Object Details
maker
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Description
This is a relatively early Sears handheld electronic calculator, manufactured by Bowmar/Ali.
The calculator has a black plastic case with a plastic display window and seventeen square plastic keys with circular tops (two keys are rectangular bars). These include nine digit keys, zero and decimal point bars, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry/clear key, and a total key. An on/off switch is to the right of the two topmost keys. Behind the keyboard is a red eight-digit LED display. A mark at the top reads: Sears.
A jack for a power cord is on the right side. This example lacks a cord.
A sticker on the back gives instructions. It reads in part: IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING THIS ARTICLE ALWAYS MENTION (/) MODEL (/) NO. 728.58821 SERIAL (/) NO. 103275. It also reads: ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO. Four screws hold the back of the case to the front.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, pp. 35–36, 136.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 13, 1974, p. B4. Calculator advertised as selling for $29.95. Ad states that in May of 1974, it sold for $59.99.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Fall 1973 Catalog, p. 920. This page has an advertisement for the model 5822C catalog, which looks very much like this one and sells for $58.95.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Spring through Summer 1974 [Catalog], 1974, p. 1025. A calculator with catalog model number 5822C, which closely resembles the Sears 728.58821, is offered for $58.95.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Sears Fall and Winter 1974 [Catalog], p. 1264. This page has an advertisement for the model 5822C catalog, which looks very much like this one and sells for $39.50.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1973-1974
ID Number
1987.0435.16
catalog number
1987.0435.16
accession number
1987.0435
Object Name
electronic calculator
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; display cover material)
metal (circuitry material)
paper (sticker material)
Measurements
overall: 1 3/8 in x 3 in x 5 3/4 in; 3.4925 cm x 7.62 cm x 14.605 cm
place made
Mexico
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_214340