Object Details
- Bowmar/Ali
- Description
- This four-function handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case, and an array of ten digit keys and a decimal point key, all black. In addition, it has memory, percentage, clear/clear entry, and total keys, as well as four arithmetic function keys, all of these are blue. The on/off switch is to the right on the top row of keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A black plastic cover fits over the keyboard and display. A mark behind the display reads: Bowmar. A sticker behind this reads: MEMORY. A plug for the power supply is on the right.
- The back of the calculator has a case for three AA batteries at the top. A sticker at the bottom reads: MODEL MX35 SERIAL (/) NUMBER 144885 (/) Bowmar/ ALI Inc. Acton, Mass (/) Patent Pending. A stamp on this sticker reads: ASSEMBLED (/) IN MEXICO.
- Compare 1986.0988.206.
- Bowmar introduced a calculator in 1971, and had successful sales in 1972 and 1973. Assembly began in Mexico in mid-1974. The company went bankrupt in February 1975 and stopped building calculators in the middle of that year. By 1976 distribution of Bowmar calculators had been taken over by Continental Microsystems.
- An advertisement in the New York Times in September 1974 indicates that the Bowmar MX35 was then on sale for $54.95. An advertisement in the Chicago Tribune December 7, 1975, describes a buyout sale in which the Bowmar MX35 sold for $29.99, below the original dealer's cost of $45.50.
- References:
- Chicago Tribune, December 7, 1975, p. 30.
- New York Times, September 17, 1974, p. 7.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of John B. Priser
- 1974-1975
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.207
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.207
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Object Name
- electronic calculator
- Physical Description
- plastic (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 7/8 in x 2 3/4 in x 5 3/4 in; 2.2225 cm x 6.985 cm x 14.605 cm
- place made
- Mexico
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Computers
- Computers & Business Machines
- Handheld Electronic Calculators
- National Museum of American History
- Record ID
- nmah_1305729
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ae-1789-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
