“Issue 1″ ZX Spectrum 16K

Thanks to a chance conversation and a bit of research online I’ve recently discovered that I own a 1982 “Issue 1″ ZX Sinclair Spectrum 16K

There were only 60,000 made and I understand they are quite rare? I haven’t been able to find too much information about the model online, but by a process of elimination using Planet Sinclair and Wikipedia amongst others, I think I’ve worked out the issue. That and it’s got “Issue One” stamped on the board!

The keys are also the light grey as opposed to blue-grey in the later models.

It’s still in it’s original polystyrene box, with lid,  coming with tape leads, manual, and power pack. It even has the brown “Receipted Parcel” box from when I assume it was sent direct from Sinclair Research.  Post dated 28/06/82. Serial Number is 001-021612

I also have a boxed Cheetah 32K ram pack. One of the reasons why I haven’t used it as much as my other speccy is that it didn’t ever seem to be able to load a lot of the games I have. I understand now, after researching it, that it was incompatible with some of the newer (older) games released.

I’ll post some more pics, and write more when I get the chance. I’m trying to piece all the bits of information together like Miss Marple. It works fine, although looks like the keyboard ribbons inside (very similar to the metal strips in bank notes) are getting a bit ropey and the keyboard membrane will need replacing at some point.

Huge thanks to Andy at retrocomputers.eu for making me aware of the rarity of this jolly Speccy!