Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.
The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers


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Radio Shack EC-220 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This relatively inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has an array of eighteen rounded rectangular keys, labeled on the keyboard. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a clear entry/clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a % key, and a total key. A mark next to the top two keys reads: RS. The eight-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. A mark behind it reads: Radio Shack. A jack for a power supply is on the back edge. The on/off switch is on the left side.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment for a nine-volt battery. A sticker on the inside of this compartment reads: 20313D30-02. The calculator has four rubber discs that serve as feet. A sticker on the back reads in part: EC-220 Calculator (/) Catalog No. 65-604. Further text reads: RADIO SHACK A TANDY CORPORATION COMPANY (/) FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107. Further text reads: Assembled in Mexico. Another mark reads: Ser. No. (/) 267484.
- Compare Rockwell 8R (1986.0988.012).
- Reference:
- Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1976 Electronics Catalog , p. 116, accessed September 22, 2014, at .radioshackcatalogs.com. Calculator has a list price of $16.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1976
- maker
- Tandy Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.038
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.038
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bowmar Math Mate Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case with a charcoal-colored plastic keyboard and blue plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a decimal point key, a total key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a percent key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is right of the clear key. Behind these is an eight-digit LED display. A mark on the display reads: math mate. Another mark there reads: by Bowmar.
- The socket for the AC adapter is on the right side. The back of the calculator has a compartment for a battery as well as two rubber feet. The calculator has no serial number.
- The object and a sheet of instructions fit in a cardboard box. A mark on the back of the box reads: math mate by Bowmar (/) The first inexpensive calculator (/) good enough to be called Bowmar. (/) Fully featured (/) Quick and easy to operate (/) Full one year guarantee. Further text reads: Printed in USA. Another mark reads: Assembled in Mexico. A sticker attached to the back of the box reads: CONTINENTAL MICROSYSTEMS (/) P. O. Box 1964 (/) NOGALES, AZ. 85621l.
- Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems. A September 14, 1975, advertisement indicates that the Math Mate then was on sale for $14.77.
- Compare 1986.0988.106.
- References:
- William D. Smith, "Hand-Held Calculators: Tool or Toy?" New York Times, August 20, 1972, p. F7.
- George Lazarus, "Bowmar's calculators add up sales, potential," Chicago Tribune, June 27, 1973, p. E10.
- "Business Briefs," New York Times, August 28, 1974, p. 43.
- Leonard Wiener, "Pocket calculator industry in ferment," Chicago Tribune, September 23, 1974, p. C9.
- "Bowmar to drop its calculator line," Chicago Tribune, p. C9.
- Leonard Wiener, "Calculator's answers are right - it says so," Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1976, p. C11.
- Washington Post, September 14, 1975, p. 136.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.107
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.107
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Dataking LC-800 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- Early handheld electronic calculators used vacuum fluorescent or light emitting diode displays. The Dataking LC-800 was one of the first to use a liquid crystal display, reducing the power required for calculations. Rockwell International actually manufactured the calculator, a fact openly acknowledged in advertisements. The same calculator also sold as the Ibico 86 and the Lloyd’s 40.
- The calculator has twenty cream-colored rectangular keys with an on/off switch above the keyboard. In addition to ten digit keys, a clear key, a decimal point key, a percentage key, a total key, and four arithmetic function keys, there are two memory keys that are operated in conjunction with the arithmetic function keys. A mark next to the switch reads: DATAKING.
- At the back is the liquid crystal display, with a window behind it to illuminate the display. There is no provision for a power adapter as the calculator operated only on batteries.
- The bottom of the back has a compartment for two nine-volt batteries. A sticker above this reads: DATAKING LC-800 (/) DATAKING, INC. (/) DC 18V. (/) SERIAL NO. 145160 (/) assembled in MEXICO (/) primarily of UNITED STATES parts.
- Unscrewing four screws allows one to remove the back of the case. The circuit board covers the chip.
