Full-Keyboard - Other

In the early twentieth century a variety of companies manufactured full keyboard adding machines that competed with the products of Felt & Tarrant and of Burroughs. Their inventors often had ties to one of the older companies, and competition was fierce. For example, Joseph A.V. Turck (1870-1956) of Providence, Rhode Island, took out patents for a key-driven adding machine in 1899 and 1901. The Mechanical Accountant, as he named the machine, was produced in Providence into the 1920s. However, Turck chose to leave Providence Mfg and Tool Company, the makers of the Mechanical Accountant, to take a position at Felt & Tarrant. He would spend the rest of his career there.

The inventors of two other adding machines, William H. Pike and Frank S. Rinsche, both worked at American Arithmometer Company in St. Louis for a time. Pike went on to invent the Pike adding machine, which was produced in New Jersey from 1904 onward. Rinsche joined with others to form the Universal Accountant Machine Company of St. Louis. Burroughs soon acquired the rights to both the Pike and the Universal machines, and both Pike and Rinsche returned to the company.

The inventor Charles Wales also spent a brief time at Burroughs, although he is better remembered as the inventor of the Wales and the later Federal adding machines. Both offered visible printing of results, unlike the first Burroughs machines. The Wales machine attracted the attention of Ralph C. Allen, who worked at Burroughs from 1904 until he went into business for himself in 1924. Allen first imported calculating machines from Europe. In 1926, he arranged for the Allen Corporation to purchase the Wales Adding Machine Company, and soon thereafter the Peters-Morse Company, to form Allen-Wales Corporation. Allen-Wales, in turn, was acquired by National Cash Register Company in 1944.

During the 1920s and early 1930s, several other inventors saw the adding machines they had devised come to market. O.D. Johantagen, who had patented several machines, saw his Victor Adding Machine begin to sell in 1920. Two years later, the company was taken over by Chicago grocer Carl Buehler, whose family managed the firm successfully for many years, eventually merging with Felt & Tarrant. Glenn J. Barrett, who had worked on the Barrett adding machine before World War I, patented the much lighter Portable. This machine sold from 1922. It was manufactured by Corona, which took over sales and renamed the machine in 1926. The Barrett also remained in production, made by the Lanston Monotype Company of Philadelphia from about 1928. An electric version sold from the late 1930s. Not all inventors lived to see their machine produced. Clyde Gardner, who had worked at Pike and at Burroughs, died shortly after establishing the Gardner Adding Machine Company in 1923. His machine did make it into production. Patent rights eventually were acquired by the Monroe Calculating Machine Company.

A few adding machines made overseas reached the United States. These included a Swiss machine similar to the Comptometer known as the Direct and a much later Italian copy of the Comptometer called the Addicalco. The German Torpedo, introduced in 1931, had a more distinctive keyboard. Comptometer operators had long been trained to use only the lower half of the keyboard, as it was faster to push, say, the 4 and then the 5 key than to reach up the hand to the 9 key. The Torpedo only had keys from 1 to 5 in each column. The Sumlock, a machine made in Britain by Bell Punch Company, was specifically designed for British currency but collected by the Burroughs Patent Department.

This key-driven adding machine has a brown metal case and eight columns of nine plastic or ceramic keys. The rightmost three columns of keys are black with white numbers, and the other five columns are white with black numbers. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys.
Description
This key-driven adding machine has a brown metal case and eight columns of nine plastic or ceramic keys. The rightmost three columns of keys are black with white numbers, and the other five columns are white with black numbers. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Results appear in a row of nine windows in back of the keyboard. The latest number entered appears in a row of eight windows behind this. A metal lever in front of the keys cancels an entry, but not the total. A crank on the side zeros both sets of windows. The windows are covered with translucent greenish plastic, which is cracking. There are four rubber feet. The machine is marked at the front: Mechanical (/) Accountant.
This is the earlier “simplex”model of the machine, which was designed to have numbers entered one digit at a time. The simultaneous operation of two columns where a carry is involved results in loss of the carry.
Compare 323599.
Joseph Abram Turck of Providence, Rhode Island, assigned three patents to the Mechanical Accountant Company. Turck then went on to work for Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago.
References:
J. A. V. Turck, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 631345, granted August 22, 1899.
J. A. V. Turck, “Calculating Machine,” U.S. Patent 679,348, granted July 30, 1901.
J. A. V. Turck, “Calculating-Machine,” U.S. Patent 720,086, granted February 10, 1903.
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 550.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1900
maker
Mechanical Accountant Company
ID Number
MA.317386
accession number
230394
catalog number
317386
This key-driven adding machine has a black metal case, and seven columns of nine plastic or ceramic keys and one column of seven keys. The rightmost column of keys is white, with eighth fractions from 1/8 to 7/8. The two columns left of this are black with white digits.
