Ten Keys & Fewer

An image displaying several adding machines from the Division of Medicine and Science.

From the mid-19th century, a few adding machines were built with an array of nine or ten keys for entering digits. The clockmaker Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué patented such a machine in France in 1844. Schilt had worked for Schwilgué before building his machine. He showed the instrument at the Crystal Palace exhibit, a World’s Fair held in London in 1851. Schilt declined to make copies of this machine, and had little immediate influence on the design of adding machines. In the course of the 19th century, inventors like David Carroll of Pennsylvania and the French-born priest Michael Bouchet of Louisville, Kentucky, also proposed adding machines with a limited number of keys. Bouchet seems to have found a handful of customers. Ten-key adding machines devised by rabbi Judah Levin of Detroit and Frank S. Baldwin of New Jersey also found no wide market.

During the 1890s, Albert C. Ludlum of Brooklyn and then Denver, and William W. Hopkins of St. Louis took out patents for a ten-key adding machine that would print results. From 1903 it was manufactured in St. Louis as the Standard adding machine. The Standard was, the first widely distributed ten-key adding machine on which the numbers printed were visible.

The success of the Standard inspired imitators. Inventors at Burroughs Adding Machine Company designed a ten-key adding machine, although it was not marketed. Sydney B. Austin of Baltimore prepared a similar machine. William Hopkins’s younger brother, machinist Hubert Hopkins, patented his own version of a ten-key adding machine. After complex business dealings, including intervention from other adding machine manufacturers, James L. Dalton acquired exclusive rights to manufacture machines under the Hopkins patents. From 1903, a firm soon known as the Dalton Adding Machine Company made the machine in Missouri and then Ohio, until it was acquired by Remington Rand in 1927. Remington Rand would also acquire rights to a lighter ten-key machine, built on patents of Thomas Mehan and originally sold as the Brennan.

Slightly later than Hopkins, Osker Sundstrand of Illinois introduced an adding machine that featured digit keys arranged in a 3 x 3, with a zero bar underneath. This became standard, and would be used not only on adding machines, but on later electronic calculators. In 1926, the Sundstrand Adding Machine Company was acquired by Elliott Fisher, a firm known for its bookkeeping machines. This company, in turn, merged with the Underwood Typewriter Company, which sold the Underwood Sundstrand adding machine for many years. The Italian firm of Olivetti purchased a controlling share of Underwood Corporation in 1959, and soon placed a redesigned ten-key adding machine on the market.

By the mid-20th century, ten-key adding machines took a growing share of the market. Victor Adding Machine Company of Chicago, which had initially sold full-keyboard machines, introduced a ten-key machine in 1939. After World War II, Victor would acquire one of the first manufacturers of full-keyboard machines, Felt & Tarrant. The venerable Burroughs Adding Machine Company also introduced a ten-key machine, patterned on the British Summit. A few ten-key machines were imported from Europe and Japan. Plastic machines with fewer keys and limited capabilities were made in Japan and Hong Kong.

Brennan Adding Machine

This adding machine has a black case, with a green metal plate under the keyboard. It has nine black plastic digit keys arranged in a square with a “0” bar below. The digits are in white, with smaller complementary digits in red.
Description
This adding machine has a black case, with a green metal plate under the keyboard. It has nine black plastic digit keys arranged in a square with a “0” bar below. The digits are in white, with smaller complementary digits in red. There are red SUB (/) TOTAL and TOTAL keys to the left of the digit keys and a smaller red key to the right. Numbers of up to nine digits may be entered. Depressing the total key and the key on the right and bringing the lever forward clears the machine. At the front is a red key marked "E” that serves as a column indicator. Moving this key to the right eliminates digits entered erroneously. The metal operating lever, with wooden handle, is on the right side. Behind the keyboard is a glass window that reveals a row of nine plastic wheels that show the total. Behind these is a narrow carriage with a rubber knobs that carries a paper tape.
The Brennan was invented by Thomas Mehan and manufactured in Chicago in roughly the years from 1929 to1931. This was not a good time to be starting a business in the United States, and the Brennan Adding Machine Company soon folded. The rights to manufacture the machine were acquired by Remington Rand by 1932, and it soon began to manufacture a similar machine as its "grocer's special."
The machine is marked on the right and left side, with a stencil of an airplane: THE (/) BRENNAN. It is stamped on the bottom with serial number 4305.
The prior owner of the machine did not know where it was used.
References:
This machine resembles that shown in an advertisement in Typewriter Topics, vol. 74, March, 1930. p. 61. It has more function keys than shown in 1929 advertisements.
E. Martin, Die Rechenmaschinen und ihre Entwicklungsgeschichte, (1925 edition with later supplement), p. 457.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Brennan Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1999.0297.01
accession number
1999.0297
catalog number
1999.0297.01

