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Vintage Skil-Craft RIC 920 Rock Identification Computer Boxed Manuals 48 Cards
MADE IN USA
Detailed Description:
Brand: Skil-Craft Corporation (A subsidiary of Western Publishing Company, Inc.).
Model: RIC 920 Rock Identification Computer.
Era: Vintage Mid-Century (circa 1970s).
Item Description: An analog, mechanical sorting device designed for young geologists and rockhounds. It allows users to input geological diagnostic tests—including luster, hardness, specific gravity, and streak color—to mechanically isolate data and identify over 125 different rocks and minerals.
Set Includes:
Main mechanical console unit with original balance scale line arm and built-in diagnostic test selector keys.
Original 48-card punch deck (factory sealed/shrink-wrapped with "HANDLE WITH CARE" instruction sleeve).
Original RIC 920 Instruction Manual.
Original companion educational booklet titled "Today's Stone Age".
A baggie containing multiple unpolished mineral, rock, and crystal test specimens.
Original cardboard internal storage structural inserts.
Original illustrated retail box showing classic graphic designs.
Origin: Made and printed in the U.S.A. (Chicago, Illinois 60610).
Condition Report:
Tier: Excellent / Near Mint Vintage Condition (Complete)
The Computer Console: The two-tone tan and brown plastic housing is completely clean, structurally sound, and shows zero cracks, battery compartment corrosion, or deep surface gouges. All mechanical selector slides move smoothly, the scale dial turns freely, and the metal balancing balance wire remains intact.
The Cards & Literature: The core 48-card identification deck is still perfectly preserved inside its original protective shrink-wrap. Both the operation manual and the educational booklet are clean, crisp, and entirely unwritten-on with only minimal storage handling creases.
The Box: Shows expected, moderate vintage shelf storage wear. This includes some edge softening, minor surface scuffing, a small tear near the top closure flap seam, and light surface weathering. However, the color lithograph print remains highly descriptive and visually strong.
NOTE: New. Item has never been used. The retail packaging may show minor dents, scuffs, creases, sticker residue, or shelf wear from storage and handling. The product itself is new and unaffected.