Description
This key-driven adding machine has a black metal case, and seven columns of nine plastic or ceramic keys and one column of seven keys. The rightmost column of keys is white, with eighth fractions from 1/8 to 7/8. The two columns left of this are black with white digits. The next three columns left of this are white with black digits, and the two leftmost columns are black with white digits. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Results appear in a row of nine windows in back of the keyboard. The latest number entered appears in a row of eight windows behind this. A metal lever in front of the keys cancels an entry, but not the total. There is an opening for a zeroing crank, but no crank. The windows are covered with translucent plastic.
This is the earlier “simplex” model of the machine, which was designed to have numbers entered one digit at a time. The simultaneous operation of two columns where a carry is involved results in loss of the carry.
The machine is marked at the front: Mechanical Accountant (/) MODEL H. (/) MANUFACTURED BY (/) MECHANICAL ACCOUNTANT CO.,PROV.,R.I. (/) PATENTED JULY 30TH. 1901(/) FEB.10TH, 1903. (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. The tag is also stamped: DEC.15.’91. No serial number was found.
Joseph Abram Turck of Providence, Rhode Island, assigned three patents to the Mechanical Accountant Company. Turck then went on to work for Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company of Chicago.
Compare MA.371386.
References:
J. A. V. Turck, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 631345, granted August 22, 1899.
J. A. V. Turck, “Calculating Machine,” U.S. Patent 679,348, granted July 30, 1901.
J. A. V. Turck, “Calculating-Machine,” U.S. Patent 720,086, granted February 10, 1903.
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 550.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1903
maker
Mechanical Accountant Company
ID Number
MA.323599
accession number
250163
catalog number
323599
This full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has eight columns of black and white color-coded keys. In back of each column of digit keys is a red key, which may be intended for zeroing the column.
Description
This full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has eight columns of black and white color-coded keys. In back of each column of digit keys is a red key, which may be intended for zeroing the column. The machine has a metal case painted black, and is painted green under the keyboard. The total, which may have as many as nine digits, appears in a row of number dials at the front of the machine. Above the keyboard is a dial that records the number of items added. Behind the dial is the printing mechanism and a 30 cm. carriage (dimension without handles). Also present are a total key and various other unmarked levers and function keys. The operating crank is missing from the right side.
The dial above the keyboard reads: PIKE ADDING MACHINE CO. ORANGE, N.J. A brass plaque on the back of the machine reads: MADE BY (/) PIKE ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) ORANGE, N.J., U.S.A. (/) STYLE E No. 2359. A brass plaque in front of the keyboard reads: PIKE ADDING MACHINERY ORANGE N.J. U.S.A. (/) CONCESSIONNAIRE EXCLUSIVE (/) STE. AN. DES APPAREILS DE CONTROLE ET DE COMPTE AUTOMATIQUE (/) AU CAPITAL DE [...] (/) 78 RUE REAUMUR PARIS.
The Pike adding machine was first manufactured in 1904. In 1909 Burroughs Adding Machine Company purchased the company, and developed the machine into the Burroughs Class 3 and then the Class 300. Compare 1986.0192.01.
According to Pike patents of 1903 and early 1904, the company was in St. Louis. Later in 1904, Pike Adding Machine Company is listed as in Orange, New Jersey.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 539.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), p. 152.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1905-1909
maker
Pike Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323588
catalog number
323588
accession number
250163
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal and glass case, with the metal painted black. The keyboard is covered with green felt.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal and glass case, with the metal painted black. The keyboard is covered with green felt. There are nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic number keys, with a red clearance key at the bottom of each column. Two of the clearance keys are missing. The key stems for the number keys are bent to ensure that the keys form columns. A button on the left clears the entire keyboard. There is also a lever to the right of the keyboard. When it is shifted up, the keyboard automatically zeros after addition. When it is shifted down, the keyboard remains set after an addition, so that the lever also serves as a repeat key. A crank in the right side of the machine drives it. Behind the keyboard are nine white numeral dials that show the result through glass windows in the case. When the repeat lever is shifted up, the clearance button is depressed and the operating crank is brought forward, and the total decreases (it seems likely that this is supposed to zero the adding wheels).
At the top of the machine is a printing mechanism, with a two-colored ribbon. The carriage is 33 cm. wide, 46 cm. with the handles. The eight platen positions are set manually by release levers at the top. This is a blind printing machine, with the paper or paper tape emerging at the top so that it is visible to the operator. It has a two-color ribbon. A bell on the carriage handle rings when one approaches the bottom of a piece of paper.
The machine is marked at the front: UNIVERSAL (/) ACCOUNTANT MACHINE CO. (/) St. LOUIS, MO. (/) PAT.APR.20,1897, PAT.NOV.28, 1899, PAT.JULY 24, 1900 (/) PATENTS APPLIED FOR. It is marked behind the keyboard, over the result dials: Universal. It is marked on paper behind the carriage: No UAM (/) CO 5.
Universal Accountant Machine Company was organized by 1898 and purchased by Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1908. The model originally sold for $300, with electric drive $75 extra. It was introduced in about 1905. Burroughs discontinued production of the machine.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 544.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 148.
The Universal Accountant Machine Company, “1905 Model” and “Universal Adding Machines,” Warshaw Collection, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
maker
Universal Accountant Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323591
catalog number
323591
accession number
250163
This full keyboard manually operated printing adding machine has a metal frame painted black, with glass sides and front, and a glass panel in front of the number dials.
