IBM 122-Key Model M (PT NO 1387001 - DATE 26JULY85 - ID NO 00219)

[joc]

Hello, I found this unique IBM 122-key Model M. This is the first 122-key Model M I've seen with the old style barcode label. Also, this 122-key Model M has one of the lowest serial numbers I've seen on a Model M. I'm assuming that it's rare. I'll probably put together a Soarer's converter to check if it still works. Are there any keyboards similar to this one documented online? I couldn't find much information about it online.

[Puddsy]

holy **** an '85 M

that might be the earliest M I've seen

I know DV has a really early one too, but this is up there

[mougrim]

Is it real? Can't believe my eyes!

[Jotokun]

Woah... that's older than my 122-key Model F! I would have expected a hard transition from the F to the M on 122s, but clearly that wasn't the case.

[joc]

I opened up the keyboard to take some pictures of its backplate and electronics. This keyboard has one of the thicker backplates found on early Model M's.

[dorkvader]

holy **** an '85 M

that might be the earliest M I've seen

I know DV has a really early one too, but this is up there

nah mine's a 1390120 march 1986. The IBM I have that's really early is my F122 which is january 1984. It's ID number is 00363

of note is the serial number (ID number) of this one is even lower: there are only a few IBM keyboards I know of with serial numbers that low.

I'll have to look up the previous contender for oldest model M. i think killerbee had it. part number is 1386303 or 1386304

hal9000 has this from this topic

killerbee's was from june 10 1985 serial number 01137
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=11311.msg217468#msg217468


Note that buckling spring over membrane was introduced in december of 1984 on the wheelwriter typewriters.

[joc]

This is the only Model M I was able to find with a lower ID number.