Object Details
distributor
Teal Industries
maker
Tokyo Electronic Application Laboratory Ltd.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys with rounded corners. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a percentage key, a square root key, a clear/clear entry key, and four memory keys. To the left in the top row of keys is an on/off switch. Text behind this reads: Auto Constant. Behind this is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. Text above this reads: Memory (/) TEAL 826. A jack for a power adapter is along the front edge of the calculator.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. Below this is a sticker that reads in part: TEAL 826 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads in part: NO 110874 (/) TEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. CARSON, CALIF. 90746 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
The calculator has a black plastic sleeve that serves as a carrying case.
TEAL calculators were made in Japan by Tokyo Electronic Application Laboratory Ltd. According to U.S. trademark records, the term "Teal" referring to electronic calculators was first used in commerce in 1972. Teal Industries Inc. of Carson, California, applied for a trademark for the term in 1977 and received registration in 1978.
References:
The calculator.org website (accessed December 1, 2014) says that the Teal 826 was introduced in 1975 with an original price of $49.95.
[Advertisement], San Antonio Light, May 17, 1977, p. 5. Teal 826 advertised as on sale for $12.47.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 7, 1977, p. M7. Teal 826 advertised as on sale for $9.88.
[Advertisement], Traverse City [Michigan] Record-Eagle, September 10, 1977, p. 30. Teal 826 advertised as regularly priced at $11.88, on sale for $9.88.
[Advertisement], The Register-Guard [Eugene, Oregon], August 17, 1978, p. 11B. Teal 826 advertised as on sale for $8.95, with an additional $2.59 for an AC adapter.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, January 14, 1979, p. V6. Teal 826 on sale for $8.88, regularly $10.99.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1976-1978
ID Number
1986.0988.080
catalog number
1986.0988.080
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; display cover; carrying case material)
metal (keyboard; jack material)
paper (sticker material)
possibly glass (display material)
Measurements
overall: 7/8 in x 3 in x 4 3/4 in; 2.2225 cm x 7.62 cm x 12.065 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_334494