a clear entry/clear key, a decimal point key, and four arithmetic function keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator comes in a checkbook and is designed to assist in balancing checking accounts. It has a total of thirty-one plastic keys. On the left side are ten digit keys, a clear entry/clear key, a decimal point key, and four arithmetic function keys. At the center are a % key, a total key, an off key, an on key, and a DB key. On the right is a row of keys for a checking account for entering checks and deposits, and finding balances. A second row of three keys is for indicating charges, payments, and balances in a charge account. A third row of keys for a second charge account. At the bottom right corner is a grand total key.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. To the right of it are three brightly colored dots. Text to the left reads: NSC National Semiconductor 103A.
The back of the calculator is riveted to the calculator, so marks there were not recorded. A mark on the circuit board reads: NS-103B-1 (/) A=5 (/) B=10.
Text on the inside of the checkbook reads: MADE IN TAIWAN. The checkbook also includes space for a pen.
Compare 1986.0988.227 and 1986.0988.336.
References:
Frank Macias, “Calculating Friends: Delegate That Everyday Balancing Act to These Little Guys with Big Brains,” Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1978, p. O64.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, February 13, 1981, p. A41. On sale for $29.95, regularly $34.95.
date made
1978-1981
maker
National Semiconductor Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.148
catalog number
1986.0988.148
accession number
1986.0988
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
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-four rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, a percentage key, a square root key, an off key, an on/clear key, and a clear entry key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic LC 270.
A mark printed on the back reads: Unisonic LC 270 (/) 1.5V BATTERY x 2 PCS. (/) EVERREADY BATTERY NO. 189 (/) SERIAL NO. 5673107 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN R. O. C.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
References:
[Advertisement], Fort Hood Sentinel, December 17, 1981, p. 3A. Unisonic LC270 and Unisonic LC222 calculators advertised as on sale for $7.88, regularly $12.95.
[Advertisement], Tonawanda NY Evening News, April 14, 1982, p. 5. Both Unisonic LC270 and Unisonic LC222 calculators on sale for $6.96, regularly $8.99.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1981
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.160
catalog number
1986.0988.160
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a brown and tan plastic case with nineteen square plastic keys and a brown metal keyboard.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a brown and tan plastic case with nineteen square plastic keys and a brown metal keyboard. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a percentage key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. Behind the keyboard a mark reads: LLOYD’S. Behind this is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark on the display cover reads: ACCUMATIC 30. The on/off switch and a jack for a power cord are on the back edge.
A battery compartment is at the base of the back. A sticker above it reads in part: LLOYD’S 6 V D.C. 250mW (/) MODEL EH-9036 SERIES 260D. It then gives several examples of operations on the calculator. Text below this reads: SERIAL NO. 5F-100891 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN (/) REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
Compare to 1986.0988.219. For further information about Lloyd’s Electronics, Inc., see 1986.0988.218.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, April 13, 1975, p. L20. A calculator very similar to this one, marked Lloyd’s, is advertised as selling for $17.78, with regular price of $19.78. It is supposed to have an automatic constant, which the object doesn’t.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
maker
Lloyd's Electronics
ID Number
1986.0988.122
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.122
This somewhat hefty handheld electronic calculator is an improvement on the Bohn Instant and the Bohn Omnitrex. It has ten digit keys, a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, an equals or total key, and a clear key.
Description
This somewhat hefty handheld electronic calculator is an improvement on the Bohn Instant and the Bohn Omnitrex. It has ten digit keys, a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, an equals or total key, and a clear key. In addition, it has a memory key, a square root/reciprocal key, a square/percentage key, and a position of the clear key that clears only the entry. The on/off switch is to the left of the digit keys and the key for shifting the function of the function keys is next to the top row of function keys. Behind the keyboard is an unusually large eight-digit fluorescent display. A mark between the keyboard and the display reads: Bohn omnitrex SR1. A connection for an adapter is on the right side at the top.
The back of the calculator has a compartment to hold five batteries. At present it has no batteries and no cover. It has four plastic feet. A sticker attached to the back reads: BOHN REX ROTARY (/) MODEL BOHN OMNITREX SR1 (/) VOLTAGE-7.5 VOLTS D. C. POWER: 1.5 V. A. (/) SERIAL NO. 3708649-I (SERVICE CENTERS (/) 475 S. DEAN ST. (/) ENGLEWOOD N. J. 07631 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. The address of the second service center, also indicated on the sticker, is: 121 S. PALM ST. (/) ALHAMBRA CAL. 91801.