Description
This full keyboard manually operated printing adding machine has a metal frame painted black, with glass sides and front, and a glass panel in front of the number dials. There are nine columns of plastic keys, with the keys colored according to the place value of the digit represented by the column. The keyboard is covered with green felt. To the left of the keyboard is total key, above the number keys are red plastic repeat and error keys, and behind the numeral dials are non-print and non-add keys. These nine dials are behind the keyboard, with divisions for U.S. currency indicated.
The metal crank for operating the machine is on the right. At the back of the machine is the printing mechanism and a 13-inch (33 cm.) movable carriage. The machine is extremely heavy. The case must be removed to replace the ribbon.
The machine is marked on the front: WALES. It is marked above the keyboard: WALES (/) Visible (/) Adding (/) and Listing (/) Machine (/) THE ADDER MACHINE COMPANY (/) WILKES-BARRE, PA.,U.S.A.. It is marked on a list of 17 patents on the back of the machine with the first patent date: DEC. 1. 1903. The last patent date given there is: NOV. 23. 1909.
The Wales adding machine is based on patents of the inventor Charles Wales, a native of Maryland who had a long career as an inventor of adding machines. He first applied for an adding machine patent in 1902 as a resident of Detroit. By 1903, he was assigning his patents to the Adder Machine Company. That company moved manufacture from Detroit to Pennsylvania in 1906. From the first, Wales was interested in designing machines in which the results of computations were visible to the operator (this was not true on Burroughs adding machines of the time). Wales adding machines featured visible printing of results. Wales soon left the company that bore his name to work for Burroughs, and patented a visible printing mechanism used in their machines. He later designed the Federal adding machine, which was manufactured by the Colt Fire Arms Manufacturing Company of Hartford.
This Wales adding machine is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company, a rival firm of Wales.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 544-545.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1910
maker
Adder Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323593
accession number
250163
catalog number
323593
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black with glass right and left sides and front and a glass panel in front of the number dials behind the keyboard.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black with glass right and left sides and front and a glass panel in front of the number dials behind the keyboard. Below the nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys, the keyboard below is covered with green felt. A total key is to the left of the keyboard, a red plastic error key and a key stem areabove the number keys, and non-print and non-add keys are behind the numeral dials. Divisions for U.S. currency are indicated between the dials. The metal operating crank is on the right. At the back of the machine is the printing mechanism and a 13-inch (33 cm.) movable carriage. The machine is extremely heavy.
A mark on the front reads: WALES. A mark above the keyboard reads: WALES [/] Visible [/] Adding [/] and Listing [/] Machine [/] THE ADDER MACHINE COMPANY [/] WILKES-BARRE, PA.,U.S.A. A list of patents includes the first date DEC. 1. 1903, and the last date, NOV. 23. 1909.
Compare MA.323593.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago, 1924, pp. 544-545.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913
maker
Adder Machine Company
ID Number
MA.333753
catalog number
333753
accession number
301887
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black with a glass panel in front of the number dials. Nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys arise from a the metal keyboard that is painted green.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black with a glass panel in front of the number dials. Nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys arise from a the metal keyboard that is painted green. Total and subtotal keys are to the left of the keyboard. Red plastic repeat and correction keys are above the number keys, and a key stem and non-add key are behind the numeral dials. These nine dials are behind the keyboard, with divisions for U.S. currency indicated. The metal crank for operating the machine is on the right. At the back of the machine is the printing mechanism and a 13-inch (33 cm.) movable carriage. A bell is at the far left of the carriage. There is a two-color ribbon. The machine is extremely heavy.
The machine is marked on the front, and on the front of the carriage: WALES. It is marked above the keyboard: MANUFACTURED BY (/) THE ADDER MACHINE COMPANY (/) WILKES-BARRE, PA.,U.S.A. It is marked on the back with a list of 19 patent dates. The first of these is: PATENTED DEC. 1. 1903. The last is: JULY 5. 1913. It is marked on the carriage: 2065. The serial number, shown on the front of the machine at the bottom, is: 20-40243.
There is a metal stand painted black, with a wooden table on the right side. The stand is stored separately. Its dimensions are: 56 cm. w. x 57 cm. d. x 79 cm. h., with writing table down.
Compare to MA.323593.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 60-61, 544-545.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1916
maker
Adder Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335934
catalog number
335934
accession number
1977.0380
This full-keyboard, printing adding machine has a steel frame painted black and green There are eight columns of color-coded black and white metal keys with digits written on paper and covered with clear plastic (the keys resemble those on early typewriters).
Description
This full-keyboard, printing adding machine has a steel frame painted black and green There are eight columns of color-coded black and white metal keys with digits written on paper and covered with clear plastic (the keys resemble those on early typewriters). Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. The total appears in eight glass-covered metal windows over number dials at the front of the machine. There are total and non-add keys left of the number keys and a repeat key on the right. The total key also clears the machine. A metal crank with a wooden handle on the right of the machine operates it. Behind the keyboard is a two-colored ribbon, printing mechanism, and fixed narrow carriage. There are nine type bars, eight for digits and one for special characters. There is a serrated edge for tearing off the paper tape.