- References:
- [Advertisement], New York Times, May 12, 1974, p. 48. Calculator has a national introductory price of $59.95 and a suggested retail price of $99.95.
- [Advertisement], New York Times, June 2, 1974, p. B4.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, June 16, 1974, p. L4.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, August 13, 1974, p. E16.
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 66.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974
- maker
- Rockwell International
- Dataking, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.141
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.141
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 63R Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a tan, black, and brown plastic case with an array of twenty-five sloping plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a pi key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, an exchange key, and two parenthesis keys. The top row of keys includes a clear entry/ clear key, an EE (enter exponent) key, a change sign key, a function key, and an ARC key.
- Many of these keys have a different effect if the F or ARC key is pushed. Functions found in this way include inverses, exponents, powers, logarithms, square roots, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, conversion from radians to degrees, conversion from degrees to radians, and factorials. The calculator also has memory keys. Behind the keys are a degree/radian switch and an on/off switch. Behind the switches is a twelve-character display that shows results in scientific notation, including eight digits of the result, two digits of the exponent in base ten, and the sign of both the number and the exponent.
- A mark along the front edge reads: SCIENTIFIC SLIDE RULE 63R. A mark behind the eight-digit fluorescent display reads: Rockwell. A jack for a power cord is on the back edge. A sticker on the back gives operating procedures and reads in part: Rockwell (/) International Microelectronics Product Division (/) Anaheim, CA 92803. Further text reads: Calculator Model 63R (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. Further text reads: Ser [sic] (/) No. 174452.
- Compare the Radio Shack EC-490 (1986.0988.036). Also compare the Rockwell 61R (1986.0988.241).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 8, 1975, p. D6. Rockwell 63R advertised as selling for $99.95.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 4, 1975, p. A15. Rockwell 63R advertised as selling for $89.95, compared to $99.95 for the TI SR50A and $125.00 for the Hewlett-Packard HP21. Detailed comparison.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 4, 1975, p. A6. Rockwell 63R advertised as selling for $89.95.
- [Advertisement], Statesville (N.C.) Record and Landmark,May 12, 1975, p. 3. Rockwell 63R on sale for $99.95.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, July 1, 1976, p. B10. Rockwell 63R, regularly $69.95, on sale for $39.93.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975-1976
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.163
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.163
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sears CI 801.58000 Desktop Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This lightweight desktop electronic calculator has a turquoise and gray plastic case, an array of nine digit keys, and a zero bar and decimal point key below the digit keys. Keys for the arithmetic operations, a percent key, an equals key, and a cancel key are right of these. The liquid crystal display is behind the keys, and the power switch is on the side. The calculator has prongs for a cord but no cord. It has a clear plastic cover.
- A stamp on the bottom of the inside of the case reads: 111772.
- A mark above and behind the display reads: Sears C1. A sticker on the bottom reads in part: MODEL (/) NUMBER 801.58000 (/) CALCULATOR (/) # 142329. It also reads in part: ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
- Sears reportedly first sold an electronic calculator in 1972. An advertisement for the C1 appeared in the Boston Globe in January of 1973, listing the machine as on sale for $89.88, $10.07 off the usual price of $99.95. The ad indicates that the calculator had an eight-digit capacity.
- References:
- “Sears Catalog Geared to Special Customers,” Chicago Daily Defender, January 15, 1972, p. 16.
- [display ad], Boston Globe, January 21, 1973, p. A6.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1972
- maker
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.008
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.008
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 12R Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a dark brown plastic case, a cream-colored keyboard, and sixteen rounded rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has a clear entry/clear key, and four arithmetic function keys. Pushing the divide and then the multiply key allows one to take square roots.
- Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A mark behind the keyboard reads: Rockwell. A mark along the front edge reads: SQUARE ROOT 12R. The on/off switch is on the left side and the jack for a power adapter along the back edge.
- The back has a battery compartment at the top for a nine volt battery. A sticker below this gives operating examples. It also reads: Microelectronic Product Division (/) Rockwell International (/) Anaheim CA 92803 (Calculator Model 12R (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. Further text reads: Ser. (/) No. 144332.
