By the mid-1970s, relatively inexpensive scientific calculators were available. Kings Point Corporation of Jersey City, New Jersey, distributed this Japanese-made machine. It has a black plastic case, a black metal keyboard, and an array of forty plastic keys. The four rows of square keys at the bottom include ten digit keys, a pi key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a power key, and two bracket keys. Above this is an array of rectangular function keys that take on two meanings according to whether or not a gold function key is pushed. The calculator offers a wide range of transcendental and statistical functions.
The red LED display behind the keyboard shows a mantissa of up to ten digits, an exponent of up to two digits, and the signs of the mantissa and exponent. It also has a light indicating whether radian or degree measures are in use and whether the calculator is charging.
A jack for recharging the battery pack and the on/off switch are on the back edge. This example has no battery pack and no power cord. A sticker on the front reads: Kings Point SC-60. A large sticker on the back gives instructions for operating and tending the calculator. Text reads in part: SC-60 (/) MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. Further text reads: Serial (/) Number 04761.
A 1975 advertisement listed the Kings Point SC-60 as on sale for $88.88. A 1977 advertisement gave a regular price of $59.95 and a sale price of $49.88.
Compare Kings Point scientific calculators 1986.0988.011, 1986.0988.298, 1986.0988.299, and 1986.0988.214.
A similar calculator sold as the Realtone SC-60.
References:
[Advertisement], Washington Post, November 27, 1975, p. E9. Kings Point SC-60 is advertised as on sale for $88.88.
[Advertisement], Science News, 11, #23, June 4, 1977, p. 367. Advertisement lists SC-60 as having a regular price of $59.95 and a sale price of $49.88. This model has “scientific and statistical functions.” The SC-40 is “fully scientific” and has a regular price of $39.95 and a sale price of $28.00. The SC-44F is also “fully scientific” and costs regularly $49.95, with a sale price of $28.00.
On the Realtone SC-60, see the bobscalculatorsandsliderules web site, accessed August 13, 2014.
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