The machine is marked on the front and behind the keyboard: VICTOR. It is marked on the back: PATENTED (/) JUNE 20,1919 - APRIL 13th,1920 (/) MFD. BY (/) VICTOR ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) CHICAGO, U.S.A. (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. The serial number, on a metal tag attached to the bottom of the machine, is 24843.
This adding machine was purchased in 1922 and used until 1982 by Samuel Bernstein in his capacity as Secretary-Treasurer of Wilner Branch 367 of Workmen’s Circle. Workmen’s Circle was a fraternal organization organized about 1900 to promote self-help among Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Mr. Bernstein was 95 years old when he relinquished his position.
This model sold for $100 in 1924.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, p. 59, 543.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
maker
Victor Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0475.01
catalog number
1982.0475.01
accession number
1982.0475
maker number
24843
This manual adding machine has seven columns of nine plastic keys each, and a steel case painted black. There is a repeat/error lever on the left, and total/subtotal, non-add and non-print keys on the right.
Description
This manual adding machine has seven columns of nine plastic keys each, and a steel case painted black. There is a repeat/error lever on the left, and total/subtotal, non-add and non-print keys on the right. Numbers are set by pressing keys, and entered by turning a handle on the right side of the machine. The printing mechanism, black ribbon, and paper tape are at the back. The machine prints seven-digit totals. It has four rubber feet.
The machine is marked on the top: The (/) Portable. It is marked on the front: PORTABLE ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A. It is marked on a piece of paper pasted to the bottom: Guarantee (/) The Portable Adding Machine is fully guaranteed (/) against defective material and workmanship for (/) a period of one year from date of sale. (/) PORTABLE ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) B.E.Harris (/) President.
It was designed by Glenn J. Barrett, manufactured by the Corona Typewriter Company of Groton, New York, and sold by the Portable Adding Machine Company of Chicago. It was introduced in October 1924 and cost $65.00. By 1928, this machine was sold as the Corona by the Corona Typewriter Company.
Compare 2000.0221.01.
References:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 333.
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 52.
Business Machines and Equipment Digest,Chicago: Equipment Research Corporation, 1928, sec 3-2, p. 4.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
distributor
Portable Adding Machine Company
maker
Portable Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323608
accession number
250163
catalog number
323608
This machine has seven columns of ten plastic keys each; the bottom key is red and clears the column. It has a metal case painted speckled black. A repeat/error lever is on the left, and total/sub-total, non-add, and non-print keys are on the right.
Description
This machine has seven columns of ten plastic keys each; the bottom key is red and clears the column. It has a metal case painted speckled black. A repeat/error lever is on the left, and total/sub-total, non-add, and non-print keys are on the right. Numbers are set by pressing keys and entered by turning a handle on the right side of the machine. The printing mechanism (which displays totals of up to eight digits), black ribbon, and paper tape are at the back. Both spools of the ribbon are on the left side and it is threaded across the back in a C-shaped path. Two of the five rubber feet are decaying. This example of the machine has an extra paper tape.
A marked at the top reads: CORONA. A mark at the front reads: CAPACITY 999,999.99. Another mark there reads: Portable Adding Machine Co. (/) New York NY USA (/) By (/) L. C. Smith & Corona Typewriters Inc. A mark behind the keyboard, near the ribbon, reads: KA6D0027.
The machine was designed by Glenn J. Barrett. A version of this machine was manufactured by the Corona Typewriter Company of Groton, New York. The Portable Adding Machine Company introduced the machine as the Portable in October 1924. That company began in Chicago and soon moved to New York. By 1928, the machine was sold as the Corona by the Corona Typewriter Company.
Compare MA.323608.
According to the donor, Walter A. Carrington Jr., this particular machine was owned by Pratt Coal Company in Fulton, New York. Carrington received it as a gift from his mother when he went to Clarkson University in the late 1950s as a freshman business school student. It later accompanied him to graduate studies in business at Dartmouth College and then to work in Chicago and in Washington, D.C.
References:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 333.
Business Machines and Equipment Digest,Chicago: Equipment Research Corporation, 1928, sec 3-2, p. 4.
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
maker
L.C. Smith and Corona Typewriters Inc.
ID Number
2000.0221.01
accession number
2000.0221
catalog number
2000.0221.01
This full keyboard non-printing adding machine has ten columns of keys, with nine keys per column. The keys are colored black and white according to the place value of the digits. The black keys are round, the white keys are polygonal.
Description
This full keyboard non-printing adding machine has ten columns of keys, with nine keys per column. The keys are colored black and white according to the place value of the digits. The black keys are round, the white keys are polygonal. At the top are 11 windows that show the result. These windows are covered by a single piece of glass. Two decimal markers slide in front of these windows. A zeroing lever is on the right side. Red plastic function keys are to the right and the left of the keyboard.
