Object Details
maker
Sharp Corporation
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a blue and white plastic case with twenty-two square keys with rounded corners. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a change sign key, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a percentage key, a square root key, a clear/clear entry key and two memory keys. The on/off switch is above the keyboard to the left. A tag beside it reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-8114. Behind it is an eight-digit display. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. A plastic loop for carrying the calculator extends from the left side.
The bottom of the back of the calculator has a compartment that holds four rechargeable or three non-rechargeable AA batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 51279388. Text further up on the back reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8114. It also reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM.
A mark scratched on the right edge of the calculator reads: DAVID SHINNEMAN LAKE FOREST (/) ILLINOIS. This calculator belonged to David Shinneman, who used it as a student at Lake Forest High School in Lake Forest, Illinois. Shinneman went on to attend Northern Arizona University from 1980 to 1984, did graduate work in Florida, and pursued a career in city planning.
Compare the Sharp EL-8005S (1986.0988.095).
References:
[Advertisement], Boston Globe, November 23, 1975, p. 48. Sharp EL-8114 on sale for $19.95.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, p. 140. This source also gives $19.95 as the 1975 price for calculator.
The website radaris.com, accessed October 21, 2014.
Personal communication, David Shinneman, October 22, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
ca 1975
ID Number
1986.0988.096
catalog number
1986.0988.096
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; display cover material)
metal (circuitry material)
paper (stickers material)
Measurements
overall: 7/8 in x 3 1/4 in x 5 1/4 in; 2.2225 cm x 8.255 cm x 13.335 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_334510