Full-Keyboard – Hill to Felt & Tarrant

In the mid-19th century, the Unitarian minister, mathematician and inventor Thomas Hill envisioned an adding machine that would have a column of keys for each digit entered. Hill took out a U.S. Patent for the device, but it never became a practical product.

Almost thirty years later, Chicago machinist Dorr E. Felt (1862-1930) decided to design an improved adding machine for accountants. Like Victor Schilt, he was interested in adding machines with keys, but he wanted to add larger numbers and to add them quickly. To do this, he devised a machine with several columns of keys. In each column, the keys were numbered from 1 to 9. The column as a whole represented one digit of a number. Felt first made a crude model using a macaroni box from a local grocer, with meat skewers for key stems and rubber bands for screws. He built several prototypes of the machine, and named it the Comptometer. Felt also soon built a printing version of the machine, which he called the Comptograph. It never sold widely.

On Felt’s Comptometer, pushing a key not only set up a digit, but entered it into the mechanism. Felt carefully cultivated customers, and won the financial support of Robert Tarrant as well as orders from government offices, businesses, and scientific observatories. Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company sent its products overseas as well as across the country. It built special Comptometers for adding fractions and non-decimal currency, and steadily improved, but did not radically alter, the product. Felt & Tarrant used some of its profits to acquire adding machines of historic interest.

Felt died in 1930. After considerable debate, descendents of Felt and Tarrant decided to take the firm public in 1946, taking the name Comptometer Corporation. The postwar years proved difficult, especially for foreign sales. In 1961, the firm merged with the Victor Adding Machine Company of Chicago to form Victor Comptometer Corporation. The products of this company looked quite different from those of Felt & Tarrant, as they were ten-key, printing machines. Not long thereafter, Victor Comptometer donated Felt’s collection of historically important machines to the Smithsonian.

This U.S. Patent Office model for an early key-driven adding machine has a wooden case with two columns of keys. Each column has six wooden keys. At the back are two wooden discs. Around the edge of each disc is a paper slip with the digits from 0 to 9 printed.
Description
This U.S. Patent Office model for an early key-driven adding machine has a wooden case with two columns of keys. Each column has six wooden keys. At the back are two wooden discs. Around the edge of each disc is a paper slip with the digits from 0 to 9 printed. These digits repeat seven times on each disc. To the right of each digit is, in smaller type, its nines complement, which is used in subtraction and division. Each wheel of the machine has attached to its side a ratchet that rotates according to the motion of a pawl. The base of the pawl is attached to the end of a lever that extends forward the length of the machine and is pivoted near the front. Above each lever, on the outside of the machine, is a column of keys, numbered from 1 at the top to 6 at the bottom.
To enter a number, the user depressed a key, which depressed the lever and moved the pawl, rotating the ratchet and wheel forward. Each wheel also had a toothed disc attached to it. After the wheel rotated forward past a "9" position, a tooth on the disc encountered a metal arm which drove a pawl on the adjacent wheel forward one position, causing a carry.
Thomas Hill, who took out a patent on this machine, was a Unitarian minister and, for a time, president of Harvard University. His patent did not result in a product.
References:
Thomas Hill, "Improved Arithmometer," U.S. Patent 18692, November 24, 1857.
Thomas Hill, "On a New Form of Arithmetical Complements," Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1857, 11:82;
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: The Western Society of Engineers, 1921, pp. 22-29, 61-62.
P. A. Kidwell, “Thomas Hill: Minister, Intellectual and Inventor,” Rittenhouse, 12 (October 1998): pp. 111-119.
date made
1857
patentee
Hill, Thomas
maker
Hill, Thomas
ID Number
MA.252686
catalog number
252686
accession number
49064
patent number
18,692
This is the prototype for the Comptometer, a key-driven adding machine invented by Dorr E. Felt of Chicago.
Description
This is the prototype for the Comptometer, a key-driven adding machine invented by Dorr E. Felt of Chicago. It is a scarred wooden box (originally used to transport macaroni) that contains the levers and wheels for a 5-column adding machine with one partial column of keys (wooden skewers), four of which are missing. The number dials are at the front. Two screws are on the top of the back panel. A series of rubber bands, used to set the levers to accept the next keystroke, are missing.
Compare to replica, which has catalog number MA.323646.