Remington Rand Adding Machine

This printing adding machine has a metal case painted black. Ten black numeral keys are arranged in a block (i.e. 7 8 9 (/) 4 5 6 (/) 1 2 3 (/) 0). These have metal key stems with plastic key covers.
Description
This printing adding machine has a metal case painted black. Ten black numeral keys are arranged in a block (i.e. 7 8 9 (/) 4 5 6 (/) 1 2 3 (/) 0). These have metal key stems with plastic key covers. A metal operating handle with a wooden knob is on the right, and a paper tape at the back. There are red SUB(/)TOTAL, TOTAL, and MULTIPLY keys. In the front is a COLUMN INDICATOR lever. Numbers up to seven digits long may be entered, with eight-digit totals.
The machine has four rubber feet. It is marked on the top: Remington. It is marked on the left side: Remington Rand (/) BRANCHES EVERYWHERE. A metal tag glued to the bottom has the serial number M25250.
Compare to Brennan adding machine with catalog number 1999.0297.01. The rights to the Brennan adding machine were acquired by Remington Rand by 1932.
References:
Typewriter Topics, vol. 71, January,1929, pp. 40-41, 92.
Typewriter Topics, vol. 72, May, 1929, p. 65.
Typewriter Topics, vol. 74, Mar, 1930, p. 61.
Ernst Martin, Die Rechenmaschinen und ihre Entwicklungsgeschichte, [1925 edition with later supplement], p. 447.
American Office Machines Research Services, III, 3.21, May, 1938.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1932
maker
Remington Rand
ID Number
MA.335204
maker number
M25250
accession number
314592
catalog number
335204

Underwood Sundstrand 8120P Adding Machine

This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a gray metal case with ten white plastic number keys arranged in a block. Left of the number keys are CORRECTION, B’K (/) SPACE, and REPEAT keys. Right of the number keys are SUB- (/) TRACT, ADD and N.ADD (/) TOTAL keys.
Description
This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a gray metal case with ten white plastic number keys arranged in a block. Left of the number keys are CORRECTION, B’K (/) SPACE, and REPEAT keys. Right of the number keys are SUB- (/) TRACT, ADD and N.ADD (/) TOTAL keys. Above the keyboard is a place indicator for up to eight places, which moves from left to right as up to eight digits are entered. The 2-3/8” (6 cm.) paper tape is in the back, A black ribbon is underneath a metal plate held down by thumbscrews. The machine prints up to eight digits, and the rightmost type bar prints symbols. One lever on the top right releases the position of the carriage and the second releases tension on the platen. The motor is on the left.
Gustav David Sundstrand, the son of Swedish immigrants to the United States and a resident of Rockford, Illinois, applied for a patent for an adding machine in 1912, and was granted it in 1920 (U.S. Patent 1,329,028). He applied for a second patent in 1914, which was granted in 1916 (U.S. Patent 1,198,487). The Sundstrand originally was produced by the Rockford Milling Machine Company - by 1920 it was a product of Sundstrand Corporation, a closely related firm. Oscar Sundstrand, a brother of Gustav David, took over primary responsibility in improvements in the adding machine. During the 1920s, several business machine companies consolidated. The Elliott-Fisher Company acquired rights to the Sundstrand adding machine in 1926, and soon merged with the Underwood Typewriter Company. Hence the adding machine was renamed the Underwood Sundstrand.
This example is from considerably later in the history of the machine. The “8” in the model number indicates that the machine has a capacity of listing eight-digit totals, while the “P” signifies a portable electric machine with “Multiflex” control, allowing more rapid repeat addition and subtraction. According to the accession file, the donor acquired this machine secondhand in about 1953.
References:
American Office Machines Research Service, III.
Fédération Nationale des Chambres Syndicales de la Mécanographie, Fédération de Reprise officielle des Machines à Ecrire, Machines à Calculer . . ., Lyon, 1970, p. 86.
Underwood Sundstrand, “Underwood Sundstrand presents the right machine with the right keyboard . . . The only complete line of ten key adding machines,” [no date], 1990.3188.07.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940
maker
Underwood Elliot Fisher Company
ID Number
1985.0655.01
maker number
336139
accession number
1985.0655
catalog number
1985.0655.01

