This handheld electronic calculator has a tan, black, and gray plastic case with seventeen plastic keys, fifteen of them square and two rectangular. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key it has four arithmetic function keys, a clear key, and a clear entry key. A mark behind the keyboard reads: MONTGOMERY (/) WARD electronic P8F. Behind this is an eight-digit LED display. A jack for a power adapter is on the back edge and a switch is on the left side.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for four AA penlight batteries. A sticker on the compartment cover gives operating instructions. It is marked in part: Model No. TXI-8644A (/) Serial No. 37X-0007883 (/) DISTRIBUTED BY MONTGOMERY WARD & CO., INC. (/) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60607. The back has four rubber feet.
The "TXI" in the model number indicates that the calculator was made for Montgomery Ward by Texas Instruments.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 101.
Online Datamath Calculator Museum, accessed August 29, 2014.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.