The machine is marked on the top: DIRECT II. It is marked at the front: THEO MUGGLI ZURICH (/) MADE IN SWITZERLAND PROTECTED BY PATENTS. The serial number, on the bottom at the front, is 20146. This object was number 23 in the Felt & Tarrant collection of adding and calculating machines. Manufacture of the Direct II began in the 1920s or 1930s.
Reference:
“Theo Muggli Passes Away,” Business Equipment Topics, 84 (June, 1933): p. 22.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
distributor
Muggli, Theo
maker
Muggli, Theo
ID Number
MA.323607
accession number
250163
catalog number
323607
This German key-driven adding machine has a black plastic case and eight columns of steel keys covered with black and white plastic key covers. The columns run from 1 to 5 (not from 1 to 9). Keys for odd digits are deep, and those for even digits relatively shallow.
Description
This German key-driven adding machine has a black plastic case and eight columns of steel keys covered with black and white plastic key covers. The columns run from 1 to 5 (not from 1 to 9). Keys for odd digits are deep, and those for even digits relatively shallow. The metal zeroing bar is on the left, and nine windows in the front show the result. Decimal places are marked along the windows. There machine has no provision for subtraction. The bottom has black felt pads. The serial number marked on the bottom of the machine is 005105.
This example comes from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
Reference:
E. Martin, Die Rechenmaschinen und ihre Entwicklungsgeschichte, [1925 edition with later supplement], p. 457. This source says the machine was introduced in 1931.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
maker
Torpedo-Werke A.G.
ID Number
MA.323613
accession number
250163
catalog number
323613
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel frame painted black (and green under the keyboard), and eight columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys.
Description
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel frame painted black (and green under the keyboard), and eight columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. A green clearance key and subtraction and addition bars are right of the keyboard, as well as a repeat lever. Above the keyboard is a row of eight number dials under glass that shows the total (this is called a visible adding dial). Behind the dials are a non-print lever and total-subtotal lever on the right and a non-add lever on the left. Behind these is the printing mechanism and a 31-cm. movable carriage. There is a two-colored ribbon. Under the printing mechanism is the motor. Part of a roll of 6 cm. (2 1/2”) paper tape fits in the printing mechanism behind the carriage. The carriage has rubber handles, and the machine has four rubber feet.
The machine is marked on the front: DESK MODEL (/) ALLEN 9 WALES. It is marked at the base of the front with serial number: 9E30958. It is marked on the back: ALLEN WALES ADDING MACHINE CORP. (/) ITHACA. New YORK (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
The Allen Wales adding machine was a product of a company formed in 1926 by the merger of the Wales Adding Machine Company and the Allen Corporation. That firm would be acquired by National Cash Register in 1944.
Reference:
Office Machine Research Inc., December, 1938, section 3.21, Allen Wales. Date suggested by documentation on NCR machines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1936
maker
Allen Wales Adding Machine Corporation
ID Number
1996.0238.01
catalog number
1996.0238.01
accession number
1996.0238
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a steel frame painted black, with the portion under the keyboard green. There are eight columns of color-coded black and white number keys. To the left are the error (e.g., clearance) and repeat keys.
Description
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a steel frame painted black, with the portion under the keyboard green. There are eight columns of color-coded black and white number keys. To the left are the error (e.g., clearance) and repeat keys. To the right are the subtotal, total, subtraction, and non-add keys. The operating crank is on the right side.
Eight number dials at the front of the machine show the total. The printing mechanism is behind the keyboard, with a two-colored ribbon. A 14 cm. (5-1/2”) fixed carriage carries a 6 cm. (2-1/4”) wide paper tape. The serial number, which is on the bottom of the machine, is 262051. The gray plastic cover is torn in one corner.
According to the donor, this adding machine was used by her mother, Bessie Weintraub Goldstein (1911-1987), in connection with her bookkeeping work for the Gamma Drug Company in Bronxville, New York. This store was owned and operated from 1939 to 1971 by the donor’s father, Isidor Goldstein, a pharmacist. Bessie Goldstein worked in the store by day as saleswoman, clerk, and soda jerk, and in the evenings did the books at home in Mount Vernon, New York, at the kitchen table. The adding machine was purchased at an unknown date (probably after 1950). Previously, Mrs. Goldstein did the calculations without the aid of a machine.
References:
Office Machine Research, American Office Machine Research Service, vol. 3, February, 1940, p. 3.21.
NOMDA’s Blue Book: Approximate January 1st Ages Adding Machines and Calculator Retail Prices, November, 1980, p. 57.
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1937
maker
Victor Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1987.0744.01
catalog number
1987.0744.01
accession number
1987.0744
maker number
262051
This machine incorporates ideas of Purdue University graduate Clyde Gardner (1881-1923) who had a long career in the adding machine industry. He began as a draftsman at the Pike Adding Machine Company in 1903.
Description
This machine incorporates ideas of Purdue University graduate Clyde Gardner (1881-1923) who had a long career in the adding machine industry. He began as a draftsman at the Pike Adding Machine Company in 1903. By 1909, when Pike was acquired by the Burroughs Adding Machine Company, Gardner was chief engineer. He moved with the Pike plant to Detroit, where he worked as an engineer and patent expert at Burroughs.