Underwood Sundstrand 11140P Adding Machine

American religious organizations have long used computing devices. The First Baptist Church of Suitland, Maryland owned this machine.The ten-key printing electric adding machine has a block of nine white plastic keys with the 0 bar below.
Description
American religious organizations have long used computing devices. The First Baptist Church of Suitland, Maryland owned this machine.
The ten-key printing electric adding machine has a block of nine white plastic keys with the 0 bar below. On the left are CORR, B’K (/) SPAC and X (/) REP’T keys. On the right are SUB- (/) TOTAL, ADD, and NO + (/) TOTAL keys. Above the keyboard is a place indicator. Above and behind this is the printing mechanism. One may enter numbers of up to ten digits, and print results of up to 11 digits.
A metal plate painted gray and held down with screws covers the spools of the two-color ribbon. The machine has a paper tape 2-1/2” (6.3 cm) wide. A lever on the right releases tension on the platen. A lever on the left sets the spacing. The motor is inside the case, at the back.
The machine is marked: Underwood (/) Sundstrand ... (/) Underwood Corporation (/) Protected by United States (/) and Foreign Patents (/) Made in U.S.A. It is also marked: 416151 (/) 11140P (/) UNIVERSAL MOTOR (/) VOLTS 115 AMPS. 1.5. The “11” in the first two digits of the model number corresponds to the number of possible digits in the total. The “P” refers to electric machines.
References:
American Business Machines Research, III, 1937.
Documentation 1990.3188.7.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944
maker
Underwood Corporation
ID Number
1978.0279.01
maker number
416151
accession number
1978.0279
catalog number
336517

Victor Model 780 Adding Machine

This ten-key printing manual adding machine has a black plastic top, green plastic keys, and a metal mechanism, handle, and base. The number keys are arranged in a block. To the left of these is a lever used to clear the place indicator.
Description
This ten-key printing manual adding machine has a black plastic top, green plastic keys, and a metal mechanism, handle, and base. The number keys are arranged in a block. To the left of these is a lever used to clear the place indicator. The place indicator is above the keyboard. Numbers with as many as eight digits may be entered. Back near the carriage are two levers. One, on the right, is marked “T” and set forward to obtain totals. It also is marked "S" (the S has faded) and held backward for subtotals. The other, on the left, is adjusted for repetitition ("R") or subtraction ("- (/) T"). The printing mechanism is between these levers, with the paper tape to the back. Results up to nine digits long may be printed. The handle on the right side has a wooden knob painted black. The cover is of black cloth. The serial number, marked on the side of the base, is 531973.
According to Edwin Darby, this model was introduced in 1938. According to Office Machines Research, Inc., it was introduced in 1940. The serial number suggests that this example was made in 1947.
References:
NOMDA’s Blue Book: Approximate January 1st Ages Adding Machines and Calculator Retail Prices, November, 1980, p. 57.
E. Darby, It All Adds Up: The Growth of Victor Comptometer Corporation, Victor Comptometer Corporation, 1968, pp. 77-90
Office Machines Research, Inc., section 3,21, February, 1940.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940s
maker
Victor Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1984.0682.01
maker number
531973
accession number
1984.0682
catalog number
1984.0682.01