The Bohn Duplicator Company had distributed Danish adding machines and Rex-Rotary duplicating machines. For an example of one of the adding machines, see 1995.0018.01.
The date of about for the Bohn SR1 is given by Ball and Flamm, who indicate that it sold for $99.95. A January 1974 advertisement in the Chicago Tribune indicates that the calculator had a list price of $129.95 and was on sale for $79.88.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 34.
Chicago Tribune, January 31, 1974, p. 18.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
ID Number
1986.0988.154
catalog number
1986.0988.154
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator is credit card-sized in a black plastic folder. It has a metal case with plastic trim and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is credit card-sized in a black plastic folder. It has a metal case with plastic trim and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, three memory keys, a percentage key, a square root key and a clear key. An off button is above the keyboard on the right. Text next to it reads: TecXon (/) MINI CARD LC-86. To the left, above two keys in the lower row, is a list of conversion factors for common and metric units. Behind is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. Text on the back reads: MADE IN TAIWAN (/) REP. OF CHINA. A mark on the inside of the case reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
According to records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, TecXon Electronics Company, Ltd., of Taipei, Taiwan, filed to register the trademark TecXon, as applied to telephones and calculators, in June 1983. They had been using the term in commerce since June 1982. The trademark was granted in November 1984. This calculator has no indication of a trademark on it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1982
maker
TecXon Electronics Company, Ltd.
ID Number
1986.0988.199
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.199
This device operates both as a four-function handheld electronic calculator and as an electronic game of blackjack. It has a metal case with plastic trim, fifteen rectangular plastic keys, and a ten-digit green fluorescent display.
Description
This device operates both as a four-function handheld electronic calculator and as an electronic game of blackjack. It has a metal case with plastic trim, fifteen rectangular plastic keys, and a ten-digit green fluorescent display. Cards “dealt” to the player are indicated on the right of the display, those to the “dealer” on the left. Only one player other than the dealer is allowed. Text at the base of the keyboard reads: Radio Shack EC-21. A jack for a power adapter is along the front edge.
A compartment at the base of the back holds three AAA batteries. A paper sticker inside this compartment reads: NO: 58018 (/) 7A8 Text on the back of the calculator reads in part: BLACKJACK 21 (/) Cat. No. 60-3011/ It also reads in part: MADE IN TAIWAN.
Compare 1986.0988.295 (the Unisonic 21-P1) and 1986.0988.048 (the Radio Shack EC-21).
Reference:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 17, 1978, p. A3. Model EC-21 on sale for $21.95. Advertised as “Las Vegas Style Blackjack Game Calculator Fun.”
Radio Shack, Blackjack 21 Owner’s Manual,” Fort Worth, Texas: Tandy Corporation. An online version of this is at wass.net.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.048
catalog number
1986.0988.048
accession number
1986.0988
This compact, thin handheld electronic calculator has a gold and brown colored metal case and an array of twenty-four 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 gold and brown colored metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a decimal point key, and a total key. The calculator also has three memory keys and change sign, square root, percentage, clear entry, and clear keys. The on/off switch is on the left in the top row of keys.
Behind the keyboard a mark reads: LC-200. Behind it is an eight-digit LCD display. Below the keyboard a mark reads: Unisonic.
A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic LC-200 (/) SILVER OXIDE BATTERY (/) 1.5V x 2 PCS 0.00025W (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. Unscrewing two screws at the bottom of the case reveals a green plastic circuit board and two batteries below it. A mark on the board reads: Santron.
Compare 1986.0988.121.
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 (no case with this example). The placement of the marks and coloring of the calculator shown in the advertisement is more like 1986.0988.121 than this calculator.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.321
catalog number
1986.0988.321
accession number
1986.0988
This programmable, handheld, symbolic graphing electronic calculator has a black plastic case and cover. An alphabetic (qwerty) keyboard is on the bottom left, and a numeric keyboard like that of an ordinary electronic calculator is on the right.
Description
This programmable, handheld, symbolic graphing electronic calculator has a black plastic case and cover. An alphabetic (qwerty) keyboard is on the bottom left, and a numeric keyboard like that of an ordinary electronic calculator is on the right. The display is above the alphabetic keyboard and function keys are on both sides of it. These function keys operate a toolbar on the screen that brings up pull-down menus on the screen. For example, pushing the F2 function key brings up such “algebra” commands as solve, factor, expand, zeroes, approximation, common denominator, proper fraction, trigonometry, complex, and extract. It is possible to split the display, showing, for example, functions on one side and their graphs on the other.
There is a connection for a cord, but no cord.
