Calculator Resources

The World Radio History site at https://worldradiohistory.com/ has many scans of periodicals covering the period of interest which have articles about old calcuators and advertisements for old calculators.

Where to find Vintage Calculators

Amazing bargains can be found at thrift stores, secondhand shops, junk stores, garage sales, car boot sales, etc.
Usually old calculators are very cheap at these places with no distinction between common models and rareties.
However, a lot of time can be spent searching before anything worthwhile is found. But if you are passing one of these have a look in, this may be the one-in-a-hundred with something special.

Old calculators can sometimes be found at Antiques and collectors fairs, but it is rare to find a bargain since the dealers have a better idea of the values.

The main world-wide trading post for vintage calculators is the ebay internet auction site www.ebay.com (search for calculator) and also its local country sites.
Prices can be very reasonable for the more common models but can be very expensive for the rare and desirable ones.
This is a very good way of adding models to your collection which are common in other countries.
Sending payment abroad is now much easier since several companies offer payment facilities for these auctions by credit card - but check that the seller accepts these before bidding.
There is some risk in buying something not seen from someone unknown and far away, but by using seller and buyer feedback the site is self-regulating and works very well on the whole. It can also be exciting waiting to see if you have won an auction, and frustrating if you are outbid at the last moment.

The main stream auction houses sometimes have old mechanical calculators in their sales, especially in the Scientific Instrument sections.

Let family, friends, and acquaintances know that you collect old calculators. A number will come your way from people who don't want them any more and would rather give them to someone who will appreciate them than throw them away.

Vintage Calculators