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Lot #6168
UniCom Systems 141P Calculator, Featuring an Intel 4004 - Intel's First Microprocessor

Rare 1970s calculator featuring Intel’s first microprocessor

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Sold For $13,740

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Estimate: $10000+
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Description

Rare 1970s calculator featuring Intel’s first microprocessor

Rare UniCom 141P calculator, a groundbreaking piece of computing equipment as it used the Intel 4004, the first commercially available microprocessor by Intel. The unit measures 8˝ x 5.5˝ x 13˝ and has a serial number of "26KC260609." A label on the reverse also reads, "A 3081 01, 08/07/74." This example boasts the earliest type of Intel 4004, the white ceramic C4004 microprocessor with grey traces, labeled "C4004, 10069." The calculator is non-working and in very good to fine cosmetic condition, with some adhesive residue to the sides.

Introduced in 1972, the UniCom 141P is the OEM version of the Busicom 141-PF, the first consumer product to incorporate a microprocessor. Busicom, a small Japanese manufacturer of advanced electronic calculators, contracted with Intel in 1969 to design a set of integrated circuits for a line of programmable calculators. This spurred the invention of Intel's 4-bit microprocessor, the 4004, the following year. The complete chipset, known as the MCS-4, also includes the 4001 ROM, 4002 RAM, and 4003 Shift Register, all of which can be seen on the board of this UniCom 141P. Busicom held exclusive rights to these innovative chips until mid-1971, when Intel renegotiated their contract and regained control of the property. On November 15, 1971, Intel announced the availability of the first microprocessor chipset family, the MCS-4 micro computer set (all from the Busicom design) with an advertisement in Electronic News. A remarkable piece of the utmost significance in computing history.

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