A mark on the back reads: TEXAS (/) INSTRUMENTS (/) V0116515 I-0995 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN R.O.C. Moving a lever on the top edge makes it possible to change the four AA batteries. There is also a backup battery of style CR2032.
The TI-92 incorporated the symbolic algebra software DERIVE and the geometry package CABRI.
This TI-92 was owned by Harvard University mathematician Andrew Gleason.
References:
“What’s in a Name?,” Washington Post, July 10, 1995, p. 17. New TI-92 at the border between a calculator and a computer. Will sell for about $200. “The slide rule looks more ancient than ever.”
[Advertisement], New York Times, July 25, 1996, p. A19. TI-92 selling for $179.99.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, August 30, 1998, p. AH6. TI-92 selling for $199.99.
John Berry, “TEXAS TI-92, the Calculator with Symbolic Algebra and Cabri,” Mathematics in School, 25 #1, January 1996, pp. 44–47.
Sally Fischbeck, “TI-92 Graphing Calculator,” College Mathematics Journal, 27 #3, May, 1996, pp. 224–230. This article gives a recommended retail price for the calculator of $250.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1995
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
2012.0063.05
accession number
2012.0063
catalog number
2012.0063.05
This colorful handheld electronic calculator also could be used to play the game of blackjack, with the calculator serving as the dealer and the user as a player.The object has a metal case with plastic trim and keys. It has an array of twenty-five oval plastic keys.
Description
This colorful handheld electronic calculator also could be used to play the game of blackjack, with the calculator serving as the dealer and the user as a player.
The object has a metal case with plastic trim and keys. It has an array of twenty-five oval plastic keys. Four arithmetic function keys are on the left, in a column labeled: Calc. Ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key are arranged in three columns in a section labeled: Bet. Eight gaming keys are arranged in two columns labeled: Play. Above this on the right is a shuffle/clear/clear entry key. Left of it are an on/off switch and a calculator/game switch. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic 21. Another mark there reads: Blackjack. Behind the keyboard is a twelve-digit display that is labeled on the left: Player. On the right it is labeled: Dealer. Text behind this reads: Dealer draws on 16.
A sticker on the back describes the "A/C" adapter that may be used with the calculator. A jack for it is on the bottom edge. Text printed on the back gives calculation examples. One mark reads: Unisonic 21-P1. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 078380 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
Below these marks is a compartment for three UM-4 batteries.
This calculator was actively discussed in early literature on electronic games.
Compare 1986.0988.295 (the Unisonic 21-P1) and 1986.0988.048 (the Radio Shack EC-21).
References:
A copy of the instructions for the game is at the wass.net website, accessed July 2, 2015.
“Card Counter,” Texas Monthly, 7 #7, July, 1979, p. 16. Price of Unisonic 21 varies from $20 to $30, depending on model. Image shown appears to be the desktop version of the device.
Anne Douglas, “Game Shows Have Serious Aspects Too,” Chicago Tribune, June 18, 1977, p. 1B 11. Unisonic 21 available in both desktop and portable forms for $50 and up.
Kris Jensen, “New 1978 Electronic Games,” Modern Mechanix, January 1978, pp. 33–43. Mentions that the Unisonic 21 is available in both desktop and portable versions.
John Free, “Pocket Calculators for More than Math,” Popular Science, 214 #4, April 1979, p. 22, 24, 26, 29.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.295
catalog number
1986.0988.295
accession number
1986.0988
This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case with twenty-three rectangular plastic keys and plastic trim. The keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case with twenty-three rectangular plastic keys and plastic trim. The keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. In addition, the calculator has a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, and a % key. Above the keys on the left is the eight-digit LCD display. A mark below it reads: NSC National Semiconductor 102C. Left of the display are three circles as well as on and off buttons.
Text at the bottom of the back reads: NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION MIDVALE, UTAH 84047 MADE IN TAIWAN.
Compare the National Semiconductor 199 (1986.0988.309), a calculator of similar size. This model has a square root key.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, April 10, 1980, p. 9. Calculator price listed as $12.47.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980
maker
National Semiconductor Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.308
catalog number
1986.0988.308
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four metal keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four metal keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, a percentage key, and an on/off key.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. Behind this are five small solar panels.
A mark above the display reads: SOLAR POWER. A mark below the keyboard reads: Unisonic SOLAR 185.
A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic SOLAR 185A MADE IN TAIWAN. The instrument is in a black plastic wallet. A mark on the wallet reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
No advertisements found.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1983
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1987.0435.15
catalog number
1987.0435.15
accession number
1987.0435
This compact handheld electronic calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This compact handheld electronic calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and 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 recall key, a change sign key, a % key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above the keys and to the left is an on/off switch. Text above this reads: Sears LC 84. Above this is an eight-digit LCD display.
