HP-35 Question

[Dave Frederickson]

I asked Scott Reynolds of vintagecalculatorsinc a similar question not long ago. Here's his response:

HP made a bunch of HP-35 calcs in production run 1302A. By the time they got to this 3rd run, they were mixing and matching front labels, serials and back casings. The label missing the 35 making it a version 2 is more of a guideline than a rule on a version 2 or 3. I have seen transitional models that have every single Red dot (V1) 1143A characteristic except the hole for the red dot. On Michael's site, you will see V2 calcs that have lower serials than the Last known Red dot. I have several "V2" 35 (s) that have numbers higher than the V4 I have listed. That is why you see unopened 35(s) with the ROM bug on 2nd production run with high serials.
Bottom line is a V2 with a serial starting with 1302A is unusual, but I have one in my hand right now. I have never seen a V4 with a serial not starting with 1302A.