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Casio Memory A-1 Handheld Electronic Calculator

National Museum of American History

Object Details

Casio Computer Company
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a dark brown and cream-colored plastic case and a metal keyboard. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, and a total key, it has all clear, clear, square root, percentage, sign change, and three memory keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark behind this reads: CASIO MEMORY A-1 ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. The on/off switch is on the left side and a socket for an adapter is on the top edge at the left.
At the top of the back of the calculator is a compartment for a single battery. A sticker inside the compartment reads: 0237833. A mark on the back of the case reads: CASIO MEMORY A-1 (/) BATTERY SUPPLY 1.5Vx1 (/) or use AC ADAPTOR AD-1S (/) 0.12W (/) H-814 MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM CASIO COMPUTER CO. LTD.
Unscrewing a screw at the base allows one to fold open the case. This reveals a variety of electronic components, including a chip made by Hitachi and marked: HD3783 (/) 6G 41.
The calculator fits in a black plastic sleeve. A mark on one side of the sleeve reads: CASIO. A mark on the other side reads: MADE IN JAPAN.
Compare 1986.0988.026. Both calculators have the same number on the chip.
The website of Casio Corporation suggests that this calculator was introduced in 1974. However, the first advertisement found is from a March, 1977, issue of the Chicago Tribune. This lists the Casio Memory A-1 as on sale for $12.95. A March, 1978, advertisement in the same newspaper gives the same price.
References:
Casio Corporation website, with its museum.
Chicago Tribune, March 2, 1977, p. B8.
Chicago Tribune, March 19, 1978, p. J4.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
1977-1978
ID Number
1986.0988.331
catalog number
1986.0988.331
accession number
1986.0988
Object Name
electronic calculator
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; display cover; circuit boards material)
metal (circuitry; keyboard material)
glass (tube material)
paper (sticker material)
Measurements
overall: 3/4 in x 2 3/4 in x 4 1/2 in; 1.905 cm x 6.985 cm x 11.43 cm
place made
Japan
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
National Museum of American History
Record ID
nmah_1363800
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ae-7316-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
Casio Memory A-1 Handheld Electronic Calculator
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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