Text printed on the back of the calculator reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING (/) THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NUMBER 711.5870. Further text reads: SERIAL NUMBER (/) #2264953 MADE IN TAIWAN.
The calculator fits in a brown plastic wallet.
Compare 1986.0988.364.
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 24, 1978, p. D6. Advertised as regularly priced at $19.99, on sale for $15.99.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 9, 1979, p. A21. Advertised as regularly priced at $19.99, on sale for $16.99.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 24, 1980, p. C8. Advertised as regularly priced at $19.99, on sale for $14.99.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring Summer 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 575. Model LC 84 calculator on sale for $19.49.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Fall Winter 1979 [Catalog], 1979, p. 1273. Model LC 84 calculator on sale for $19.49.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring Summer [Catalog], 1980, p. 1185. Model LC 84 calculator on sale for $17.49.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978-1980
maker
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
ID Number
1986.0988.363
catalog number
1986.0988.363
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a square root key, and four memory keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a square root key, and four memory keys. The on/off switch is left of the top row of keys. At the bottom of the keyboard a mark reads: the 24K. A mark below this reads: Rockwell. Above the keyboard is an eight-digit blue fluorescent display. The jack for a power adapter is along the front edge.
A metal sticker that should be attached to the back reads: Rockwell (/) International (/) Model 24K (/) Made in Taiwan (/) Republic of China. It also reads: Microelectronics Product Division (/) Anaheim, CA 92803 Ser. No. (/) 101127.105.
The calculator fits in a black wallet about the size of a checkbook. The wallet also contains a leaflet entitled: Rockwell Electronic Calculators Owner’s Manual for the 24K. It appears to date from 1975.
Compare the Rockwell 24K II (1986.0988.164).
Reference:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 4, 1975, p. A6. Rockwell 24K advertised as selling for $40.00.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 15, 1976, p. A12. Rockwell 24K advertised as selling for $40.00.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975-1976
maker
Rockwell International
ID Number
1986.0988.238
catalog number
1986.0988.238
accession number
1986.0988
This compact handheld electronic calculator has a tan and brown plastic case and twenty-five square brown plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, it has four memory keys on the far right.
Description
This compact handheld electronic calculator has a tan and brown plastic case and twenty-five square brown plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, it has four memory keys on the far right. Keys in the top row are labeled: OFF, ON, %, square root, and CE/C. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. A tag at the back reads: KMC (/) 4000 (/) AUTO SHUT OFF.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. A tag below this reads: BATTERIES DC 3.0V 0.2mW (/) UM-3 or (/) AA SIZE (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
This calculator has some similarity to the SHARP EL-230 although the arrangement of the keys on the keyboard is different.
According to records of Canadian trademarks, in 1982 Kmart Canada began using the trademark KMC for calculators and other devices sold in its stores. The trademark was registered in 1984 and discontinued in 1999. The KMC mark on the calculator indicates that the trademark is registered. No such trademark, as applied to calculators, is included in the U.S. registry of trademarks. The calculator came to the museum in 1986, hence it appears that this calculator was distributed by Kmart Canada and made in around 1985.
Reference:
Web site of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1985
ID Number
1986.0988.333
catalog number
1986.0988.333
accession number
1986.0988
This hefty turquoise handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case, keyboard, keys, and screen.It fits in a black plastic, cloth-lined, zippered sleeve.
Description
This hefty turquoise handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case, keyboard, keys, and screen.It fits in a black plastic, cloth-lined, zippered sleeve. It has an array of ten digit keys with a decimal point key, four keys for arithmetic operations, a total key right of these, a clear key, and a percentage key. A red button above the 7 key apparently allows one to switch between floating point arithmetic and dollars and cents. Above the keys are an on/off switch and a switch between the AC adapter and the battery. (The example presently has no adapter and no battery.) Behind this is an eight-digit green-tube display. A mark behind the display reads: Bohn Instant. On the back is a two-prong plug for an adapter. The back has two plastic feet and, at the base, a compartment that would hold five batteries.
A silver-colored sticker on the back reads: BOHN REX-ROTARY (/) MODEL-BOHN INSTANT (/) VOLTAGE-7.5 VOLTS, D, C, POWER-1.5 V. A. (/) SERIAL NO. 3715751-A (/) SERVICE CENTERS (/)475 S. DEAN ST. (/) ENGLEWOOD N. J. 07631. A second service center has address: 121 PALM ST. (/) ALHAMBRA CAL 91801. A mark on the back reads: MADE IN TAIWAN.