Reference:
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921, pp. 52-56.
date made
1884-1885
maker
Felt, Dorr E.
ID Number
MA.311192
catalog number
311192
accession number
143207
By the 1880s, American business and government used reams of figures to track how they were doing. The Comptometer, invented in Chicago by Dorr E. Felt in the mid-1880s, was one of the first machines that sold successfully to help with this work.
Description
By the 1880s, American business and government used reams of figures to track how they were doing. The Comptometer, invented in Chicago by Dorr E. Felt in the mid-1880s, was one of the first machines that sold successfully to help with this work. This key-driven machine is one of the first eight Felt built for customers. It has eight columns of metal keys with nine keys in each column. The keys are stamped with the digits from 1 to 9. The case is of cherry, with a metal plate at the front. Nine windows in this metal plate reveal digits on nine number wheels that indicate the total. A zeroing lever and knob are on the left side of the machine.
This particular Comptometer was used for many years by Joseph S. McCoy, Actuary of the U.S. Treasury. Felt and his associates would greatly improve the machine, and sell it successfully throughout much of the world.
References:
U.S. Patent 366945, (Application July 6, 1887, granted July 19, 1887); U.S. Patent 371496 (application March, 1887, granted October 11, 1887).
Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1886
maker
Felt, Dorr E.
ID Number
MA.273035
catalog number
273035
accession number
54244
Not long after inventing the Comptometer, Dorr E. Felt of Chicago proposed a machine that would print the results of computations.
Description
Not long after inventing the Comptometer, Dorr E. Felt of Chicago proposed a machine that would print the results of computations. This is an example of that machine, the Comptograph.
The full keyboard printing manual adding machine has a case made out of cherrywood and eight columns of metal keys with white discs in the metal key tops. Digits and complements of digits are indicated on the discs. There are nine keys in each of the eight columns. A spring surrounds each key stem. The cover under the keys is made up of wooden slats with holes drilled in them, with one slat for each column of keys. Slats are alternately of cherry and a lighter-colored wood (possibly beech). In front of the keyboard is a shaped tin plate with 9 windows cut in it to reveal 9 metal wheels that record totals. A row of eight levers above the dials provides decimal markers.
On the right side of the machine toward the front are a knob and a small lever. Depressing the lever allows one to turn the knob and zero the total wheels. To the right of the keyboard is a large button that advances the paper tape and ribbon. This tape and the mechanisms for printing the numbers entered and the totals are behind the keyboard. It appears that only eight-digit totals are printed. The paper tape is set inside a cherrywood lid that folds down when the machine is not in use. A knob on the right side at the back advances the carriage when loading paper. Compare to MA.323633.
According to J. A. V. Turck, a machine of this type was at the National Museum in Washington in 1921. It seems likely that this is the machine he refers to, although the machine pictured by Turck more closely resembles MA.323633, which arrived later.
Reference:
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921, pp. 116-120.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.322454
catalog number
322454
maker number
38
accession number
247834
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a cherrywood case and eight columns of metal keys, with white discs set in the metal key tops. Digits and complements of digits are shown on the discs. Each column has nine keys, with a spring around each key stem.
Description
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a cherrywood case and eight columns of metal keys, with white discs set in the metal key tops. Digits and complements of digits are shown on the discs. Each column has nine keys, with a spring around each key stem. The cover under the keys consists of wooden slats with holes drilled in them. Each column of keys has one slat. These are alternately of cherry and a lighter-colored wood. A shaped tin plate at the front has nine windows cut in it to show nine metal wheels that record totals. Eight levers above the dials serve as decimal markers. On the right side toward the front are a knob and a small lever. Depressing the lever allows one to turn the knob and zero the total.
To the right of the keyboard is a large button that advances the paper tape and may print the total. This tape and the mechanisms for printing the numbers entered and the totals are behind the keyboard. Apparently printed totals can have up to eight digits. The paper tape is set inside a cherrywood lid that folds down when the machine is not in use. A knob on the right side at the back advances the carriage when loading paper. Different widths of paper tape can be used and the tape position adjusted.
This machine is shown in Turck, p. 118. According to that reference, it was purchased and used for ten years by the Merchants and Manufacturers Bank of Pittsburgh, Pa., and presented by Felt to the National Museum. In fact, this machine did not come to the Museum until long after Felt’s death. The same picture is in the Accession Journal of the Felt & Tarrant Collection, with object #19. There is no indication there where this object was used.