In 1919 Gardner left Burroughs to work on his own design for an adding machine. On April 19, 1923, the Gardner Calculator Company was established in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Gardner died only two days later. His patents eventurally were acquired by the Monroe Calculating Machine Company, which manufactured this printing adding machine to complement its line of calculating machines.
The object has a green-black steel frame, a green keyboard, and 13 columns of black and white color-coded plastic number keys. To the right of the keyboard are total, error, and subtotal keys, and subtraction and addition bars. A non-add key is to the left of the keyboard. In back of the keyboard is a printing mechanism and a fixed carriage for the three-inch paper tape. The machine prints results of up to 14 digits. An asterisk printed next to a number indicates that it is a total. There is a black rubber-covered cord that plugs into the back.
The machine is marked on the front: MONROE (/) REGISTERED TRADE MARK. It is marked on a white sticker on the bottom of the machine: DATE (/) INSTALLED 10/Apr/57. It is marked on a gold sticker on the bottom of the machine: Licensed under Gubelman Patents. It is also marked there: 213-11-011-D (/) # 15128. According to the National Office Machine Blue Book, the serial number dates a Monroe machine to about 1932.
References:
American Office Machines Service vol. 3, 1937, 3.21. According to this source, the machine was introduced as the Gardner adding machine in 1924.
National Office Machine Blue Book, May, 1975, as compiled by Office Machine Americana, January 2002.
John E. Gable, History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Topeka, Kansas: Historical Publishing Company, 1926, pp. 781-782.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1937
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1987.0403.01
catalog number
1987.0403.01
accession number
1987.0403
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a metal case painted black and nine columns of black and white color-coded keys. The steel keyboard is painted green. To the left of the keyboard are a non-print lever and a subtract lever.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a metal case painted black and nine columns of black and white color-coded keys. The steel keyboard is painted green. To the left of the keyboard are a non-print lever and a subtract lever. To the right are a subtotal key, a total key, an add bar, a repeat key, a correction key, and a non-add key. Above the keyboard is a set of small dials that indicates totals. Next to these on the left is a crank that may be used to shift the dials to the left or to the right in multiplication.
Behind the dials are the ribbon, printing mechanism, and narrow fixed carriage. This example has no paper tape. There are 13 type bars, and 12-digit results may be shown. The spools for the ribbon are under metal covers which are screwed down. At the back of the machine, outside the case, is the motor. The cord is cloth-covered. The legs at the back of the machine are longer than those in front, so that the machine sits at an angle.
The machine is marked on the front: Barrett Desk Electric (/) REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. (/) LANSTON MONOTYPE MACHINE COMPANY (/) PHILADELPHIA, PA. U.S.A.; It is marked on a metal tag attached to the front of the machine: MODEL ROOM. It is also marked there: 133820-123E; It is marked on a white paper tag attached to the machine: to E. Racz 11-22-44K. It is marked on a red paper tag attached to the machine: PATENT DEPT. (/) #149. The machine is from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
References:
American Office Machines Reference Services, May, 1939, 3.21, p. 1-6 describes this model.
Ernst Martin, The Calculating Machines, pp. 240-243, indicates that a manual Barrett machine was introduced in 1910, with production passing to Lanston Monotype in 1922. No electric Barrett machines are shown in McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924 or in the Business Machines and Equipment Digest for 1928.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940
maker
Lanston Monotype Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.26
catalog number
1982.0794.26
accession number
1982.0794
This adding machine has a black metal frame with a metal mechanism and small glass window. The keyboard is also metal, painted green. There are eight columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys for entering numbers.
Description
This adding machine has a black metal frame with a metal mechanism and small glass window. The keyboard is also metal, painted green. There are eight columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys for entering numbers. To the right are the subtotal/total key mechanism, and the addition, subtraction, correction, and repeat keys. On the left are the non-print and non-add keys. The printing mechanism, fixed carriage, and narrow paper tape (4 inches wide) are at the back. It can accommodate totals up to nine digits long. There is a serrated metal edge for tearing off the tape. When the tape guide is moved away, single sheets of paper 6 inches wide can be fed through the platen. A knob on the right of the roller advances the paper manually. A lever on the right of the platen releases the paper and locks the paper guide in place. The motor and electric cord are at the back.
The machine is marked on the front and on the top: R.C. Allen (/) FIGURING MACHINES. It is marked on a metal tag attached to the bottom: MODEL 3089. It is marked on another metal tag attached to the bottom with serial number: 997586. It is stamped on the bottom: 1306. It is marked on the back: Allen CALCULATORS, INC. (/) NEW YORK, U.S.A. (/) PATENTED. It is marked on the cover: R.C.Allen (/) Business (/) Machine.
R. C. Allen adding machines were made from 1934, but the Model 3089 was not manufactured in that year. It was available by 1939.
Reference:
American Office Machines Research Service, December, 1939, Section 3.29.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1940
maker
Allen Calculators, Inc.
