Object Details
maker
Lloyd's Electronics
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic case and twenty upward-sloping plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a clear key, and a decimal point key; it has four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a percentage key, and two memory keys. Text above these keys reads: LLOYD’S ACCUMATIC 200. Above this are an on/off switch, a two/decimal point/floating decimal point switch, and a memory +/ memory – key. Behind this is an eight-digit blue fluorescent display. The display cover has molded into it the words ERROR on the left and MINUS on the right. A jack for a power adapter is on the back edge.
The back of the case has a compartment for four batteries. It has no sticker indicating the model number or place of manufacture. Ball and Flamm give a place of manufacture of Mexico.
The calculator has a black zippered plastic carrying case stamped: JAPAN. It may not have originally come with the device.
The instrument sold in 1973 for $99.95. A 1974 advertisement gives a price of $49.88.
According to trademark records, Lloyd Trade Company of Los Angeles, California, began selling radio equipment, tape recorders and amplifiers under the Lloyd’s name in late 1959. Its business expanded to include phonographs, headphones, speakers, and, from 1972, desktop electronic calculators. By that time the name of the firm had changed to Lloyd’s Electronics, Inc., and headquarters had moved to Compton, California. In 1973, chairman and co-founder Alvin Tannebaum was removed from office by the directors and replaced by Abraham Zagha. That same year, the firm introduced a handheld calculator using chips manufactured by Rockwell. It opened a new plant in Toronto in 1974, but apparently soon shifted production to the Far East. Company headquarters soon moved to Edison, New Jersey.
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, July 13, 1973, p. 11. The “mini calculator with a memory” sold for $99.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 26, 1974, p. G6.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 90.
“Chairman of Lloyd’s Fights to Keep Post,” Los Angeles Times, November 8, 1973, p. C22.
“Lloyd’s Gets Injunction to Bar Chief,” Los Angeles Times, November 14, 1973, p. D15.
“Lloyd’s Opens New Plant in Canada,” Los Angeles Times, January 20, 1974, p. F32. Firm to operate as Lloyd’s Electronics, Ltd. This expansion doubled the size of the existing Toronto plant.
U.S. Trademarks No. 72151067 (filed August 13, 1962, registered September 17, 1963); No. 72428935 (filed July 3, 1972, registered September 17, 1973); and No. 73059426 (filed August 1, 1975, registered November 15, 1977).
[Advertisement], New York Times, March 3, 1974, p. 137.
“News of the Realty Trade,” New York Times, July 6, 1975, p. 168.
“Alvin Tanenbaum, 63, Electronics Executive,” New York Times, June 26, 1991, p. D23.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1973-1974
ID Number
1986.0988.218
catalog number
1986.0988.218
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Physical Description
plastic (case; display cover; keys; carrying case material)
metal (keyboard; circuitry material)
Measurements
overall: 7/8 in x 3 1/4 in x 5 3/4 in; 2.2225 cm x 8.255 cm x 14.605 cm
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1305748