Compare to MA.322454.
References:
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921, pp. 116-120.
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal, 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323633
catalog number
323633
maker number
31
accession number
250163
This printing key-driven adding machine machine has a cherry case, a steel mechanism, steel keys with German silver and plastic key tops, and steel dials at the front that record the result. The eight columns of keys have nine keys in each column.
Description
This printing key-driven adding machine machine has a cherry case, a steel mechanism, steel keys with German silver and plastic key tops, and steel dials at the front that record the result. The eight columns of keys have nine keys in each column. The celluloid discs in the key tops are color-coded for cents (the two rightmost columns that are white), dollars to hundreds of dollars (the three middle columns that are turquoise), and thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars (the two leftmost columns that are white). Complementary digits are indicated on the discs. Nine numeral dials show the result through a single glass window in a metal piece at the front of the machine. A zeroing knob with lever is on the right side at the front. The printing mechanism is at the back, with a roll of paper tape above it. The paper tape is held down by a heavy curved wire. The wooden container for the paper tape folds down, covering the printing mechanism for transfer.
The machine has serial number 189, indicated at the center of the machine in front of the numeral wheels. It is marked on a metal tag on the right side of the machine: COMPTOGRAPH (/) PATENTED (/) JULY. 19. 87. 366945 [. . .] NOV. 25 90. 441,233 (/) FELT & TARRANT MFG. CO. (/) 52-53 ILLINOIS ST. (/) CHICAGO. The patent numbers and patent dates given are the first and last of those listed.
This device is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company, as passed down to Victor Comptometer Corporation. It is described as #18 in that collection, an “improved narrow printing comptograph.”
References:
U.S. Patents 568020 and 568021.
Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323634
catalog number
323634
maker number
189
accession number
250163
After inventing the Comptometer, Dorr E. Felt turned his attention to manufacturing a printing adding machine, which he dubbed the Comptograph. This early example is a full keyboard adding machine in a wooden case, with eight columns of metal keys covered with white discs.
Description
After inventing the Comptometer, Dorr E. Felt turned his attention to manufacturing a printing adding machine, which he dubbed the Comptograph. This early example is a full keyboard adding machine in a wooden case, with eight columns of metal keys covered with white discs. Each key stem has spring around it. Digits and complements of digits are indicated on the discs. In front of the keys are nine number wheels, visible through a glass window in a metal plate. The printing mechanism is at the back of the machine. Two large buttons, one on the right of the machine and the other on the left, are depressed to control this mechanism. The right button advances the inked ribbon to the take-up spool. What appears to be a zeroing knob and lever for the numeral wheels is at the front on the right, although it does not function. There is no paper tape. The section at the top of the machine that holds the metal tape folds over to protect the printing mechanism when not in use. A wire tray can be positioned to hold the paper tape.
The machine is marked with the serial number in the middle of the front and on the mechanism in the back right. this is: 209. A metal tag attached to the right side of the object reads: COMPTOGRAPH (/) PATENTED (/) JULY 19. 87. 366,945 (/) OCT. 11. 87 371,495 (/) JAN. 8. 89. 396,034 (/) JUN. [. . .] 89. 405,924 (/) NOV. 25. 90 441,232 (/) 441239 (/) It also reads: FELT & TARRANT MFG. CO. (/) 52 - 56 ILLINOIS ST. (/) CHICAGO. It also reads: COMPTOGRAPH (TRADE MARK).
References:
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921, p. 119.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 104 ff.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.273036
catalog number
273036
maker number
209
accession number
54245
This key-driven non-printing adding machine has a metal mechanism, steel keys with German silver and plastic key tops, and steel dials at the front that record the result.
Description
This key-driven non-printing adding machine has a metal mechanism, steel keys with German silver and plastic key tops, and steel dials at the front that record the result. It is a production model of the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Company of Chicago during its early years.
The eight columns of keys have nine keys each. Celluloid discs in the key tops are color-coded to mark off dollars and cents. Complementary digits are indicated on the discs, to aid in subtraction. The key tops are alternately concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). There is a spring around each key stem. Eight levers above the dials serve as decimal markers. Nine windows at the front of the machine reveal the result.
