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Commodore GL-987R Handheld Electronic Calculator

American History Museum

Commodore GL-987R Handheld Electronic Calculator
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  • Commodore GL-987R Handheld Electronic Calculator
  • Commodore GL-987R Handheld Electronic Calculator
  • Commodore GL-987R Handheld Electronic Calculator, Back View

    Object Details

    distributor

    Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

    Description

    This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and exchange key, four memory keys, and a percentage key. The on/off switch is to the right of the top keys.Text below the keyboard reads: commodore. Text below eight-digit green fluorescent display reads: CUSTOM (/) GREEN LINE. Above the display are lights for indicating when the memory is on and when the battery needs recharging. Text above these reads: GL 987R. An outlet for a power adapter is on the right side of the calculator.
    Text on a sticker on the back cover reads in part: MODEL GL987R (/) Rechargeable Electronic Calculator. It includes explanation of the function keys. Additional text reads: Serial No. (/) 16342. Further text reads: Commodore Business Machines (/) Made in Japan.
    The calculator has a black plastic sleeve with a metal snap.
    Compare 1986.0988.127.
    References:
    Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
    Chicago Tribune, November 30, 1975, p. 17. Advertised as on sale for $18.99. Original price $29.88. Eight-digit green fluorescent display.
    Los Angeles Times, February 17, 1975, p. A10. “Price is the first problem out calculators solve for you.” GL987R advertised as on sale for $49.95.

    Location

    Currently not on view

    Credit Line

    Gift of John B. Priser

    date made

    ca 1975

    ID Number

    1986.0988.209

    catalog number

    1986.0988.209

    accession number

    1986.0988

    Object Name

    electronic calculator

    Physical Description

    plastic (case; keys; sleeve material)
    metal (circuitry; trim material)
    glass (tube material)

    Measurements

    overall: 1 in x 2 7/8 in x 5 1/2 in; 2.54 cm x 7.3025 cm x 13.97 cm

    place made

    Japan

    See more items in

    Medicine and Science: Computers
    Computers & Business Machines
    Handheld Electronic Calculators

    Data Source

    National Museum of American History

    Metadata Usage

    CC0

    Link to Original Record

    https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-f235-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

    Record ID

    nmah_1305732
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