- Compare 1986.0988.239 (the Rockwell 10R).
- References:
- [Advertisement], New York Times, June 29, 1975, p. 2. Rockwell 12R a giveaway with purchase of a printing Rockwell 82R calculator for $170.
- [Advertisement], Statesville (N.C.) Record and Landmark, May 12, 1975, p. 3. Rockwell 12R on sale for $29.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.014
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.014
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 9TR Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a green plastic case and eighteen rounded rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has a clear entry/clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, and a percentage key. A sticker above the keyboard reads in part: nheim. The on/off switch is on the left side. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. Text behind the display reads: Rockwell. A jack along the back edge would hold a power adapter.
- The back of the calculator has four feet and a compartment at the top for a nine volt battery. A sticker below this gives operating examples. Text near the bottom reads: Rockwell (/) International Microelectronics . . (/) Anaheim, CA . . . (/) Calculator Model 9TR (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. Further text reads: Ser. (/) No. 167898.
- According to Ball and Flamm, this model of a Rockwell calculator was especially manufactured for True Value Hardware stores. Compare the Rockwell 8R (1988.0988.12).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, August 15, 1975, p. 8. Model 9TR advertised by a True Value hardware store as on sale for $14.88.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 10, 1976, p. 19. Model 9TR advertised by a True Value hardware store as on sale for $7.99.
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 126.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975-1976
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.015
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.015
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bowmar MX55 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series of such calculators introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s. A LED (light-emitting diode) display manufacturer and defense contractor, Bowmar/Ali, Inc. (USA), found they could not sell their displays to Japanese electronic calculator makers. In 1970–71, Bowmar decided to design and manufacture portable calculators. Some were marketed by other companies, others, like this one, by Bowmar/Ali.
- The handheld calculator has a black plastic case with ten digit keys, a decimal key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a total key, a percentage key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is on the keyboard, the eight-digit display behind this. The plug for the power supply is on the right side. A mark at the top reads: Bowmar. It uses the Bowmar trademark registered in 1974.
- A sticker on the back of the calculator reads in part: Bowmar MX55 PERSONAL CALCULATOR (/) WITH OMNI-CONSTANT® REGISTER. It also reads in part: BOWMAR MODEL MX55 SERIAL NO. 170509 (/) BOWMAR/ALI, 531 MAIN ST., ACTON, MA. Pat. Pend. (/) ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.058
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.058
- accession number
- 1987.09886
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sears 728.5822 Handheld Electronic Calculator (Sears 5822)
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and eighteen square sloping plastic keys (two of which are rectangular). These include nine digit keys, a zero and decimal point bar, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key and a clear/clear entry key. To the right of the three uppermost keys is an on/off switch. A mark above the eight-digit LED display reads: Sears. A jack for a power cord is on the right side.
- At the top of the back of the case is a compartment for three AA batteries. A sticker at the bottom of the case reads: SEARS (/) MODEL (/) NO. 728.5822 SERIAL (/) NO. 308598. It also reads: ASSEMBLED (/) IN MEXICO.
- This calculator has a slot for a “wood-grained roll top” such as was used on some other Sears calculators of the era. It has no top.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, p. 136.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring and Summer 1975 [Catalog], 1975, p. 1094. A Sears 5822C electronic calculator, which looks very much like this one, is advertised as offered for $35.50.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.183
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.183
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Radio Shack EC-490 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The 1976 Radio Shack catalog advertised this handheld electronic calculator as “our finest scientific slide-rule calculator.” At a list price of $99.95, it was described as “a superb buy.” The calculator has a tan, black, and brown plastic case with an array of twenty-five sloping plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a pi key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, an exchange key, and two parentheses keys. The top row of keys includes a clear entry/clear key, an EE (enter exponent) key, a change sign key, a function key, and an ARC key.