A metal piece to the left of each “1” key is moved to prevent carrying when the complementary digits are used for subtraction. Depressing a lever on the right side of the machine allows one to turn a nearby knob and zero the number dials.
The serial number, indicated in the front center of the machine under the decimal markers, is 1876. A second mark, on a metal tag screwed to the machine in back of the keyboard, reads: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK (/) PAT’D (/) JUL.19.87 JUN. 11. 89. (/) OCT.11.87 NOV.25.90 (/) JAN.8.89 DEC.15.91. (/) Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co. (/) CHICAGO.
This machine was transferred to the Smithsonian from the U.S. Geological Survey in 1908.
Reference:
1991.3107.06 (Catalog of the Felt & Tarrant collection).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1898
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.248688
maker number
1876
catalog number
248688
accession number
48341
After Dorr E Felt invented and began to sell successfully a key-driven adding machine known as the Comptometer, he designed a printing adding machine dubbed the Comptograph.
Description
After Dorr E Felt invented and began to sell successfully a key-driven adding machine known as the Comptometer, he designed a printing adding machine dubbed the Comptograph. This example has a cherrywood case and eight columns of metal key stems, with turquoise and white color-coded discs set in the metal key tops. Digits and complements of digits are shown on the discs. Each column has nine keys. The cover under the keys consists of metal slats with holes drilled in them, with one slat for each column of keys. A glass window at the front shows nine metal wheels that record totals.
On the right side toward the front are a knob and a lever. Depressing the lever allows one to turn the knob and zero the total. Immediately to the right of the keyboard is a small lever, which is pushed up to release the keys. Further to the right are two large buttons attached to levers. When the button at the right back is depressed, the carriage moves to a new column. The other button on the right may advance the paper. To the left at the front is another large button on a straight shaft (depressing this button probably is intended to print totals or subtotals). At the back of the machine is a wide carriage, the printing mechanism for the adding machine, and a ribbon. This mechanism prints eight-digit entries and totals. A bell on top of each of the spools for the ribbon rings to warn that the ribbon is almost unwound.
The machine is stamped on the front below the glass window: 1902. It is marked on a metal plate screwed to the right side: MODEL A No 1902 (/) PATENTED. It is also marked there: MAR. 11. 1902. It is also marked there: OTHER PATENTS PENDING. (/) COMPTOGRAPH CO. (/) CHICAGO, U.S.A.
The coloring of the keys resembles that on the Comptometer with catalog number MA.248688, which dates from 1898, and the Comptograph with typewriter MA.323636. The Accession Journal dates this machine to 1900, but the tag screwed to the machine indicates a slightly later date.
References:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal, 1991.3107.06.
Pamphlet 1994.3060.05.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
maker
Comptograph Company
ID Number
MA.323632
catalog number
323632
maker number
1902
accession number
250163
In the first half of the 20th century, a few companies manufactured accounting machines that could both type text and carry out routine calculations.
Description
In the first half of the 20th century, a few companies manufactured accounting machines that could both type text and carry out routine calculations. This is an experimental combined typewriter and adding machine.
It has a cherrywood case and eight columns of metal key stems, with turquoise and white color-coded discs set in the metal key tops. Digits and complements of digits are shown on the discs. There are nine keys in each column. The cover under the keys consists of metal slats with holes drilled in them. There is one slat for each column of keys. A glass window at the front shows nine metal wheels that record totals. Only eight-digit entries and totals print. On the right side toward the front are a knob and a lever. Depressing the lever allows one to turn the knob and zero the total. Immediately to the right of the keyboard is a small lever that is pushed up to release the keys. Further to the right are two large buttons attached to levers. To the left at the front is another large button on a straight shaft.
Behind and above the keyboard is a typewriter with QWERTY keyboard. The type for the typewriter is below these keys. There is a lever on the upper left side of the typewriter carriage to shift the case of the letters and one on the upper right of the typewriter to slide the carriage left or right. At the back is a wide carriage, the printing mechanism for the adding machine, and a ribbon. There are two bells under the typewriter, one on top of each spool of the ribbon.
According to documentation, this machine was an experimental model of inventor Dorr E. Felt and never led to any patent or product. The coloring of the keys resembles that on Comptometer MA.248688, which dates from 1898 and Comptograph MA.323632, which dates from 1900.
