Universal Data Machine TKB 0001 Handheld Electronic Calculator
date: label: date made
content: ca 1972
name: label: maker
content: Universal Data Machine Corporation
notes: label: Description
content: This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored case and an array of eighteen "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition and another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a D key for recalling the display (it turns off after several seconds), a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The eight-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. An on/off switch and a socket for a cord for recharging the battery are at the top back. This example has no cord.
label: Description
content: The back has four plastic feet. A paper sticker there reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) MODEL TKB 0001 (/) SERIAL: A 05777 (/) VOLTS: 7.2V, DC (/) MFG. IN UNITED STATES BY (/) Universal Data Machine (/) Corporation (/) 4611 N. Ravenswood St. (/) Chicago, Ill. 60640.
label: Description
content: This is one of the earliest commercial handheld electronic calculators manufactured in the United States.
label: Description
content: Compare to the Bowmar 901B (1986.0988.129) and the Craig 4501 (1987.0435.25).
label: Description
content: References:
label: Description
content: Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, <I>The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators</I>, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 174. This source indicates that the calculator was advertised in late 1972 as selling for $99.95.
label: Description
content: [Advertisement], <I>Chicago Tribune</I>, July 18, 1972, p. 13. This advertisement gives a regular price of $179.95 and a sale price of $149.95.
label: Location
content: Currently not on view
place: label: place made
content: United States: Illinois, Chicago
setName: label: See more items in
content: Medicine and Science: Computers
label: See more items in
content: Computers & Business Machines
label: See more items in
content: Handheld Electronic Calculators
creditLine: label: Credit Line
content: Gift of John B. Priser
dataSource: label: Data Source
content: National Museum of American History
identifier: label: ID Number
content: 1986.0988.078
label: catalog number
content: 1986.0988.078
label: accession number
content: 1986.0988
objectType: label: Object Name
content: electronic calculator
label: Other Terms
content: electronic calculator; Handheld
physicalDescription: label: Physical Description
content: plastic (case; keys; display cover material)
label: Physical Description
content: metal (circuitry; keyboard material)
label: Physical Description
content: paper (sticker material)
label: Physical Description
content: rubber (feet material)
label: Measurements
content: overall: 1 1/2 in x 3 in x 5 1/2 in; 3.81 cm x 7.62 cm x 13.97 cm