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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Craig 4508 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal plastic case and an array of black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit keys and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition and another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a percentage key, a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is behind the clear key and the ten-digit red LED display is behind this. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.) A mark between the keyboard and the display reads: CRAIG.
- The back has four plastic feet. It has no battery compartment. A metal plate gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom of the plate reads: CRAIG 4508 (/) SER. 101874 (/) CRAIG CORPORATION COMPTON, CALIF. 90220 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. A tag at the bottom covering the screws reads: REMOVAL VOIDS WARRANTY.
- According to an advertisement in the Chicago Tribune, the Craig 4508 was manufactured by Bowmar and sold by Bowmar as the MX-80.
- Compare to 1987.0435.24, which has a very similar design but a smaller display.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 64.
- Chicago Tribune, November 7, 1973, p. 16. Advertised as made by Bowmar and sold by Bowmar as the MX-80. The Craig 4508 sold for $105.88. Rechargeable with a percentage key.
- Los Angeles Times, February 1, 1974, p. OC_B5. Craig 4508 advertised as having been marked down from an original $139.95 to $99.95 to a present price of $84.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1973-1974
- distributor
- Craig Corporation
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.145
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.145
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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National Semiconductor Quiz Kid Speller, Electronic Game
- Description
- This electronic toy was designed, in the language of a March, 1980, advertisement, to teach children spelling “painlessly.” It has a gray plastic case, and twenty-nine rectangular plastic keys. These include twenty-six rectangular letter keys, a start key, a next key, and an erase key. A switch at the center of the top row of keys can be set on spell, learn, or game mode. Above this are a green light, a two-place LED display, and a red light. A sticker above this reads: NSC National Semiconductor. An on/off switch is on the left side and a jack for a power adapter on the back edge.
- A battery compartment that opens from the back would hold four batteries. A number on the inside of the lid reads: 102958. A sticker on the outside of the lid reads: NSC National Semiconductor (/) WEST JORDAN, UTAH 84084 (/) QuizKid SPELLER (/) ASSEMBLED IN HONG KONG. The toy came with a game book that gave pictures of preprogrammed words. In learn mode, a child gives the first letter of a word. In spell mode, the child spells the entire word. In game mode, a teacher or parent gives a word to be spelled.
- Compare the Little Professor made by Texas Instruments (see 1986.0988.197), as well as the Whiz Kid (1986.0988.307) and the Quiz Kid Racer (1988.0988.236).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 27, 1980, p. C4. The toy sold on sale for $14.99.
- Montgomery Ward, Christmas Catalog, 1978, p. 290. The catalog lists Quiz Kid Speller as on sale for $24.88 plus case, batteries, and AC adapter. Quiz Kid Racer also was offered for a price of $19.99 plus extra for a case.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1978-1980
- maker
- National Semiconductor Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.235
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.235
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Unisonic 1040-1 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913. A form for calculating these taxes known as the 1040 was introduced soon thereafter, and was widely known by American workers by the 1970s. Hence the name of this calculator.
- The handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-seven rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, five memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. The only difference of the Unisonic 1040-1 from the Unisonic 1040 is the GPM memory key.
- Right of the top two keys is an on/off switch. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1040. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display.
- A power jack is along the back edge.
- A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. A mark on it reads: 1040-1. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 440963 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
- Compare five examples of the Unisonic 1040 – 1986.0988.110 (the 1040), 1986.0988.291 (the 1040-1), 1986.0988.292 (the 1040-AT), 1986.0988.109 (the 1040-C) and 1986.0988.108 (the 1040-C). The keys are not identical.
- References:
- For a timeline of historical events relating to personal income taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
- [Advertisement], Morning Herald [from Hagerstown, Maryland], November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1040 for $22.96.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, Septrmber 1, 1977; p. I2. Unisonic 1040 selling for $10.96, regularly $13.96.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.291
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.291
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Toshiba LC-850M Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact handheld electronic calculator is in the shape of a ruler. It has a metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, and a clear key. The eight-digit liquid crystal display is to the left of the keyboard. Text below the display reads: LIQUID cRYSTAL LC-850M (/) TOSHIBA. Tight of this is an on/off/lock switch. The back of the calculator has a clip such as would fit over the edge of a pocket. No serial number found.
- References:
- According to the www.datamath.org website, as well as the www.calcuseum.com website (both accessed December 4, 2014), this calculator was introduced in 1978, in response to the Texas Instruments TI-1700 dataclip calculator.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1978
- maker
- Toshiba Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.338
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.338
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Hewlett-Packard HP-33E Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This programmable handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and thirty rectangular plastic keys. The model was introduced in May of 1978 and sold through 1982. Most keys take on different meanings if the gold "f" shift key or the blue "g" shift key is pressed. The calculator has limited programming capabilities, but no device for storing instructions from one session to the next. Behind the keyboard are an on/off switch, a program/run switch, and a ten-digit LED display. A mark on the front edge reads: hp HEWLETT • PACKARD 33E.