- Many of these keys had a different effect if the F or ARC key was pushed. Functions found in this way include inverses, exponents, powers, logarithms, square roots, trigonometric functions, inverse trigonometric functions, conversion from radians to degrees, conversion from degrees to radians, and factorials. The calculator also has memory keys. Behind the keys are a degree/radian switch and an on/off switch. Behind the switches is a twelve-character vacuum fluorescent display that shows results in scientific notation, including eight digits of the result, two digits of the exponent in base ten, and the sign of both the number and the exponent. The back edge of the calculator has a jack for a power supply.
- A sticker on the back describes operating procedures. Text near the bottom reads: RADIO SHACK A TANDY CORPORATION COMPANY (/) FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107. Further text reads: Calculator Model EC-490 (/) Catalog Number 65-635 (/) Assembled in Mexico. A further mark reads: Ser. No. (/) 108809.
- The calculator has an imitation leather carrying case. Text on the front reads: Radio Shack.
- Compare this device to calculator 1986.0988.163, a Rockwell 63R.
- References:
- Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1976 Electronics Catalog , p. 117, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com.
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 121.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1976
- maker
- Tandy Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.036
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.036
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bowmar MX55 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator is one of a series devices introduced by Bowmar in the early 1970s. A LED (light–emitting diode) display manufacturer and defense contractor, Bowmar/Ali, Inc. (USA), found they could not sell their displays to Japanese electronic calculator makers. In 1970–71, Bowmar decided to design and manufacture portable calculators. Some were marketed by other companies, other, like this one, by Bowmar/Ali.
- The handheld calculator has a black plastic case with ten digit keys, a decimal key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a total key, a percentage key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is on the keyboard, the eight-digit display behind this. The plug for the power supply is on the right side. A mark at the top reads: Bowmar. It uses the Bowmar trademark registered in 1974.
- A sticker on the back of the calculator reads in part: Bowmar MX55 PERSONAL CALCULATOR (/) WITH OMNI-CONSTANT® REGISTER. It also reads in part: BOWMAR MODEL MX55 SERIAL NO. 210116 (/) BOWMAR/ALI, 531 MAIN ST., ACTON, MA. Pat. Pend. (/) ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
- The calculator is in a cardboard case marked: MX55 Five Function (/) Eight Digit Rechargeable Batteries (/) Electronic Calculator (/) The Bowmar Brains (/) Bowmar/ALI, Inc., 531 Main Street, Acton, Massachusetts 01720. The box holds not only the calculator but a black zippered sleeve marked: Bowmar. A power supply and an instruction booklet are also included.
- According to Ball and Flamm, the MX55 sold in 1974 at a list price of $69. A December 4, 1975 advertisement in the New York Times gives an initial price of $44.95 and a discount price of $17.00.
- Compare 1986.0988.058 and 1986.0988.205.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, pp. 35–37.
- New York Times, December 4, 1975, p. 16.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.059
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.059
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unicom 202/SR Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The calculator manufacturer Unicom was started by integrated circuit manufacturer American Microsystems, Inc., and purchased by Rockwell International in 1972. Rockwell would soon begin to sell calculators under its own name.
- This handheld electronic calculator is designed for scientific as well as arithmetic calculations. It has a tan plastic case and an array of twenty sloping square plastic keys. Symbols on the keys are for ten digits, a decimal point, four arithmetic functions, total, change sign, transfer, and clear. A twentieth key is marked F. Pushing it changes the meaning of the other keys to a function denoted above the key. The keys will then allow one to evaluate logarithms, exponents, powers, trigonometric functions, inverses, pi, and inverse trigonometric functions. Five keys serve various memory functions.
- The on/off switch is above the keyboard on the left. A switch on the right above the keyboard allows for entries of angles in degrees or radians.
- Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A jack for a battery charger is along the back edge.