The Bohn Duplicator Company had distributed Danish adding machines and Rex-Rotary duplicating machines. For an example of one of the adding machines, see 1995.0018.01.
The date of about 1972 for the Bohn Instant is given by Ball and Flamm.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 34.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
ID Number
1986.0988.367
catalog number
1986.0988.367
accession number
1986.0988
This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys. This includes ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, two memory keys, and a clear entry/clear key.
Description
This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys. This includes ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, two memory keys, and a clear entry/clear key. Above is an on/off switch and behind this an eight-digit LED display. A mark behind it reads: Radio Shack. A jack for a power adapter is on the right side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for a nine volt battery. A sticker below this reads:
CAT. NO 65-611 (/) MODEL EC-241 (/) Radio Shack (/) A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION (/) DC 9V (/) FOR 120V AC OPERATION (/) USE AC ADAPTER 65-731 (/) SERIAL No. 124917. It also reads: 8A6 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN.
Reference:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1977 Catalog No. 276 , p. 152, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com. The price listed is $4.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.042
catalog number
1986.0988.042
accession number
1986.0988
This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The bottom row of keys also has a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, and a percentage key. An on button and an off button are above the keyboard. Left of these, a mark reads: Unisonic (/) LC 223 CK. Left of this is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic LC223 CKB (/) 1.5V BATTERY x 2 PCS (/) EVEREADY BATTERY NO189 (/) SERIAL NO. 7294327 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. Unscrewing two screws in the back makes it possible to change the two tiny Toshiba batteries. A mark on the circuit board reads: 102P. A mark on the chip reads: W5.
Compare 1987.0988.322.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
No advertisements found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1982
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1987.0435.14
catalog number
1987.0435.14
accession number
1987.0435
This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The bottom row of keys also has an off key, an on/clear entry/clear key, and a percentage key. A mark above the keyboard reads: Unisonic (/) LC 222. Left of this is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic LC222C MADE IN TAIWAN. Unscrewing two screws in the back makes it possible to change the two tiny batteries (no batteries in this example), According to the instructions, one should “use quality alkaline batteries such as Maxell [sic] SR 1130. You can expect to get about 1000 hours of continuous operating time for batteries.” A mark on the circuit board reads: LSIT6014 (/) LCD 3001.
The calculator has a cloth case that also includes the instruction leaflet. It has the title Unisonic LC-222 Ultra Thin LCD Calculator.
Compare 1987.0435.14.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
References:
Instruction leaflet.
[Advertisement], Hartford Courant, December 7, 1980, p. Q10. LC 222 and LC 272 calculators both on sale for $8.99, regularly $11.99.
[Advertisement]. Los Angeles Times, March 8, 1981, p. SG5. LC 222 calculator on sale for $8.90, regularly $10.90. Neither of these advertisements mentions the LC 222C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1981
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.322
catalog number
1986.0988.322
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. To the right of the ten digit keys, decimal point key, and total key is a column of four function keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. To the right of the ten digit keys, decimal point key, and total key is a column of four function keys. Right of these is a column with a clear/clear entry key, a percentage key, and two memory keys. The power switch is above this column. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. Marks behind this read: ENTERPREX (/) Model-Z50.
A battery compartment is at the top of the back of the calculator. A sticker below this gives “CALCULATION EXAMPLES.” It is marked in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 28923 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN (/) (R.O.C.).
The calculator is stored in a black plastic sleeve, which in turn fits into a cardboard box. A mark on the box give a price of: 599. Also in the box are an instruction leaflet, a warranty, and a warranty for a Casio pocket-mini calculator.
No advertisements found.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 71.
Vintage Technology website, accessed June 18, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
distributor
Enterprex
ID Number
1986.0988.250
catalog number
1986.0988.250
accession number
1986.0988
This credit card-sized battery-operated handheld electronic calculator has a maroon and gold-colored metal case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys.
Description
This credit card-sized battery-operated handheld electronic calculator has a maroon and gold-colored metal case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys, it has an off key, an on/clear, a square root key, a % key, and a clear entry key. The LCD display is behind the keyboard. A mark in front of it reads: Nobility. A mark on the back reads: Made in Taiwan.
A larger calculator that uses the same Nobility logo is 1986.0988.259.
Nobility is most probably a trade name rather than a maker's name.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980
maker
Nobility
ID Number
1986.0988.263
catalog number
1986.0988.263
accession number
1986.0988

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