ID Number
1988.0534.01
catalog number
334298
accession number
1988.0534
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a metal frame painted black, seven columns of black and white color-coded number keys, two columns of blue number keys, and a column of red month keys. The keyboard is painted green.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a metal frame painted black, seven columns of black and white color-coded number keys, two columns of blue number keys, and a column of red month keys. The keyboard is painted green. Above the keyboard is a row of nine windows showing numeral dials. Behind this is the printing mechanism and a 31 cm. (12”) movable carriage. Covers for the ribbon are screwed in place. A roll of 6 cm. wide tape is in the carriage.
The machine is marked on the front: ALLEN WALES. It is marked at the bottom of the front: 16E169377 It is marked on the back: ALLEN WALES ADDING MACHINE CORPORATION (/) ITHACA, NEW YORK (/) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. It is marked on a red paper tag attached to the machine: PATENT DEPT. (/) #255. It is marked on a white paper tag attached ALLEN WALES No 16E-169377 (/) Brown Crystal Case (/) 10 Columns with Month Keys (/) S A C T Carriage 12” (/) Add and Subtract Motor Bars.
The documentation on NCR machines suggests that this machine may date from 1947. This example was model #255 in the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1947
maker
Allen Wales Adding Machine Corporation
ID Number
1982.0794.59
catalog number
1982.0794.59
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has a gray case. White and green plastic keys have complementary digits indicated on each key. Keys representing even digits are flat, and those representing odd numbers are indented.
Description
This full-keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has a gray case. White and green plastic keys have complementary digits indicated on each key. Keys representing even digits are flat, and those representing odd numbers are indented. In front of these keys is a horizontal row of keys numbered from 8 to 1 going left to right. In front of these is a row of eight levers used as decimal markers for the result, which appears in a row of nine windows at the very front. The zeroing lever is right of the keyboard. In back of it is a red key.
The machine is marked on the top: Addicalco. It is marked on the front: H A*C*C*A MILANO (/) MADE IN ITALY. It is marked at the back of the keyboard with serial number: 49-003725. This is model #306 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
The firm ACCA was founded in Milan after World War II and began manufacturing an adding machine called the Addicalco on the pattern of the model J Comptometer. This is a somewhat later version of the Addicalco, the model 49, from about 1949.
Compare MA.323644, MA.309393 and MA.328128.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
maker
A. C. C. A.
ID Number
1982.0794.80
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.80
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a case painted gray-brown. There are has ten columns of green and white color-coded plastic keys, with an addition bar, a clearance button, and a repeat lever to the right of the number keys.
Description
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a case painted gray-brown. There are has ten columns of green and white color-coded plastic keys, with an addition bar, a clearance button, and a repeat lever to the right of the number keys. The keyboard is painted light green. Behind the number keys is a row of ten number dials. Behind these on the left is a non-print lever and on the right are non-add and total/subtotal levers. Behind this is the printing mechanism, with 11 type-bars (one is for symbols). Below the printing mechanism is the motor, with a rubber-covered cord extending from the back. At the back there also are a movable carriage 31 cm. wide which can be set in 5 places, and a paper tape 5.6 cm. (2-1/4 inches) wide. Knobs at both ends of the platen may be used to advance the paper tape manually. A serrated metal edge helps tear off the tape. A lever on the right side of the carriage releases it to slide to another position.
The machine is marked on the front: ALLEN WALES. It is marked on a metal tag attached to the front at the bottom: 10E-291362. It is marked on the back: MANUFACTURED AT (/) ITHACA, NEW YORK, U.S.A. (/) ALLEN-WALES ADDING MACHINE DIVISION OF (/) THE NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY (/) DAYTON, OHIO. U.S.A. (/) ALLEN-WALES. It is marked on a metal tag attached to the right side: ALLEN WALES MODEL E (/) C E S A APP NO 4730 (/) AC-DC VOLTS 110 AMPS.
The Allen Wales adding machine, a descendent of the Wales adding machine, was sold by NCR from 1944.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
maker
Allen-Wales Adding Machine Division of the National Cash Register Company
ID Number
1986.0894.02
catalog number
1986.0894.02
accession number
1986.0894
This full-keyboard listing electric adding machine has a gray metal frame and ten columns of green and white color-coded plastic keys. Behind the light green keyboard is a row of ten number dials. Right of the keyboard are square keys (and an addition bar).
Description
This full-keyboard listing electric adding machine has a gray metal frame and ten columns of green and white color-coded plastic keys. Behind the light green keyboard is a row of ten number dials. Right of the keyboard are square keys (and an addition bar). The”*” key is for totaling, the S for subtotals, the “-” for subtraction, the “+” for addition, and the “#” for non-add. The “C” is on a clearance key. The machine prints these symbols, except in the cases of addition and clearance. Subtracted numbers are in red. There also is a repeat lever. Behind the keyboard and the dials to the left is a lever controlling the printing mechanism. This mechanism and the narrow paper tape, fixed carriage, and motor are at the back. There appear to be 11 keys in the printing mechanism, one for a symbol and the other for digits.
