Sharp EL-8117K Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a brown and white plastic case with a gold-colored metal inset. It has an array of twenty-two rounded square keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, three memory keys, a square root key, and a clear/clear entry key. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit green fluorescent display. A mark behind this reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-8117K. An on/off button is on the left side and a jack for a power adapter along the back edge.

At the top of the back of the calculator is a compartment for two AA batteries. A sticker on the inside of this compartment reads: 78104423. Text near the center of the back reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8117K. Further text reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN KOREA. A sticker below this lists patent numbers assigned by the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Italy. The most recent U.S. patent listed has number 3902169. It was issued in 1975 and assigned to Sharp.

The calculator is in a cardboard box with a cardboard sleeve that slides over it to serve as a cover. Also in the box are a plastic carrying case and a sheet of instructions.

References:

The calculator.org website, accessed October 22, 2014, dates this calculator to 1977. This is also the date given by the computinghistory.org.uk website.

[Advertisement], North Hills [Pennsylvania] News-Record, March 21, 1978, p. 7. Advertises calculator as regularly priced at $15.00, on sale for $10.00.

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