Finally acquired a Woodstock

[Chasfield]

Not an easy task in the UK. Brits were generally too poor to own HP calculators back in the 1970s and so many Woodstocks that got over here were 'ok until I plugged it in' just before they got listed on eBay. My HP-21 had been laid up for much of its life time and the pictures and description with the listing seemed to hint that the (deceased) previous owner knew about battery pack issues so I jumped in and bought it in untested condition.

It arrived today and it was apparent that the unit had been tweaked to run on dry cells, with the back plate of the battery holder partially separated and polarity markings added.

She fired right up and a wipe over with a damp cloth revealed The HP-21 to be in near mint condition. The battery terminals are perfect.

I was surprised by the compactness of the unit. How nice it is to pick up and use.