overall: 1 1/2 in x 3 in x 5 in; 3.81 cm x 7.62 cm x 12.7 cm
Object Name:
electronic calculator
Other Terms:
electronic calculator; Handheld
Place made:
China: Hong Kong
Date made:
1974-1975
Description:
This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case with a metal band around the edge and a metal plaque on the back. It has square plastic keys that are indented at the middle (going from top to bottom). In addition to an array of ten digit keys and a decimal key, the calculator has keys for four arithmetic functions, a total key, a constant key, a red cancel key, and an on/off switch.
A tag above the keyboard reads: calfax 800CD. Behind the tag is an eight-digit red LED display.
The metal plaque on the back has an “Operating Outline” printed on it. This includes a mark at the bottom: Made in Hong Kong.
The socket for the AC adapter is on the left side at the top. This example has no adapter. Rotating a screw at the base of the plaque opens a battery compartment which would hold a nine-volt battery. A sticker above the battery compartment reads in part: Serial No. 65780.
A paper instruction booklet received with the calculator indicates that if the calculator fails to function correctly outside the country of purchase, it should be returned to Supertronic Ltd., 180 Connaught Rd. West, 12th Flr., Hong Kong.
The "calfax" mark on the calculator is in the form of a trademark reportedly first used in commerce in 1972, filed in the United States January 1973, and registered in September 1975. No trademark registration is indicated on this example.
The Calfax 800CD was advertised as a lure for depositors at an Ohio bank in February 1974. Customers depositing $400 could purchase it for $38.50, with the adapter an additional $3.50. A deposit of $10,000 brought the price down to $19.50. By October of 1975, the device was listed in a newspaper advertisement as having an original price of $24.95 and on sale for $10.88, with an additional $2.99 for the adapter.
References:
<I>The Columbus Telegraph</I>, February 1974, p. 6.
<I>Canton Observer and Eccentric</I>, October 16, 1975, Section A.
<I>Calculator Operating Manual and Guarantee Calfax 800 CD</I>.