- The socket for the battery adapter is along the top edge. The battery compartment is at the top of the back. The back also has four rubber feet. Text on the back reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 1933A74736. Another mark reads: MADE IN (/) U.S.A. The first four digits of the serial number indicate that the calculator was made in the thirty-third week of 1979.
- The calculator has a brown and black zippered case.
- This machine was a replacement for the HP-25. The series included the HP-31E, the HP-32E, the HP-33E, the HP-33C, the HP-34C, the HP-37E, the HP-38E and the HP-38C. Compare 1987.0435.09 (an HP-25) and 1987.0435.10 (an HP-33C).
- A September, 1978, advertisement lists the price of the calculator as $84.95. Mier-Jedrzejowicz gives a price of $100. An October, 1982, advertisement gives a sale price of $64.50.
- References:
- W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 56–58, 132.
- David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org/, accessed July, 2014.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 16, 1978, p. SD B9.
- [Advertisement], New York Times, October 3, 1982, p. 66.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1979
- maker
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.11
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.11
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unitrex CB-8SL Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator is designed to fit into a checkbook (this example has no wallet). It has a plastic front, circuit board, and keys. The twenty-three rectangular keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key (that can also serve as a memory exchange key), a percentage key (that can serve as a square root key), a total key, four arithmetic function keys (one of which can also serve as a squaring key and another as an inverse key), four memory keys, a clear entry/clear key, and a function/clear function key. The on/off switch is left of the three keys in the top row. There is space for six AAA batteries but no battery jack.
- A sticker on the back of the calculator circuit board reads in part: UNITREX MODEL CB-8SL ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads in part: SERIAL NO. 94456 (/) HONG KONG
- Compare Unitrex CB-8SL (1986.098.161) and Novus Attache (1986.0988.227).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Eastern Progress, April 28, 1977, p. 8. Unitrex CB-8SL on sale for $17.99, regularly $19.99.
- [Advertisement], Sedalia Democrat [Sedalia, Missouri], October 26, 1977, p. 36. Unitrex slide rule checkbook calculator selling for $9.99.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1977
- maker
- Eiko Business Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.161
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.161
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
National Semiconductor Novus 822M Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic case, a black keyboard, and twenty-two rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a clear entry/clear key, four arithmetic function keys, and a total key; it has a display key, a constant key, a % key, and two memory keys. The on/off switch is next to the top two keys. Behind this is an eight-digit LED display. A mark behind this reads: NOVUS (/) 622M. A jack for a power adapter is on the left side.
- The top of the calculator has a compartment for a battery that opens at the back. Below this is a sticker marked in part: NOVUS 822M. It gives operating instructions. Further text at the bottom reads: NOVUS – Consumer Products from (/) National Semiconductor Corporation (/) Made in U.S.A. It also reads: Serial No. (/) 1000115.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, April 8, 1975, p. C4. Novus 822M sold for $29.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975
- maker
- National Semiconductor Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.225
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.225
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic 1511L Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and black plastic case and an array of twenty square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a percentage key, a change sign key, an exchange key, and a clear entry/clear key. Above these is the on/off switch. Behind this is an eight-digit red LED display. A mark at the back reads: Unisonic 1511L.
- A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. At the top of the back is a compartment for two AA batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 179397. A sticker near the base of the back reads in part: Remove batteries if unit unlikely (/) to be used for more than 7 days. (/) Made in Hong Kong.
- Compare 1986.0988.245 and 1981.0922.06 (both examples of the Unisonic 1511L).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, July 29, 1976, p. OC_B9. On sale for $8.99.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1976
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.245
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.245
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Canon Palmtronic LC-2 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This slim handheld electronic calculator has a silver-colored brushed metal case on the front with plastic edging and back. It has an array of ten digit keys and a decimal point key. Above these are clear, clear indicator, and three memory keys. Immediately to the right are percentage, multiplication, addition, and sign change keys. Furthest to the right are square root, division, subtraction, and total keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. A mark behind this reads: Canon (/) Palmtronic LC. The on/off switch is slightly above this to the right.
- A sticker on the back reads: Canon (/) PALMTRONIC LC-2 (/) BM D.C. 4.5 V= 0.5mW (/) CANON INC. (/) NO. 628398 JAPAN (/) USE SILVER OXIDE BATTERRY 1.5Vx3. Below the sticker is a compartment for three squat cylindrical silver oxide batteries.
- The calculator fits in a brown plastic folder marked: Canon (/) Palmtronic LC. This also holds an instruction leaflet written in English, German, French, and Spanish. A number printed on the leaflet reads: 0377B100.