- A compartment at the bottom of the back of the calculator holds four AA batteries. A sticker above it reads: 202 SLIDE RULE (/) Rechargeable NI-Cad Batteries. Use Unicom NI-Cad bat- (/) tery charger to recharge. Allow 7 hours for full charge. (/) Do NOT use battery charger with NI-CAD batteries re- (/) moved. Disposable Batteries: Use 4 AA alkaline batteries. Do NOT use battery charger with disposable batteries. (/) Unicom Systems (/) Rockwell International 192609-50 (/) UNICOM SYSTEMS, SUNNYDALE, CALIFORNIA 94086 (/) ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
- The calculator has a brown carrying case that has been cut so that it might be worn on a belt.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 13, 1973, p. C6. Scientific calculator for under $200 – cost $195.00.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 10, 1974, p. A9. Calculator advertised as on sale for $119.88.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, March 11, 1975, p. 6. Calculator advertised as having regular price of $109.95, sale price of $79.88.
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, pp. 165–166.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1973-1975
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.076
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.076
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bowmar Math Mate II Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case with a dark brown plastic keyboard and tan plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a decimal point key, a total key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, a percent key, and a clear/clear entry key. The on/off switch is right of the clear key. All of these keys were on the Math Mate. In addition, the Math Mate II has a key to turn the memory on and five keys that can do double duty as memory keys.
- Behind these is an eight-digit LED display. A mark on the display reads: math mate. Another mark there reads: by Bowmar.
- The socket for the AC adapter is on the right side. The back of the calculator has a compartment for a battery as well as two rubber feet. The calculator has no serial number.
- The object and a sheet of instructions fit in a cardboard box. A mark on the back of the box reads: math mate by Bowmar (/) The first inexpesive calculator (/) good enough to be called Bowmar. (/) Fully featured (/) Quick and easy to operate (/) Full one year guarantee. Further text reads: Printed in USA. Another mark reads: Assembled in Mexico. A sticker attached to the back of the box reads: CONTINENTAL MICROSYSTEMS (/) P. O. Box 1964 (/) NOGALES, AZ. 85621. A sticker on the other side of the box reads: math mateII (/) with (/) memory.
- Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems.
- A May 8, 1975, advertisement indicates that the Math Mate II regularly sold for $34.95 and was then on sale for $29.88.
- Compare 1986.0988.107.
- References:
- William D. Smith, "Hand-Held Calculators: Tool or Toy?" New York Times, August 20, 1972, p. F7.
- George Lazarus, "Bowmar's calculators add up sales, potential," Chicago Tribune, Jule 27, 1973, p. E10.
- "Business Briefs," New York Times, August 28, 1974, p. 43.
- Leonard Wiener, "Pocket calculator industry in ferment," Chicago Tribune, September 23, 1974, p. C9.
- "Bowmar to drop its calculator line," Chicago Tribune, p. C9.
- Leonard Wiener, "Calculator's answers are right - it says so," Chicago Tribune, June 16, 1976, p. C11.
- Chicago Tribune, May 8, 1975, p. 14.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.106
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.106
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Lloyd's E805 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic case, twenty roughly rectangular plastic buttons, and a plastic display cover. In addition to ten digit keys, a clear key, a decimal point key, two memory keys, and four arithmetic function keys, it has (although the labels are missing on this example) a percentage key and a total key. The on/off switch is behind the keys. Next to it a label reads: LLOYD’S (/) ACCUMATIC 40. Behind this is an eight-digit LCD display, with a window behind this to admit light. An owner's mark above the display reads: $5.00.
- At the base of the back is a battery compartment that would hold two batteries. A worn sticker above it reads: LLOYD’S ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) COMPTON, CALIF., U.S.A. (/) MODEL E805 CALCULATOR (/) SE. . . NO. 103220 (/) Assembled in MEXICO (/) Primarily UNITED STATES parts.
- For further information about Lloyd’s Electronics, Inc., see 1986.0988.218.
- Reference:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 16, 1974, p. 9. Calculator introduced for $59.95. Now selling for $29.99. Offered in Business Week and, under a different name, in The Wall Street Journal and in Forbes.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- maker
- Lloyd's Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.123
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.123
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sears 728.58821 Handheld Electronic Calculator (Sears 5882)
- Description
- This is a relatively early Sears handheld electronic calculator, manufactured by Bowmar/Ali.
