Caprice MC11 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This “ultra-slim” handheld electronic calculator has a metal case with plastic trim and an array of brown plastic keys. It is roughly the size of a credit card. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a decimal point key, a percentage key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, a total key, an off key, an on/clear key, and a clear entry key. The eight-digit liquid crystal display is behind the keyboard to the left. A mark right of the display reads: *MINI CARD MC11 (/) AUTO POWER OFF. A sticker left of the keyboard reads: Caprice (/) Executive. A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Caprice Executive (/) DC 2x1.5V – 0.0006W (/) SILVER OXIDE BATTERY (/) MADE IN HONG KONG.

Unscrewing the back of the case reveals two squat Toshiba batteries and a flat circuit board. A mark on the chip reads: W9. A mark on the back of the display reads: S C LCD-810SE. A sticker on the back of the circuit board reads: QC 5 (/) PASSED. It has a stylized T at the center.

The calculator fits in a leather pouch with a paper leaflet of instructions. The instructions are in English, German, and French. No maker’s name is indicated on the pouch or instructions.

An advertisement in the Spokane Daily Chronicle for July 23, 1979, lists this “new, executive model” as selling for $12.88. The Caprice, described as a “business card” calculator, was advertised in the Syracuse Herald Journal December 15, 1981, as available for $6.99. It was also advertised in the Syracuse Herald-American on January 24, 1982.

References:

Spokane Daily Chronicle, July 23, 1979.

Syracuse Herald-American, January 24, 1982.

Syracuse Herald Journal, December 15, 1981, p. 6.

Currently not on view