- A November 1976 advertisement for the Canon LC (not the LC-2) describes a similar calculator which had an AC adapter (this calculator does not). It sold for $34.99.
- Reference:
- Los Angeles Times, November 29, 1976, p. B6.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1977
- maker
- Canon, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.261
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.261
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sears 728.58850 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- 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 (actually two keys are rectangular bars). These include nine digit keys, zero and decimal point bars, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry key, and a clear key. A constant switch is left of the two topmost keys and an on/off switch is to the right of them. Behind the keyboard is a red eight-digit LED display. A mark at the top reads: Sears.
- A jack for a power adapter is on the right side. This example lacks an adapter.
- An "OPERATING OUTLINE" in raised characters on the back of the case gives instructions. A tag at the bottom reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NUMBER 728.58850 SERIAL (/) NUMBER 251587. It also reads: Made in U.S.A. Four screws hold the back of the case to the front.
- The calculator has a zippered plastic case with a belt loop at the top. Marks on the case read: Sears and: MADE IN (/) U.S.A. The case also contains a paper instruction manual.
- Compare 1986.0988.204 (the Bowmar 905 from 1972). Also compare 1986.0988.362, a Sears 728.58863.
- Reference:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, pp. 35–36, 136.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1973
- maker
- Sears, Roebuck and Co.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.361
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.361
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Cardco 3-bus Expansion Interface
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Cardco, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1987.0249.07
- catalog number
- 1987.0249.07
- accession number
- 1987.0249
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, Loyal Fan: PC Week
- Location
- Currently not on view
- ID Number
- 1987.3128.074
- nonaccession number
- 1987.3128
- catalog number
- 1987.3128.074
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, Guess Who Got Me Connected? Novell
- Location
- Currently not on view
- maker
- Novell, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1987.3128.202
- nonaccession number
- 1987.3128
- catalog number
- 1987.3128.202
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Burroughs Cash Register Model
- Description
- This manufacturer's model of a cash register has a metal case painted black and four columns of black and white digit keys. To the right of these is an operating bar and various function keys. At the left is a paper tape. At the top are indicator digits in an enclosed case. At the front are two rows of register wheels. A box below is in the shape of a cash drawer. The clearance key is on the right front.The machine has a black cord.
- This example is from the collection of the Patent Department of Burroughs Corporation. According to the accession file, it was an invention of Walter Pasinski. A patent case relating to it was abandoned March 5, 1953.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1950
- maker
- Burroughs Adding Machine Company
- ID Number
- 1982.0794.19
- catalog number
- 1982.0794.19
- accession number
- 1982.0794
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Apple Macintosh Mouse
- Description
- Invented in 1963, the mouse improved interactions with computers. However, not until 1984, when Apple Computers introduced the Macintosh and its graphical user interface, did the mouse become a standard computer component.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1984
- maker
- Apple Computer
- ID Number
- 1985.3011.01.1
- catalog number
- 1985.3011.01.1
- nonaccession number
- 1985.3011
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Commodore Minuteman 2 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and an array of square black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition, another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is below the keyboard. The text next to it reads: commodore (/) Minuteman 2.
- The eight-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.)
- The back has four plastic feet. A metal plate there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom reads: COMMODORE (/) MODEL MM-2 SER. NO. R216527 (/) SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
- This was one of the first models of a handheld calculator sold by Commodore. It was manufactured by Bowmar/Ali and is similar to the Bowmar 901B.
- Compare 1986.0988.099 (the Commodore Minuteman 1) and 1988.0988.129 (the Bowmar 901B).
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
- New York Times, December 19, 1972, p. 26. Advertisement indicates that the Minuteman 2 had a regular price of $179, sale price of $92.
- New York Times, February 13, 1973, p. 6. Minuteman 2 has a regular price of $179 and a sale price of $79.
- Los Angeles Times, February 22, 1974, P. A2 – Commodore MM2 calculator listed as on sale for $69.95, marked down from an original price of $99.50.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1972-1974
- distributor
- Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.098
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.098
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sanyo CX 1231 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The dark brown plastic case of this handheld electronic calculator has a metal inset around the display. The calculator has twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, a % key, a square root key, a change sign key, and three memory keys. The top row of keys also has the on and off keys. Behind this is an eight-digit LCD display. Text behind this reads: SANYO (/) CX 1231. There is no provision for a power adapter.
- The back has a compartment for two AA batteries. Text molded in the case reads in part: SANYO CX 1231 (/) INPUT: DC 3V (TWO “AA” SIZE BATTERIES) (/) POWER: DC 0.00012W (/) SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. BM (/) MADE IN JAPAN / FABRIQUE AU JAPON. A sticker below this reads: No 0086865.