- The calculator has a black plastic case with a plastic display window and seventeen square plastic keys with circular tops (two keys are rectangular bars). These include nine digit keys, zero and decimal point bars, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry/clear key, and a total key. An on/off switch is to the right of the two topmost keys. Behind the keyboard is a red eight-digit LED display. A mark at the top reads: Sears.
- A jack for a power cord is on the right side. This example lacks a cord.
- A sticker on the back gives instructions. It reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NO. 728.58821 SERIAL (/) NO. 103275. It also reads: ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO. Four screws hold the back of the case to the front.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, pp. 35–36, 136.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 13, 1974, p. B4. Calculator advertised as selling for $29.95. Ad states that in May of 1974, it sold for $59.99.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Fall 1973 Catalog, p. 920. This page has an advertisement for the model 5822C catalog, which looks very much like this one and sells for $58.95.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring through Summer 1974 [Catalog], 1974, p. 1025. A calculator with catalog model number 5822C, which closely resembles the Sears 728.58821, is offered for $58.95.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Fall and Winter 1974 [Catalog], p. 1264. This page has an advertisement for the model 5822C catalog, which looks very much like this one and sells for $39.50.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1973-1974
- maker
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.16
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.16
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sears 801.58770 Handheld Electronic Calculator (Sears 5877)
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator was described by its vendor as the “Sears Electronic Slide Rule.” It has an array of twenty-five sloping plastic keys. These may either perform the function indicated on the key or, if the f key is pressed first, perform a “secondary function” which is indicated above the key on the keyboard. With this combination of keys, the calculator performs not only the four arithmetic functions but computes natural and common logarithms and anti-logarithms, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, square roots, roots, powers for any real numbers, and reciprocals. The number pi may be recalled and there are five memory keys. An on/off switch and a degree/radian switch are behind the keyboard. A mark behind them reads: Sears Electronic Slide Rule. Behind this is an eight-digit fluorescent display with a sign indicator.
- At the base of the back is a compartment for four AA batteries. A sticker above this reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NUMBER 801.588770 (/) CALCULATOR (/) #194964. It also reads in part: ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
- The calculator has a plastic, cloth-lined carrying case marked on the front. Also in the case is a pamphlet entitled Sears Instruction Manual Sears Electronic Slide Rule Calculator. Compare the Rockwell 63R (1986.0988.163).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 18, 1974, p. I8. Calculator advertised as regularly priced at $119.99, on sale for $99.99.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 23, 1975. Calculator advertised as regularly priced at $98.99, on sale for $84.88.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, April 2, 1975, p. D2. Advertised as on sale for $79.98.
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, p. 135.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring through Summer 1974 [Catalog], 1974, p. 1023. Calculator with catalog model number 5877C, which closely resembles this one, offered for $168.95.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Fall and Winter 1974 [Catalog], 1974, p. 1262. Calculator with catalog model number 5877C, which closely resembles this one, offered for $168.95.
- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring and Summer 1975 [Catalog], 1975, p. 1095. A Sears 5877C electronic calculator, which looks very much like this one, is offered for $98.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974-1975
- maker
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.360
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.360
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 18R Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a dark brown and light tan plastic case and twenty rounded rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has a clear entry/clear key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a percentage key, and two memory keys. A mark above the keyboard reads: MEMORY. The on/off switch is on the left side. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. Text left behind the display reads: Rockwell. A mark scratched above this reads: WO305406. A jack along the back edge would hold a power adapter.
- The back of the calculator has four feet and a compartment at the top for a nine volt battery. A sticker below this gives operating examples. Text near the bottom reads: Rockwell (/) International Microelectronics Product Division (/) Anaheim, CA 92803. Further text reads: Calculator Model 18R (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. Further text reads: Ser [sic] (/) No. 144265.
