HP Forum Archive 06

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Anniversary Edition ? Message #1 Posted by John Mills on 29 June 2001, 10:56 a.m. Hello, I've come across an HP calculator which I didn't know it existed at all. It's an HP-14B model business calculator, but it bears the legend "50th Anniversary Limited Edition", both on the calc itself and on its slip case. My questions are: is this an actual HP-produced model, or just a clever fake ? If it's a real HP, is it very rare ? I never before saw one or knew it existed. Finally, if it's not a hoax, how much could it be worth, tentatively ? Any ideas ? I'm eager to know if I've got a real valuable item or, on the other hand, I've been the subject of some ellaborated practical joke. Thanks (A perplexed HP aficionado).

Re: Anniversary Edition ? Message #2 Posted by Mike Tjebben on 29 June 2001, 11:19 a.m., in response to message #1 by John Mills Hi John! Check out this link from this same site: http://www.hpmuseum.org/hp14b50.htm -Mike

Re: Anniversary Edition ? Message #3 Posted by Y K Wong on 30 June 2001, 11:39 p.m., in response to message #1 by John Mills Hi John, I have a picture of the HP-32S model on my home page, see this link http://www.geocities.com/jagpage/calculator.html Cheers, Y K Wong.

Re: Anniversary Edition ? Message #4 Posted by John Mills on 1 July 2001, 12:17 a.m., in response to message #3 by Y K Wong Thanks for the info, now I know it's not a joke. BTW, Mr. Wong, I've visited your interesting site but the links to the Anniversary calcs' pictures are broken. As for its price among collectors, any ideas ? Someone pointed me to a small book called "A Guide to HP handheld calculators" but though it gives prices for lots of models, no value is given for this 50th Ann. 14B at all. Same with hpmuseum on line. Some tentative range of prices would be most welcomed, thanks.

Re: Anniversary Edition ? Message #5 Posted by Todd Garabedian on 1 July 2001, 10:17 a.m., in response to message #4 by John Mills John, Prices have been a hot topic lately. Of course, the laws of supply and demand apply here. In my experience, the 32S and 14B 50th Anniversary editions go for 30-60% more than their "nonanniversary" counterparts. Final price depends on a multitude of factors, including condition, accessories (there is a special 50th Anniversary case for these models) and whether a box is included (the Anniversary models came in a special white box with a blue stripe). I think I paid $90 for each of my 14B and 32S Anniversary models, but this was back in 1997-1998. A 32S Anniv. model is being sold eBay now: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1251555021 The current price is a bit high IMHO. Todd G.

Re: Anniversary Edition ? Message #6 Posted by Matt Kernal on 1 July 2001, 11:27 a.m., in response to message #5 by Todd Garabedian TG> In my experience, the 32S and 14B 50th Anniversary editions go for 30-60% more than their "nonanniversary" counterparts. I'd tend to agree with this.. I paid $59 for a 50th. Ann. 32S (from Ebay), and $35 for a 50th. Ann. 14B (from a private party). Both had the 50th. Ann. logo on the case, but neither had the original box. Coincidently, both were purchased within a week of each other (about 6 months ago). Matt

Re: Anniversary Edition ? Message #7 Posted by Y K Wong on 1 July 2001, 7:46 p.m., in response to message #4 by John Mills Hi John, I agreed with the rest of the folks out there - supply and demand, condition of the calc as well as completeness! I bought mine 1 - 2 years ago vary from $50.00 - $125.00 for a totally brand new Anniversary 32S that's in it original packing. Again, the source is important, in eBay you probably be able to purchase any models available, but there is a price to pay for (as there are many collectors competing against a limited supply). On the other hand, you might be able to pick one up from a second-hand store that’s not frequent by collectors at a very reasonable price. Regards, Y K Wong.

Re: Anniversary Edition ? Message #8 Posted by Todd Garabedian on 1 July 2001, 10:27 a.m., in response to message #1 by John Mills All, The 32S and 14B 50th Anniversary models are rare commemorative models, but not as rare as some other commemorative models in the HP lineup. One model I can recall (I think) is a 28C model that was given away to attendees at the 100th meeting of the American Mathematical Association. I remember I had a friend who's father was Chairman of the Math Department at Washington State University where I was doing my Ph.D. work back in the late 1980s. The father had received this commemorative 28C at the meeting, and had given it to his son. I remember it had a little "100th AMA" logo or something like that branded on it. I've not seen one since. If someone has one of these, can they post a picture, or send a picture to Museum Curator Dave Hicks? It would make a good addition to this museum! I think there is a commemorative 38G model too. 150th Something-or-other. Can anyone verify this, or am I making it up? Todd Garabedian Glastonbury, CT

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