deskthority

Hi

I'm new here, and a big fan of all things retro-computing-related, including IBM Model M keyboards.

I recently found what I believe to be a Model M in a charity shop - unfortunately some numpty has peeled off most of the label on the underside. I wonder if anyone would be kind enough to help me figure out exactly what I have here?

The keyboard's characteristically heavy, has clicky switches and an AT-style plug (rather than PS/2) on a detachable cable.

Weirdly, both the escape and keypad-period keycaps are blank. Makeshift replacments for broken or lost originals, maybe?
Is there any likelihood of tracking down replacement keycaps for these?

Any help figuring out the exact type and model number would be much appreciated.

To answer your question about the "blank" keycaps, try pulling another one off with your fingers and you'll see :)

Your keyboard is an
- ISO UK layout
- has - what looks like the trest of some - thermal paper label on the back
- has a grey ovall IBM logo
- a detachable keyboard cable SDL-AT

My guess would be:
1391406 manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1987 and 1992.

Take a look at this later model:
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf ... /id/101770

The cable is nice and can be used with PS/2 (you need an adapter)

Daniel Beardsmore wrote: To answer your question about the "blank" keycaps, try pulling another one off with your fingers and you'll see

Ah! I wondered why the blank caps were smaller!

So... am I likely to be able to buy replacements?

HAL wrote:My guess would be:
1391406 manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1987 and 1992.

Thanks for that - much appreciated.

robinsonb5 wrote:

Daniel Beardsmore wrote: To answer your question about the "blank" keycaps, try pulling another one off with your fingers and you'll see :)

Ah! I wondered why the blank caps were smaller!

So... am I likely to be able to buy replacements?

You can buy them from clickykeyboards in the US:

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf ... tcat/10191

There might even be someone in the UK who has a few he can pop in the post. Personally I only have the one Model M.

robinsonb5 wrote: Hi

I wonder if anyone would be kind enough to help me figure out exactly what I have here?

You can find out the exact model/date of manufacture if you open up the keyboard. You should have a "birthday sticker" on the back of the metal plate which should mirror the look/info of the sticker that should have been on the underside of the keyboard.