Remington Rand 93 Adding Machine

Like many religious organizations, Christ Congregational Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, used an adding machine to track its finances.This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a black plastic case and a metal base.
Description
Like many religious organizations, Christ Congregational Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, used an adding machine to track its finances.
This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a black plastic case and a metal base. It has a block of nine white number keys with a 0 bar below. Subtract and repeat keys are to the right of the number keys, and a total bar is to the right of these. Left of the number keys are non-add and subtotal keys and a correction bar. A place indicator is above the keyboard and a printing mechanism, carriage, and motor behind it. A hinged door opens to give access to the black ribbon. Color-coded dots above the paper tape serve as place markers and a serrated edge assists in tearing the tape. The printing mechanism has room for further digit fonts. One may enter numbers of up to seven digits and print results of up to eight digits. A cord extends from the back of the machine. There are four rubber feet. When the machine prints, decimal points are not indicated.
The machine is marked above the keyboard: REMINGTON RAND. It is marked on the right side: MODEL NO 93 (/) ADDING BOOKKEEPING * CALCULATING MACHINES (/) MADE IN U.S.A. The serial number on the base is 93-710565.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
maker
Remington Rand
ID Number
1987.0687.01
maker number
93-710565
accession number
1987.0687
catalog number
1987.0687.01

Remington Rand Adding Machine

This black ten-key printing adding machine is manually operated by depressing keys and moving forward a crank on the right. In addition to a block of white number keys, the machine has a MULTIPLY key on the right and R, SUB(/)TOTAL and TOTAL keys on the left.
Description
This black ten-key printing adding machine is manually operated by depressing keys and moving forward a crank on the right. In addition to a block of white number keys, the machine has a MULTIPLY key on the right and R, SUB(/)TOTAL and TOTAL keys on the left. A key at the front marked “C” moves the decimal place of the digit entered. The machine accepts entries of up to seven digits and prints seven-digit totals. There is a set of seven windows above the keys that indicate the place of the digit being entered. There is a printing mechanism at the back, but no paper tape.
The machine is marked on the left side: ADDING* BOOKKEEPING*CALCULATING MACHINES (/) MADE IN U.S.A. It has serial number: 71-654292.
Compare objects 335204 and 1985.3010.01. There is a plastic cover which is marked as part of the object, although it reads “General."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
maker
Remington Rand
ID Number
1982.0474.01
maker number
71-654292
accession number
1982.0474
catalog number
1982.0474.01

Remington Rand Adding Machine

This gray ten-key “portable” adding machine is manually operated by depressing keys and moving forward a crank on the right.
Description
This gray ten-key “portable” adding machine is manually operated by depressing keys and moving forward a crank on the right. In addition to a block of white digit keys, the machine has a key stem on the right (the key cover is missing) and R, SUB(/)TOTAL and TOTAL keys on the left. A key at the front marked “C” clears entries. A set of seven windows above the keys indicates the place of the digit being entered. The machine allows entries of up to seven digits and prints seven-digit totals. There is a printing mechanism at the back, but no paper tape. The machine has serial number 71-795133. It has a Smithsonian property tag that reads: S.I. # 15720.
Compare 335204 and 1982.0474.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
maker
Remington Rand
ID Number
1985.3010.01
maker number
71-795133
nonaccession number
1985.3010
catalog number
1985.3010.01