Reference:
Accession Journal, 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323636
catalog number
323636
accession number
250163
This key-driven, non-printing adding machine is an early example of a Comptometer with a metal case.It has eight columns of plastickeys.
Description
This key-driven, non-printing adding machine is an early example of a Comptometer with a metal case.
It has eight columns of plastickeys. The keys in the two rightmost columns, which represent cents, are white, the three middle columns are black, and the three lftmost columns are white. Such color coding was common in machines designed for financial calculations. Complementary numbers are indicated. The keys are alternately concave (for odd digits) and flat (for even digits). The keys are worn, and one is missing. The key stems are flat, and become progressively longer as the digits become larger. The subtraction levers are at the same level as the decimal markers.
The nine numeral wheels are white or turquoise around the rim, depending on the decimal place of the digit indicated. They are visible through windows in the glass. The zeroing handle is on the left. The Model A Comptometer was Felt & Tarrant’s first “duplex” machine, in that it would add in more than one column at a time, each column having the capacity to add, receive, and carry simultaneously. This was not true of the earlier wooden box models.
The first Model A Comptometer was produced in January 1904 and had serial number 15000. Over 6,200 machines were produced in the next two years. This machine has serial number 17536, which is marked in the center front. It has a metal tag screwed to the top that reads in part: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK. There are ten patent dates on this tag.
This machine came to the Smithsonian in 1981 from the collection of Esther S. and James C. Henderson, who ran an office equipment business in Corvallis, Washington.
For a related adding machine section, see MA.323643.
References:
Felt & Tarrant, "Accession Journal ,"1991.3107.06.
J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, Catalog Section, p. 71.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1904
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1982.0234.01
maker number
17536
catalog number
1982.0234.01
accession number
1982.0234
This key-driven non-printing adding machine has a wooden case and eight columns of color-coded plastic keys. The keys are black and white, with complementary digits indicated in red.
Description
This key-driven non-printing adding machine has a wooden case and eight columns of color-coded plastic keys. The keys are black and white, with complementary digits indicated in red. It is a relatively late example of a Comptometer with a wooden, rather than a metal, case.
There is a spring around each key stem, and the stems become progressively longer as the digits are larger. Eight subtraction levers are in front of the keys. Eight decimal markers are attached to a metal plate, painted black, which is in front of these. A row of nine windows in the plate reveals the number wheels. Hence the machine can have eight-digit numbers entered and compute nine-digit totals. The zeroing mechanism is a knob and lever on the right side.
The serial number, stamped on the front of the machine under the decimal markers, is 5765. A metal tag attached to the back of the machine is marked: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK (/) PAT’D (/) JUL.19.87 JUN. 11. 89. (/) OCT.11.87 NOV.25.90 (/) JAN.8.89 DEC.15.91. (/) SEP.22.96 (/) Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co. (/) CHICAGO.
Compare to MA.323650.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1906
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1987.0107.04
catalog number
1987.0107.04
maker number
5765
accession number
1987.0107
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a metal top and mechanism, eight columns of color-coded octagonal plastic keys with complementary digits indicated, and a zeroing crank on the right side. The second column of keys from the right has only one key in it.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a metal top and mechanism, eight columns of color-coded octagonal plastic keys with complementary digits indicated, and a zeroing crank on the right side. The second column of keys from the right has only one key in it. The keys are alternately concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). Nine rows of number wheels in front of the keyboard indicate the result. The second number wheel from the right has only zeros and ones on it. The sides and base of the machine are missing. It is marked on a metal tag screwed to the top at the back: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK. The last patent date on the tag is: AUG.9.04.
This is a forerunner of the Model C Comptometer for British currency (MA.323652).
Reference:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323653
catalog number
323653
accession number
250163
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a steel frame painted black, a steel mechanism, and eight columns of black and white plastic keys, with complementary digits indicated. The rightmost column has three black keys and indications of quarters from 1/4 to 3/4.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a steel frame painted black, a steel mechanism, and eight columns of black and white plastic keys, with complementary digits indicated. The rightmost column has three black keys and indications of quarters from 1/4 to 3/4. The second column has eleven white keys. The third column has nine black keys. The fourth column from the right has one black key. The four left columns have nine keys each. The keys are alternately concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). The machine is designed for calculations involving pounds, shillings, and pence.
