Sharp EL-506 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator is the first model in a series of scientific calculators sold by Sharp under variations of the designation EL-506 (e.g. EL-506A, EL-506H, EL-506P, EL-506W, EL-506WBK). This particular calculator has a metal and plastic case and thirty-nine rectangular plastic keys. The four lower rows of keys are similar to those found on many calculators, with ten digit keys, a change sign key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys and a total key. The memory keys also can serve as keys for various statistical functions, as can two keys above them. The remaining keys represent a wide array of trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential and other functions, as well as a function key and an on/clear key. Above the keys is an on/off switch. A mark next to it reads: SHARP (/) Scientific calculator (/) EL-506. Behind this is a ten-digit LCD display.

The plastic back of the case has text that reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-506. It also reads: NO. 06188695 (/) SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM.

The calculator has a brown plastic wallet.

References:

[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 1, 1980, p. SD_A3. Sharp EL-506 advertised as selling for $24.95. Image is of this calculator.

[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, May 17, 1985, p. D20. Sharp EL-506 advertised as selling for $24.95. Image is of this calculator.

[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 3, 1989, p. AA38. Sharp EL-506 advertised as selling for $18.88. This is not the same as the calculator in the collections.

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