Burroughs Series P Adding Machine

This dark olive-green printing electric adding machine has a block of nine white plastic number keys with a 0 bar below. One can enter numbers up to ten digits long. On the right side are six function keys for subtotal, total, non-add, error, subtraction, and addition.
Description
This dark olive-green printing electric adding machine has a block of nine white plastic number keys with a 0 bar below. One can enter numbers up to ten digits long. On the right side are six function keys for subtotal, total, non-add, error, subtraction, and addition. In front of the keyboard is a white clearance knob. A hole for a handle on the right is covered with a metal piece. A narrow carriage, with printing mechanism, is at the back. It prints results of at least ten digits (the eleventh type bar may be for a digit or a symbol). The ribbon is black, and there is room for another ribbon.
The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs. A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #137. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation. The object was model #137 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Burroughs introduced the ten-key series P machine in 1949. According to the accession file, this is the first model and was associated with the Burroughs inventor John Magnus.
Reference:
Accession file 1982.0794.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1949
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.23
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.23

Burroughs Adding Machine

The Burroughs Adding Machine Company, long a manufacturer of full-keyboard adding machines, faced stiff competition from less expensive ten-key adding machines. In response, in 1954 they introduced their own versions of the machine, based on the British Summit.
Description
The Burroughs Adding Machine Company, long a manufacturer of full-keyboard adding machines, faced stiff competition from less expensive ten-key adding machines. In response, in 1954 they introduced their own versions of the machine, based on the British Summit. This is a prototype, designed for British currency.
The manually operated printing machine accepts nine-digit entries and prints nine-digit totals. The gray metal machine has 11 white plastic keys in a block, numbered from 1 to 11. There also is a white zero bar and a white key labeled with a pound sterling symbol. There are 4 brown function keys right of the digit keys that are labeled ST, T, -, and R. The place indicator is in back of the keyboard and the printing mechanism, with 2-1/4” carriage, behind this. The ribbon is black. A lid lifts off the top for access to the ribbon and printing mechanism. The top part of a wheel is exposed through the case to allow one to advance the paper tape. A serrated edge assists in tearing off the paper tape.
The machine is marked in back of the keyboard: Burroughs. A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #330. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Burroughs sold ten-key adding machines through at least 1965.
Compare to Summit adding machines 1982.0794.76 and 1982.0794.77, and Burroughs adding machine 1982.0794.85.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.84
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.84

Summit Burroughs Adding Machine

The Burroughs Adding Machine Company, long a manufacturer of full-keyboard adding machines, faced stiff competition from less expensive ten-key adding machines. In response, the firm introduced its own versions of the machine, based on the British Summit.
Description
The Burroughs Adding Machine Company, long a manufacturer of full-keyboard adding machines, faced stiff competition from less expensive ten-key adding machines. In response, the firm introduced its own versions of the machine, based on the British Summit. This is an example.
This electric printing adding machine will add nine-digit-numbers up to nine-digit totals. A tenth key in the printing mechanism is for symbols. The machine has a brown metal case, 11 white number keys arranged in a block (for British currency), a white zero bar, a column of four black function keys, a black bar, and a black correction key. The function keys are labeled ST, T, -, and R. The place indicator is above the keyboard. The printing mechanism, paper tape, and motor are toward the back of the machine. Part of the case lifts off to give access to the ribbon and printing mechanism. A serrated edge provides for tearing the paper tape, and knobs on the right and left advance the tape. A ribbon and brown cloth-wrapped cord are in place. The machine is marked in back of the keyboard: Burroughs. It has serial number 1085. It is marked on a red tag: PATENT DEPT. (/) #331. It is marked on a white tag: SUMMIT BURROUGHS STERLING (/) #1985. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Compare to 1982.0794.76, 1982.0974.77, and 1982.0794.84.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
ID Number
1982.0794.85
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.85

Burroughs Adding Machine Model

This is a wooden dummy model of the case of a ten-key printing electric adding machine. It has black plastic keys keys and a frame, but no mechanism. The number keys are in a block with a zero bar below. Left of these are ERROR and REPEAT keys.
Description
This is a wooden dummy model of the case of a ten-key printing electric adding machine. It has black plastic keys keys and a frame, but no mechanism. The number keys are in a block with a zero bar below. Left of these are ERROR and REPEAT keys. Right of these are SUB[()TOTAL, and TOTAL keys, as well as a key stem (without a key) and a black bar. There is a place for a place indicator. A 4-inch carriage is at the back of the machine, and there are four rubber feet.
A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #161. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
This model, along with 1982.0794.28, was #161 in the collections of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The shape, placement and color of the function keys are different on this object than on 1982.0794.27.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.28
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.28