- The calculator has a plastic carrying case marked on the front: Rockwell.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 4, 1975, p. A6. Rockwell 18R advertised as selling for $19.88.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, February 15, 1976, p. A12. Rockwell 18R advertised as selling for $13.88.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, February 11, 1977, p. C24. Rockwell 18R advertised as selling for $9.77.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975-1977
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.240
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.240
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 10R Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a dark brown plastic case, a cream-colored keyboard, and sixteen rounded rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has a clear entry/clear key, and four arithmetic function keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A mark behind the keyboard reads: Rockwell. A mark along the front edge reads:10R. The on/off switch is on the left side and the jack for a power adapter along the back edge.
- The back has a battery compartment at the top for a nine volt battery. A sticker below this gives operating examples. It also reads: Microelectronic Product Division (/) Rockwell International (/) Anaheim CA 92803 (Calculator Model 10R (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. Further text reads: Ser. (/) No. 184631.
- The calculator has a plastic carrying case marked on the front: Rockwell.
- Compare 1986.0988.014 (the Rockwell 12R).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, November 7, 1974, p. D16. Rockwell 10R advertised as selling for $29.95.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, May 30, 1975, p. A13. Rockwell 10R advertised as on sale for $18.00. Others charge $25.00.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974-1975
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.239
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.239
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 61R Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator was described by its maker as an “advanced slide rule.” It has an array of twenty-five sloping plastic keys. These may either perform the function indicated on the key or, if the F key is pressed first, perform a “secondary function” which is indicated above the key on the keyboard. With this combination of keys, the calculator performs not only the four arithmetic functions but computes natural and common logarithms and anti-logarithms, trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions, square roots, roots and powers for any real numbers, and reciprocals. The number pi may be recalled and there are five memory keys. An on/off switch and a degree/radian switch are behind the keyboard. Behind them is an eight-digit fluorescent display with a sign indicator. A mark behind it reads: Rockwell. A mark along the front edge reads: ADVANCED SLIDE RULE 61R.
- According to the instructions for the calculator, it has a sealed battery pack that is recharged by plugging a charger into a jack on the back edge of the calculator. This example lacks a charger. A sticker on the back gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom of the sticker reads: Microelectronics Product Division (/) Rockwell International (/) Anaheim, California 92803. Further text reads: Calculator Model 61R (/) Assembled in Mexico (/) U.S. and Foreign Parts. It continues: Ser [sic] (/) No. 139029.
- The calculator has a plastic, cloth-lined carrying case marked on the front: Rockwell. Also in the case is a pamphlet entitled The Answer Book Owner’s Manual for Rockwell Model 61R Advanced Slide Rule Electronic Calculator. It is copyrighted 1974.
- Compare the Rockwell 63R (1986.0988.163).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, September 23, 1974, p. A7. Rockwell 61R advertised as selling for $119.95.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 4, 1975, p. A6. Rockwell 61R advertised as selling for $69.95.
- [Advertisement], Statesville (N.C.) Record and Landmark,May 12, 1975, p. 3. Rockwell 61R on sale for $79.95
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, July 1, 1976, p. B10. Rockwell 61R, regularly $59.95, on sale for $28.83.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974-1975
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.241
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.241
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bowmar 90911 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This four-function handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and black keys. In addition to ten digit keys and a decimal point key, it has clear, total, clear entry, and four arithmetic function keys. The on/off switch is to the right on the top row of keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A black plastic cover fits over the keyboard and display. A mark behind the display reads: Bowmar. A plug for the power supply is on the right.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment for three AA batteries at the top. A sticker at the bottom reads: MODEL 90911 SERIAL (/) NUMBER 178970 (/) Bowmar/ ALI Inc. Acton, Mass. 01720 U.S.A. (/) Assembled in MEXICO Patent Pending.
- Compare 1986.0988.207, which has somewhat more functions but a similar design. For references on Bowmar, see 1986.0988.106.
- Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February of 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems.
- No advertisements for this particular model have been found.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974-1975
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.206
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.206
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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