Thesubtraction levers are at the front of the columns of keys, decimal indicators in front of these, and nine windows covered with clear plastic that show the result. The wheel in the first position is divided to read eighths. A zeroing lever is on the right side. At the back of the machine is a metal attachment painted black that holds five paper-covered dials. Four of these dials are covered with metal shutters. The shutters are opened manually by pressing down on the key directly below the shutter. The shutter is then locked in position. A release lever on the left side closes the shutter. A knob on the left side manually rotates the dials. The entire instrument is designed to make it easier to multiply units of British currency. The machine has serial number 33077.
A label received with the object indicates that the British Currency Indexer was made approximately in 1914.
Reference:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal, 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1909
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323654
maker number
33077
catalog number
323654
accession number
250163
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal case painted black, and nine columns of black and white plastic keys, colored to represent cents, dollars up to 999 dollars, thousands of dollars up to 999,0000 dollars, and millions of dollars.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal case painted black, and nine columns of black and white plastic keys, colored to represent cents, dollars up to 999 dollars, thousands of dollars up to 999,0000 dollars, and millions of dollars. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. A red button is at the base of each column of keys. In front of the keyboard is a row of nine number dials, covered with glass. At the front of the machine is a row of eight metal levers that may relate to subtraction. The total/error/normal, subtotal, and carriage lock levers are along the right of the machine, somewhat below the keyboard. A crank on the right operates the machine. The printing mechanism, wide black metal carriage, and serrated edge for tearing a paper tape are at the back. The machine is extremely heavy.
The machine is marked on the front: Comptograph (/) Co. (/) CHICAGO, U.S.A. It is marked on the back: MODEL 3A (/) PATENTED (/) NOV. 25. 1890. It is also marked there: NOV. 2. 1909. These are the first and last patent dates listed. It also is marked there: OTHER PATENTS PENDING. It is also marked there: PATTERN NO 16.
This model is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1910
maker
Comptograph Company
ID Number
MA.323635
catalog number
323635
accession number
250163
This key-driven non-printing adding machine has ten columns of black and white color-coded keys. Complementary digits are indicated and the keys are alternately concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). The key stems become progressively longer as the digits are larger.
Description
This key-driven non-printing adding machine has ten columns of black and white color-coded keys. Complementary digits are indicated and the keys are alternately concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). The key stems become progressively longer as the digits are larger. There are subtraction levers and decimal markers (unnumbered) in front of the keys. In front of these is a row of 11 windows in the brown steel case that reveals the result on numeral wheels below.
The machine has serial number 36372, which is indicated on the front to the left of the keys. It is marked on a metal tag screwed to the top of the machine: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK (/) PAT’D [. . .] JUL.14.03 (/) Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co. (/) Chicago. The date listed is the last of several patent dates on this tag.
The model C Comptometer went on the market in 1909. This example was first used at a commercial bank in Westfield, Massachusetts. In about 1950, it was given to Harry Rapp, on of the bank directors, as a relic. He in turn gave it to Judith Lowell in about 1965. She put it to use in the office of her husband, the physician Milton Lowell of Potsdam, New York, even though the Lowells already had a more recent printing machine. Not long after Dr. Lowell retired in 1984, the couple gave the Comptometer to the Smithsonian.
References:
U.S. Patent #960528
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 548.
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1910
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1985.0120.01
catalog number
1985.0120.01
maker number
36372
accession number
1985.0120
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a gray-brown metal case and sits on a rectangular wooden base. There are eight columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys, with complementary numbers indicated on the keys.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a gray-brown metal case and sits on a rectangular wooden base. There are eight columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys, with complementary numbers indicated on the keys. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat. At the front of the machine are eight subtraction levers and eight decimal markers, as well as nine windows that reveal the totals shown on numeral wheels below. The zeroing handle is on the side.
The machine is marked on the left front with serial number: 47412. A metal tag behind the keys has several patent dates, the most recent being: SEP. 19. 11.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1912
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.273037
accession number
54245
maker number
47413
catalog number
273037
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine represents the successful adoption of mechanical aids to computation by American scientists. It was one of several computing devices owned by the meteorologist Daniel Draper.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine represents the successful adoption of mechanical aids to computation by American scientists. It was one of several computing devices owned by the meteorologist Daniel Draper. Draper used Comptometers in his work at the New York Meteorological Observatory from about 1886. He acquired this machine in 1914 or later.