Burroughs Experimental Adding Machine

This model for a ten-key printing electric adding machine has a metal mechanism with tan and dark tan plastic keys and a rubber carriage and rubber feet. It adds eight digit numbers, and has a 10-column printout (one column may be of symbols).
Description
This model for a ten-key printing electric adding machine has a metal mechanism with tan and dark tan plastic keys and a rubber carriage and rubber feet. It adds eight digit numbers, and has a 10-column printout (one column may be of symbols). There is a block of nine gray plastic number keys with a 0 bar below. Two dark brown, square function keys to the left of the digit keys are marked “C” and “X.” Three similar keys rightt of the digit keys are marked “ST”, “*(/)TOT”, and “-.” A fourth function key on the right is unmarked. There is a place indicator, a 2-1/4” carriage, and a black ribbon. No cover or cord.
A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPARTMENT (/) #161. A metal tag on the left side reads: 31794A.
This model, along with 1982.0794.28, was #161 in the collections of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The accession file suggests that this was the invention of Althans, presumably Emile H. Althans of Burroughs.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.27
maker number
31794A?
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.27

Summit Adding Machine

By the mid-20th century, printing adding machines with a block of ten keys sold much more cheaply than full-keyboard machines. Mindful that it was losing sales, Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit set out to manufacture its own ten-key machine.
Description
By the mid-20th century, printing adding machines with a block of ten keys sold much more cheaply than full-keyboard machines. Mindful that it was losing sales, Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit set out to manufacture its own ten-key machine. The Burroughs Patent Division acquired examples and blueprints of a recently introduced British adding machine, the Summit.
This manually operated example of the Summit has a steel case painted gray, a block of 12 number keys (for the 12 digits in Sterling currency), four keys on the right, and a “COR” key on the left. The metal crank on the right has a wooden handle. A place indicator is above the keyboard. The machine allows one to enter numbers up to nine digits long and prints nine-digit totals. The printing mechanism with paper tape is at the back. The paper tape is 6 cm. (2-3/8”) wide, with a serrated edge for tearing it off. A metal plate at the top lifts off for access to the mechanism and the black ribbon. The machine has wheels on the left and the right to advance the platen.
The machine is marked on the front: Summit. It is also marked there: MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN. It has serial number: #1885. A red Burroughs Patent Department tag attached to the machine reads: #300.
Compare to 1982.0794.77.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
ID Number
1982.0794.76
maker number
#1885
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.76

Summit Adding Machine

By the mid-20th century, printing adding machines with a block of ten keys sold much more cheaply than full-keyboard machines. Mindful that it was losing sales, Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit set out to manufacture its own ten-key machine.
Description
By the mid-20th century, printing adding machines with a block of ten keys sold much more cheaply than full-keyboard machines. Mindful that it was losing sales, Burroughs Adding Machine Company of Detroit set out to manufacture its own ten-key machine. The Burroughs Patent Division acquired examples and blueprints of a recently introduced British adding machine, the Summit.
This manually operated machine has 11 white plastic keys numbered 1 to 11 (for Sterling currency), as well as a 0 bar. Four black keys are on the right and a correction key is on the left. A place indicator is above the keyboard and a printing mechanism behind it. This includes a paper tape 6 cm. (2 3/8”) wide, a black ribbon, and a serrated edge for tearing the paper tape. The rightmost type bar prints symbols. A metal cover fits over the ribbon and mechanism. Left and right wheels turn the tape and advance the paper. A place for a crank exists, but no crank is present. The machine allows one to enter numbers up to nine digits long and prints nine-digit totals.
The machine is marked on the front: Summit. It is also marked there: MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN. It has serial number: #1895. A red Burroughs Patent Department tag attached to the machine reads: #300. Compare to 1982.0794.76.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
ID Number
1982.0794.77
maker number
1895
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.77

