Object Details
maker
Sharp Corporation
Description
This battery-operated handheld electronic calculator has a black and white plastic case and an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear/clear entry key, a memory key (for the total), a square root key, and a total key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit yellow LCD display. The on/off switch is behind the display on the right. A tag left of this reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL- 206.
At the top of the back is a compartment for a nine volt battery. A sticker inside it reads: 83283314. Text below the compartment reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-206. Further text reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM. Two U.S. patents listed as protecting the device have numbers 3902169 and 3976994. The second patent relates to liquid crystal displays. It was issued in 1977 and assigned to Sharp.
Compare 1986.088.315 (the EL-104). That calculator has an LED display and no memory.
References:
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 13, 1978, p. 10Y. The calculator is advertised as regularly priced at $9.95 and on sale for $6.97.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 9, 1978, p. R4. Calculator is on sale for $7.99.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, August 22, 1979, p. C3. Calculator is selling for $9.77.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1978-1979
ID Number
1986.0988.133
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.133
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys material)
metal (circuitry material)
Measurements
overall: 7/8 in x 3 in x 4 1/2 in; 2.2225 cm x 7.62 cm x 11.43 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
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_334547