The machine has a metal case painted brown and a metal mechanism, with eight columns of octagonal, color-coded plastic keys. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat. The length of the key stems increases going from front to back. There are subtraction levers, numbered decimal markers in front of the keys, and nine windows to show the result in front of the decimal markers. A zeroing handle is on the right side. The machine fits on a wooden stand and has a metal cover painted black.
The machine has serial number F58074. It is marked on a metal plaque screwed to the back of the machine: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK (/) PAT'D [. . .] (/) Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co. (/) CHICAGO. It is also marked there with several patent dates, the last of which is; SEP.15.14. It is marked on the front of the metal cover: COMPTOMETER (Pronounced like Thermometer) (/) FELT & TARRANT MFG. CO. (/) CHICAGO. U.S.A. (/) Adds - Divides (/) Multiplies - Subtracts
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: From Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, 12, 1990, pp. 31-40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.335357
maker number
F58074
catalog number
335357
accession number
304826
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a copper-colored steel case. The keys are in ten columns, colored according to the place value of the digit entered. Complementary digits are indicated on them.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a copper-colored steel case. The keys are in ten columns, colored according to the place value of the digit entered. Complementary digits are indicated on them. The keys are alternately concave (odd digits) and flat (even digits). At the front are subtraction levers and numbered decimal markers. In front of these are eleven windows, covered with clear plastic, which reveal the result on the number wheels. A zeroing lever is on the right side. This is the last of the Comptometers to be designed by Dorr E. Felt. After this, the firm of Felt & Tarrant relied on the work of other inventors.
The machine has serial number 130780, which is indicated to the left of the keyboard. A metal plate screwed to the top of the machine in back of the keyboard is marked: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK (/) PAT’D [. . .] (/) Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co. (/) CHICAGO. The last patent date listed on the plate is: SEP.15.14
A Model F Comptometer with serial number 100,346 was produced in May, 1915, hence this machine is somewhat later. The model H succeeded the model F in 1920.
This machine was a gift of John T. Cheney of Washington, D.C.
Reference:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal 1991.3107.06
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.333576
maker number
130780
catalog number
333576
accession number
299951
In 1927 officials at Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago learned that rival Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit had one of its recent machines on exhibit at the U.S. National Museum (as the Smithsonian’s museum was then called).
Description
In 1927 officials at Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago learned that rival Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit had one of its recent machines on exhibit at the U.S. National Museum (as the Smithsonian’s museum was then called). They offered to supply the museum with an example of their latest adding machine, the Model J Comptometer, and to construct a section of the device for display. The museum accepted the offer, and received both this Comptometer and a related model.
This machine has a brown metal case and eight columns of green and off-white color-coded plastic-covered keys. Odd numbered keys are concave, even numbered keys flat. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. The first key pressed after the machine has been zeroed rings a bell. There are numbered decimal markers, subtraction levers, and a row of nine windows at the front to indicate the result shown on number wheels below. A zeroing crank is on the right. There is a red key at the back of the keyboard on the right.
The machine is marked on the front and back of the case: Comptometer. It his serial number marked to the left of the keyboard near the front: J264527. A metal tag behind the keyboard reads in part: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK. It also is marked with several patent dates. The last is: Nov.2.20.
For a related object, see 309394.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.309393
accession number
98776
maker number
J264527
catalog number
309393
This full keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has eight columns of keys. These are colored white and green, with digits and complementary digits. Keys for odd digits are concave, those for even ones are flat. Key stems become taller going from front to back.
Description
This full keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has eight columns of keys. These are colored white and green, with digits and complementary digits. Keys for odd digits are concave, those for even ones are flat. Key stems become taller going from front to back. The mechanism has a steel cover painted brown. Decimal markers, number wheels, and subtraction levers are at the front of the machine, and a zeroing crank is on the right side. The holes showing the nine number wheels are covered with clear plastic. A red button above the keyboard on the right, and a black knob with an arrow on it is above the keyboard on the left.
The machine is marked to the left of the keyboard with serial number J279,961. It is marked across the front of the machine: Comptometer. It is marked on a metal plaque on top of the machine in back of the keyboard: TRADE COMPTOMETER MARK. It is also marked there with a series of patent dates, the last of which is: NOV.2.20. It was received with a metal tag that reads: 14.