The machine is marked on the front: ALLEN WALES. It is marked on a metal tag at the base of the front: 11EN272043. It is marked on the back of the machine: MANUFACTURED AT (/) ITHACA, NEW YORK, U.S.A. BY THE (/) ALLEN-WALES ADDING MACHINE DIVISION OF (/) THE NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY (/) DAYTON, OHIO. U.S.A. (/) ALLEN-WALES. It is marked on a tag at the base of the back: ALLEN WALES MODEL E.
This is model #304 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Compare to 1986.0397.01.
Reference:
American Office Machines Research Service, section 3.21, 1938, p. 4.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
maker
Allen Wales Adding Machine Division, the National Cash Register Company
ID Number
1982.0794.79
catalog number
1982.0794.79
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a gray metal frame and ten columns of green and white color-coded plastic keys. Behind the keyboard is a row of ten number dials.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a gray metal frame and ten columns of green and white color-coded plastic keys. Behind the keyboard is a row of ten number dials. Right of the keyboard are square keys (and an addition bar) marked with a star (for totaling), an S (for subtotals), a subtraction sign, an addition sign, and a “#” (for non-add). The machine prints these symbols, except in the case of addition. Subtracted numbers are in red. There also is a repeat lever. Behind the keyboard and the dials to the left is a lever controlling the printing mechanism. This mechanism and the narrow paper tape, fixed carriage, and motor are at the back. There appear to be 11 keys in the printing mechanism.
The machine is marked on the front: National. It is marked on a metal tag at the base of the front: 11EN327988. It is marked on the back: MANUFACTURED AT (/) ITHACA, NEW YORK, U.S.A. BY THE (/) ALLEN-WALES ADDING MACHINE DIVISION OF (/) THE NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY (/) DAYTON, OHIO. U.S.A. (/) National. It is marked on a tag at the base of the back: NATIONAL SERIES E.
The stand for this machine is 1986.0397.02. Compare 1982.0794.79.
Reference:
American Office Machines Research Service, section 3.21, 1938, p. 4.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1951
maker
Allen Wales Adding Machine Division, the National Cash Register Company
ID Number
1986.0397.01
catalog number
1986.0397.01
accession number
1986.0397
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a tan metal frame, a metal mechanism, and green and white plastic keys on a light green plastic keyboard. It has eight columns of keys and has an operating by a handle on the right side.
Description
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a tan metal frame, a metal mechanism, and green and white plastic keys on a light green plastic keyboard. It has eight columns of keys and has an operating by a handle on the right side. Subtraction and repeat levers are next to the keyboard, as is a clearing button. Total/subtotal and non-add levers are next to the handle.
The ribbon and the printing mechanism are exposed. The paper tape is released by a lever on the right, advanced by a roller on the right, and torn off using a serrated edge along the top of the paper guide. The machine prints results up to eight digits long. Using a lever on the tip left side, paper advance may be set at nonprint, one space, two spaces or total space.
The machine is marked at the front: National. The serial number, impressed on a metal tag attached to the front at the base is: 9H 309035. A mark on the back reads: MANUFACTURED AT (/) ITHACA, NEW YORK U.S.A. BY THE (/) ALLEN-WALES ADDING MACHINE DIVISION OF (/) THE NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY (/) DAYTON, OHIO, U.S.A. (/) National.
The machine was given to the Smithsonian by Leona T. Feldman of Philadelphia, and used by her father in his law office. Her father was most probably lawyer David N. Feldman (1896-1987).
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1951
maker
Allen Wales Adding Machine Division, the National Cash Register Company
ID Number
1988.0488.01
catalog number
1988.0488.01
accession number
1988.0488
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel frame painted brown and green, ten columns of green and white plastic keys, four rubber feet, a green rubber-covered cord, and a paper tape. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel frame painted brown and green, ten columns of green and white plastic keys, four rubber feet, a green rubber-covered cord, and a paper tape. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat. On the right side are keys for multiplication, subtraction, addition, clearance, S, and #. Inside these is a lever labeled REPEAT. Numbers appear in ten windows above the keyboard. Three decimal markers slide along the bottom of this register. The paper tape is 2-1/4” wide and on a carriage at the back of the machine. A serrated edge helps cut the paper tape. The spools for the ribbon are under metal covers, which are screwed down. A lever on the top left sets the print spacing at single space, double space or non-print. Of eleven columns of type; ten are for digits and one is for special characters. The on/off switch is near the bottom on the left side front. The machine has a black plastic cover.
A mark on the front reads: National. A tag attached to the base of the front reads: 11KN 379095. The machine was purchased second hand by optometrist Arthur Cowan in the 1950s and used regularly until about 1985.
National Cash Register began selling adding machines in 1944, when it acquired the Allen Wales Corporation. By 1952, when this machine was made, mention of Allen Wales had dropped from NCR adding machines.
Reference:
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
maker
National Cash Register Company
ID Number
1996.0097.01
accession number
1996.0097
catalog number
1996.0097.01

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