Quick-Adder

Some simple adding machines were designed for consumers seeking to track their purchases. This small red plastic device has three white keys on top for entering dollars, dimes, and cents. The dollar wheel is numbered from 0 to 19. Pushing a key advances a wheel below one digit.
Description
Some simple adding machines were designed for consumers seeking to track their purchases. This small red plastic device has three white keys on top for entering dollars, dimes, and cents. The dollar wheel is numbered from 0 to 19. Pushing a key advances a wheel below one digit. Results appear in three windows on the front of the instrument. There is a carry. The instrument is held together by metal rivets. The mechanism is encased.
The machine is marked: QUICK-ADDER. It is also marked: NO.6319 MADE IN HONG KONG. It is also marked: DESIGN REGD.
In 1950, Theodore C. Romanchek (1897-1985) of Los Angeles took out a United States copyright for the term “quick adder.” From this date, and the general style of the object, it seems likely that it dates from the 1950s. It came to the Museum from the collection of John White.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950s
ID Number
1981.0922.17
accession number
1981.0922
catalog number
1981.0922.17

Underwood Sundstrand 11240SP Adding Machine

This hefty ten-key listing electric adding machine has a gray metal case with a 13” carriage. The block of nine white number keys has a zero bar below. Numbers of up to ten digits may be entered. To the left are correction, back space, and repeated addition keys.
Description
This hefty ten-key listing electric adding machine has a gray metal case with a 13” carriage. The block of nine white number keys has a zero bar below. Numbers of up to ten digits may be entered. To the left are correction, back space, and repeated addition keys. To the right are subtraction, addition, and no total keys. Left of these keys is a lever that can be set at “SHUTTLE” or “NORMAL.” Another lever can be set at “REG.B,” “A*B,” or “REG.A.” Another lever is unlabeled. Above the keyboard is a place indicator. Behind this are the printing mechanism, carriage, and cross-footer. Numbers of up to 11 digits can be printed. The machine has a two-colored ribbon. Tabs can be set to print columns at different locations along the platen, different sizes of paper can be used, and there are knobs for advancing the platen on both sides. The motor also is at the back.
This is model #303 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. It is marked on the back: Underwood (/) Sundstrand (/) Product of (/) Underwood Corporation (/) Protected by United States (/) and Foreign Patents (/) Made in U.S.A.. It is also marked there: 775180 (/) 11240SP
Compare to the Underwood Sundstrand Adding Tabulator (model 11240SP-13), described in 1990.188.07.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
maker
Underwood Corporation
ID Number
1982.0794.78
maker number
775180 [/] 11240SP
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.78

Rheinmetall Adding Machine

This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a greenish gray metal case. Nine gray plastic numeral keys are arranged in a block, with the 0 bar below them.
Description
This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a greenish gray metal case. Nine gray plastic numeral keys are arranged in a block, with the 0 bar below them. Three black keys are on the left, three black keys are right of the number keys, and a bar and key are on the far right. Above the keyboard is a place indicator and above this, a number indicator. The machine has a wide movable carriage at the back that would hold 13”-wide documents. An attachment can hold rolls of paper tape. A serrated edge is above the platen to tear off the paper tape. The motor is below the carriage and the paper tape holder. A black cord, with another cord plugged into it, extends from the back.
The machine is marked above the keyboard and on the carriage: Rheinmetall. It has serial number: 168241. It has a red tag attached to it that reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #298. This is a tag of the Burroughs Corporation Patent Department, the source of the machine.
The German firm of Rheinmetall Metallwaren und Machinenfabrik introduced a stepped drum calculating machine in 1924. In 1932 the company began making ten-key adding machines in several styles. This is a postwar example.
References:
Ernst Martin, Die Rechenmaschinen und ihre Entwicklungsgeschichte, pp. 370-372, 448-452.
Fédération Nationale des Chambres Syndicales de la Mécanographie, Fédération de Reprise officielle des Machines à Ecrire, Machines à Calculer . . ., Lyon, 1970, p. 81.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1953
maker
Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenfabrik Sömmerda Aktiengesellschaft
ID Number
1982.0794.75
maker number
168241?
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.75

