Sharp EL-8131 Handheld Electronic Calculator

Description:

This handheld electronic calculator has a black and white plastic case and an array of twenty-five plastic keys. Twenty of these keys are square with rounded corners. They include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, clear and clear entry keys, and a square root key. The other five keys are rectangular memory keys (pushing one of these keys transfers a number into the memory).

Behind the keyboard is a green fluorescent display. Text above the display reads: SHARP EL-8131 SHARP (/) ELSI MATE / ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. A jack for a power adapter is on the back edge and an on/off switch on the left side.

The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. A paper sticker inside this compartment reads: 98397296. A mark below this reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8131. It also reads in part: SHARP CORPORATION BM (/) MADE IN KOREA. Also listed on the back is U.S. patent number 3571655. This patent was granted in 1971 and assigned to Sharp.

The calculator has a black leatherette carrying pouch with a metal snap. One side of the carrying pouch has a loop so that it could be worn on a belt.

References:

[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, August 14, 1977, p. H31. Sharp EL-8131 advertised as on sale for $12.95.

[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 29, 1978, p. B17. Sharp EL-8131 advertised as selling for $12.95.

Date Made: 1977-1978

Maker: Sharp Corporation

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Korea

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

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of John B. Priser

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1986.0988.132Accession Number: 1986.0988Catalog Number: 1986.0988.132

Object Name: electronic calculatorOther Terms: electronic calculator; Handheld

Physical Description: plastic (case; keys; display cover; carrying case material)metal (circuitry; snap material)Measurements: overall: 3/4 in x 3 in x 5 in; 1.905 cm x 7.62 cm x 12.7 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746af-2c90-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_334546

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