Decimo Vatman
The Decimo Vatman is found in several varieties:
Decimo Vatman type 1
6V (4 x AA batteries).
Display is 8 digits, green fluorescent in single tube.
4 functions, %.
83mm x 130mm x 28mm (3.25" x 5" x 1.1").
Made in Japan.
Decimo Vatman type 2
Has square root key, and VAT % key.
6V (4 x AA batteries).
Display is 8 digits, green fluorescent in single tube.
4 functions, VAT %, square root.
83mm x 130mm x 28mm (3.25" x 5" x 1.1").
Made in Japan.
The % key is marked "VAT" for use in calculations of Value Added Tax within the EEC (European Economic Community).
Decimo Vatman type 3
Has square root key, and % key.
6V (4 x AA batteries).
Display is 8 digits, green fluorescent in single tube.
4 functions, VAT %, square root.
83mm x 130mm x 28mm (3.25" x 5" x 1.1").
Made in Japan.
Decimo Vatman type 3
Has square root key, and % key.
6V (4 x AA batteries).
Display is 8 digits, green fluorescent in single tube.
4 functions, VAT %, square root.
83mm x 130mm x 28mm (3.25" x 5" x 1.1").
Made in Japan.
The significance of the name 'Vatman' -
In April 1973, about the time that pocket calculators were becoming common, Purchase Tax was abolished in Britain, to be replaced by Value Added Tax (VAT). Instead of being applied solely at the point of retail, this tax is applied at all points during the manufacture and distribution of most items when value is added to a product.
As may be imagined, this caused great confusion and difficulties for many companies and stores, and the newspapers carried many stories of raids by tax inspectors on those who had not paid their VAT properly. The name which the popular newspapers have given to these despised inspectors is "vatman", in headlines such as "The vatman demands unpaid tax of £ x0,000 from XYZ company or the owner will go to jail".
So the name VATMAN on a calculator can give you an idea of what it will be useful for, and also makes you smile at its incongruousness.
In November 1974 the journal 'Practical Electronics' announced[1]:
"VAT Calculator
Readers who have trouble with VAT may be interested
in the Vatman pocket calculator from Decimo Ltd.
Aimed at the businessman who needs to save time working out his VAT returns when doing his monthly accounts, the calculator is a four function machine with a
fairly large, clear readout display. Operation of the percentage key gives an instant per cent readout and can cover any percentage should the present 8% rate change.
With the incorporation of the
percentage key it is claimed that at £21.95 (plus VAT) the Vatman is one of the cheapest calculators of its kind on the market. The price of the calculator includes a mains adapter unit.
Full details of
its capabilities can be obtained from Decimo Ltd., Park House, 96-98 PArk Street, Luton LU1 3RX."
Reference:
Decimo models
Vintage British Calculators
Text & photographs copyright, except where stated otherwise, © Nigel Tout 2000-2024.