Montgomery Ward P800 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a black and tan plastic case, a metal keyboard, and eighteen square plastic "Klixon" keys. These keys embody 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 and another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a D key for recalling the display (it turns off after a few seconds), a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is behind the keyboard. A tag next to it reads: MONTGOMERY (/) WARD electronic P800.

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 two rubber feet. A sticker pasted there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom reads: Model No. TXI8642A (/) Serial No. 37B-036227 (/) DISTRIBUTED BY MONTGOMERY WARD & CO., INC. (/) CHICAGO, ILL. 60607.

Compare Radio Shack EC-200 (1988.0988.035) as well as 1986.0988.099 (the Commodore Minuteman 1), 1986.0988.098 (the Commodore Minuteman 2) and 1988.0988.129 (the Bowmar 901B). The calculator was made for Montgomery Ward by Texas Instruments.

References:

Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 103.

Online Datamath Calculator Museum, accessed August 29, 2014.

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