Radio Shack EC-21 Handheld Electronic Calculator, Blackjack

Radio Shack EC-21 Handheld Electronic Calculator, Blackjack

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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
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
date made
1978
maker
Tandy Corporation
place made
Taiwan
Physical Description
metal (case; circuitry material)
plastic (keys; trim material)
paper (sticker material)
Measurements
overall: 1/2 in x 3 1/4 in x 5 5/8 in; 1.27 cm x 8.255 cm x 14.2875 cm
ID Number
1986.0988.048
catalog number
1986.0988.048
accession number
1986.0988
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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