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 eighteen square plastic keys with circular tops (actually two keys are rectangular bars). These include nine digit keys, zero and decimal point bars, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry/clear key, a total key, and a % 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 8.
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. 728.58863 SERIAL (/) NO. 160454. It also reads: Made in USA. Four screws hold the back of the case to the front.
The calculator has a zippered plastic carrying case with a belt loop at the top. Marks on the case read: Sears and: MADE IN (/) U.S.A.
Compare 1986.0988.362, a Sears 728.58850.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, pp. 35–36, 135.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, April 28, 1974, p. B6. The advertisement compares the Commodore Minuteman 3PR to other calculators, including the Sears 8. The Sears 8 is said to cost $59.88.
Sears, Roebuck and Company, Sears Spring through Summer 1974 [Catalog], 1974, p. 1025. A calculator with catalog model number 5886C, which closely resembles the 728.58863, is offered for $79.50.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
ca 1974
ID Number
1986.0988.362
catalog number
1986.0988.362
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; carrying case material)
metal (circuitry; zipper material)
paper (sticker material)
Measurements
overall: 1 1/2 in x 3 in x 5 3/4 in; 3.81 cm x 7.62 cm x 14.605 cm
place made
United States
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_1364149