Durham 1977 Toy Cash Register

This Durham register dating from 1977 was one of the toy cash registers that I played with as a child, as well as the first register of my collection which I started in 1984. I bought it at Best Buy in San Diego because I recognized it from my childhood and it resonated with my inner child. 

It’s particularly interesting historically because it is quite possibly the very first toy cash register to signal the electronic age. It’s not actually electronically digital like contemporary toys are, but the battery lights up the numbers when a key is pressed. It also has a flat front which is similar to electronic type registers. An interesting note is that unlike contemporary electronic toys, it doesn't have an automatic turnoff, so if the kids leave it on - the batteries just wind on down. 

This exact register is not actually the register of my childhood nor is it the actual first register of my collection. For some idiotic reason I stupidly gave that one away when I was doing a purge a few years ago when I realized that eBay had rendered much of my former collection worthless. Stupid stupid stupid! So, I was absolutely thrilled to find this one Mint in Box on eBay for about $75. The box is in so-so condition, but the toy itself is in absolutely pristine condition - even better than the one I bought in 1984 which had sustained sun damage. 

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