- Reference:
- [Advertisment], Los Angeles Times, October 31, 1980, p. N8. Calculator on sale for $7.00.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980
- maker
- Sanyo Electric Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.180
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.180
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Bowmar MX55 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The handheld calculator has a black plastic case with ten digit keys, a decimal point 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. 91220(/) BOWMAR/ALI, 531 MAIN ST., ACTON, MA. Pat. Pend. (/) ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO.
- This example has no power supply, box, or instructions.
- This 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 MX55 sold in 1974 at a list price of $69.
- Compare 1986.0988.058 and 1986.0988.059.
- Reference:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, pp. 35–37.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- maker
- Bowmar/Ali
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.205
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.205
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Monteverdi E240 Handheld Electronic Calculator Sold by Lloyd's Electronics
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic case and twenty-five square plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key, it has a clear/clear entry key, a change sign key, a square root key, an exchange key, a percentage key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The power switch is above this. Text behind the keyboard reads: Monteverdi. Behind this is the eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A power jack is on the back edge.
- A compartment at the base of the back would hold four batteries. A sticker above this reads in part: Monteverdi 6V D.C. 300mW (/) MODEL E420 SERIES 255A. It then gives several examples for operating the calculator. Text below this reads: SERIAL NO. 6B-101471 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
- For further information about Lloyd’s Electronics, Inc., see 1986.0988.218.
- The name of Lloyd’s Electronics does not appear on this calculator. However, the company filed for two trademarks for the term Monteverdi, used for other electronic equipment, in 1975 and 1976. These were registered in 1977. The calculator also is very similar in style to Lloyd’s model E419 (1986.0988.217).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1976
- maker
- Lloyd's Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.264
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.264
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Invicta Electronic Master Mind Electronic Game
- Description
- By the late 1970s, some manufacturers designed electronic versions of popular board games. Israeli postmaster Mordecai Meirovitz displayed his design of the logic game later dubbed Master Mind at the 1971 Nuremberg Toy Fair, where the English firm Invicta Plastics purchased the rights. Invicta soon had a display of the game under production, receiving national and international recognition.
- The original board game Master Mind has two players, the codemaker and the codebreaker. The codemaker selects an arrangement of four balls from a choice of six colors, and arranges these in a compartment below the board. The codebreaker selects an arrangement of four balls, places it on the board, and learns how many balls are in the correct position and how many are the correct color but misplaces. Guessing again, the codebreaker can narrow his or her choices.
- In 1976 computer scientist Donald Knuth of Stanford University published analysis of the game in which he argued that the codebreaker could always succeed in five moves or fewer. The following year, Invicta released an electronic form of the game. The colored balls were replaced by an array of up to five digits (a code of 3, 4, or 5 digits could be set). These could be selected by the machine or entered by a codemaker. The vacuum fluorescent display not only shows up to five digits but has columns marked with a check mark and an X.
- In front of the display is an array of ten red digit keys for entering digits. Next to these is a column with SET, TRY, FAIL, and CLEAR keys. A mark behind the display reads: Invicta (/) ELECTRONIC MASTER MIND. A hole at the top is for a power adapter.
- Text at the bottom of the back reads: INVICTA [. . .] 1977 (/) PATENTS APP FOR (/) DESIGNED IN ENGLAND (/) MICROPROCESSOR – USA (/) MADE IN HONG KONG. A sticker on the inside of the battery case shows how two AA batteries are installed. Text at the bottom of this sticker reads: ERL 278309.
- A square of Velcro on the back of the calculator holds it to a plastic wallet. There is room for a pencil and score sheets, but this example lacks them.
- The black plastic cover is marked on the front: Invicta (/) ELECTRONIC (/) MASTER MIND.
- Mordecai Meirovitz applied for a German patent for a board game in 1979, received it that year, and assigned it to Invicta Patents. He applied for a similar patent in the United States the same year, received in 1980, and assigned it to Invicta Plastics. These patents are for a somewhat different aspect of Master Mind. They suggest that this example of Electronic Master Mind is from 1979-1980.
- References:
- Alexander, Ron, “Mickey, Teddy and Barbie Hold Court at the Toy Fair,” New York Times, February 17. 1978, p. 84. Alexander mentions that Invicta Plastics “will be introducing a hand-held Electronic MasterMind [sic.”
- Kelly, Amanda, “The Real Mr Mastermind [sic] Comes Out to Play,” The Independent, November 4, 1997.
- Knuth, Donald E. “The Computer as Master Mind,” Journal of Recreational Mathematics, 9 (1), 1976, pp. 1–6.
- Meirovitz, Mordecai, “Brettspiel,” German Patent No. DE7900843, May 23, 1979.
- Meirovitz, Mordecai, “Board Game,” U.S. Patent No. 4241923A, December 30, 1980.
- “Turned on toys,” Starlog Magazine, issue 23, June 1979, p. 12. Here Electronic Master Mind is discussed as a new toy.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1979-1980
- maker
- Invicta Plastics, Ltd.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.267
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.267
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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