Sanyo ICC-811 Desktop Electronic Calculator

The Japanese firm of Sanyo Electric Works, established near Osaka in 1947, had a variety of early consumer electric products, ranging from bicycle generator lamps to transistor radios to color televisions to air conditioners to tape recorders. It sold portable electronic calculators from about 1970 into the 1980s. This early Sanyo “mini calculator” is in the general shape of a transistor radio. It has a plastic case, a metal and plastic handle, a metal keyboard, and seventeen round plastic keys. The keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear constant key, and a clear all key. To the left of the keys are a constant switch and an on/off switch. Above these is an eight-digit gas discharge display with an extra space for an overflow/negative number indicator.

A cord that plugs into a wall outlet is attached to the top of the calculator. A hinged handle attaches to the sides and can turn down to serve as a stand when the calculator is placed on a table.The back of the calculator has four rubber feet. A tag at the center of the back reads: SANYO MODEL ICC-811 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) AC 120V, 50/60Hz. 4W (/) SERIAL NO. 77007050 T (/) SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. (/) MADE IN JAPAN.

References:

[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 26, 1972, p. C6. A calculator very similar to this object, sold as the Sanyo 811D, was offered for $99.88. The advertisement indicates that the previous price was $159.

[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 22, 1973, p. E7. The ad announces that the Sanyo 811 eight-digit calculator sold for $98.88.

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