The Model J Comptometer was introduced by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago in 1926. Improved design and construction reduced the effort of operating the keys, compared to earlier models. This model also featured a operator’s lock, which locked the Comptometer so that new data could not be entered when a calculation was entered. Rotating the black knob so that the arrow points to the front locked the machine. This example came from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company, and was given to the Smithsonian by the successor company, Victor Comptometer Corporation.
References: U.S. Patent 1,927,856 (granted September 26, 1933).
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal, 1991.3107.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323644
maker number
J279,961
catalog number
323644
accession number
250163
This full keyboard non-printing adding machine has a brown metal frame and mechanism with plastic keys. The eight columns of color-coded green and white octagonal keys include nine keys in each column. Odd-numbered keys are concave, even-numbered ones flat.
Description
This full keyboard non-printing adding machine has a brown metal frame and mechanism with plastic keys. The eight columns of color-coded green and white octagonal keys include nine keys in each column. Odd-numbered keys are concave, even-numbered ones flat. Complementary digits are indicated. A row of subtraction levers is below the number keys. Digits in the running total appear in a set of nine windows in front of the keys. A red button is to the right of the keyboard releases the keyboard afer a partial keystroke error has been corrected. A metal zeroing lever is on the right side. A rubber cord attaches to the back. The on/off switch is on the front at the top right.
The machine is marked on the left corner of the top of the case: K350690. It is marked on the front and back sides: Comptometer.
According to “Date of Manufacturing by Serial Number. . .,” Lewiston, Idaho: Office Machine Americana, 2002 (relying on the NOMDA “Blue Book” for May, 1975), Felt & Tarrant introduced the Model K with serial number 350000 in 1934.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1989.0325.03
maker number
K350690
catalog number
1989.0325.03
accession number
1989.0325
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a steel case painted tan. The eight columns of key stems have nine key stems in each column. The green and white color-coded plastic keys deteriorated badly and have been removed.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a steel case painted tan. The eight columns of key stems have nine key stems in each column. The green and white color-coded plastic keys deteriorated badly and have been removed. A row of nine numeral wheels is in front of the keys, and a second row of nine wheels in front of the first. A metal handle with plastic knob is on the right side of the machine and an all-metal handle is on the left side. Behind each result window is a rotating decimal marker; behind each marker for the numeral wheels in the front row is a button that can be depressed to move a cover over the result wheel. An opaque white plastic cover came with the machine although it does not fit it.
The serial number stamped near the keys is: J339163. The machine is marked on the front: Comptometer. A mark on the case reads: S2620. A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #313. A white paper tag attached to the object reads: COMPTOMETER - SUPER TOTALIZER (/) #339183. The machine is marked on the side: R S. A metal tag screwed to the case at the back reads: Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co. (/) CHICAGO (/) PATS. 1,886,883. . . (/) 366,945. Only the last and first patents have been recorded. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
This was model number 313 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
The model J Comptometer was produced from 1926 until 1934. Patent 1,886,883 was issued in November of 1932. Hence this object is given a rough date of 1933.
References:
"Accession Journal," 1991.3107.06.
U.S. Patent 1,886,883, November 8, 1932.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1933
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1982.0794.82
maker number
J339163
catalog number
1982.0794.82
accession number
1982.0794
This key-driven adding machine had ten columns of color-coded green and white plastic keys. Complementary digits were indicated on the keys, and they were alternately concave (for odd digits) and flat (for even digits).
Description
This key-driven adding machine had ten columns of color-coded green and white plastic keys. Complementary digits were indicated on the keys, and they were alternately concave (for odd digits) and flat (for even digits). Another key stem is at the back to the right of the number keys. In front of the keys is a row of ten subtraction levers. In front of these is a row of ten numbered decimal markers. In front of these are windows in the metal case that reveal 11 number dials, that indicate the result of addition.
The machine is marked on the front top at the left: J329139. It is marked on the front: Comptometer. It is marked on a sticker on the left side: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (/) 89699-BAE.
This instrument came to the Smithsonian from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Reference:
Felt & Tarrant, Accession Journal 1991.3107.06
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
maker
Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.328128
maker number
J329139
catalog number
328128
accession number
270163

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