Remington Sperry Rand Adding Machine

This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a tan plastic cover and white plastic keys. In addition to the block of number keys, there are “S”, “N”, and “-” bars on the left and “T”, “+”, and “x” bars on the right. There is a place indicator above the keyboard.
Description
This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a tan plastic cover and white plastic keys. In addition to the block of number keys, there are “S”, “N”, and “-” bars on the left and “T”, “+”, and “x” bars on the right. There is a place indicator above the keyboard. One may enter numbers of up to ten digits and print 11-digit results. Toward the back are the printing mechanism and the motor. The machine holds only paper tape 5.5 cm. wide. Printing is in either red or black.
The machine is marked on the front: REMINGTON (/) SPERRY RAND. The block of digit keys is arranged: 7 8 9 (/) 4 5 6 (/) 1 2 3 (/) 0. A sticker attached to the back reads: MODEL 41013-10. It also reads: REMINGTON RAND (/) OFFICE MACHINES DIVISION (/) MADE IN SEARCY, ARK. U.S.A. It is marked on the machine, inside the plastic case, on the right side: 151A585805.
The machine came to the Smithsonian from the Hyattsville, Maryland, branch of the Vermont Federal Savings and Loan bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1955
maker
Remington Rand
ID Number
1987.0285.03
maker number
151A585805
accession number
1987.0285
catalog number
1987.0285.03

Victor Automatic Calculator

This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a brown metal frame, ten brown numeral keys in a block, and three levers. One bar is marked C, another marked -, and a third has no mark. A red button is at the top right of the keyboard.
Description
This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a brown metal frame, ten brown numeral keys in a block, and three levers. One bar is marked C, another marked -, and a third has no mark. A red button is at the top right of the keyboard. The place indicator is above the number keys, and the printing mechanism and motor are at the back. The machine adds numbers with as many as ten digits and prints 11-digit results. An electric cord extends out the back. The four feet are rubber. A roll of paper tape is in the machine. Another roll of tape was received with the accession.
The machine resembles that shown in a 1961 photograph at the time of the merger of Victor Adding Machine Company and Felt & Tarrant Adding Machine Company. The machine is marked: 1535-613 (/) 73 85 54B. It is also marked: MADE BY VICTOR ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) CHICAGO. U.S.A. (/) U.S.A. PATENT No2834542 (/) BRITISH PATENT No 787 507. A Victor adding machine with serial number 1,535,613 dates from 1959 according to the National Office Machine Dealer’s Association.
References:
NOMDA’s Blue Book: Approximate January 1st Ages Adding Machines and Calculator Retail Prices, November, 1980, p. 57.
E. Darby, It All Adds Up: The Growth of Victor Comptometer Corporation, Victor Comptometer Corporation, 1968, p. 131.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1959
maker
Victor Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1991.0791.01
maker number
1535613
accession number
1991.0791
catalog number
1991.0791.01

SCM Marchant Adding Machine Experimental Model

This is a model for a ten-key printing electric adding machine, most probably made at or for SCM Marchant. It has a metal mechanism (there is no case), nine gray round plastic digit keys arranged in a block, and darker gray 0 and total keys.
Description
This is a model for a ten-key printing electric adding machine, most probably made at or for SCM Marchant. It has a metal mechanism (there is no case), nine gray round plastic digit keys arranged in a block, and darker gray 0 and total keys. There are seven additional key stems as well as three double key stems for bars. None of these have covers. Behind the number keys is an 11.5 cm. carriage for the paper tape, as well as a 2-colored ribbon. At the back left is an electric motor that would fit in the case, were there a case.
The number keys are marked: 7 8 9 (/) 4 5 6 (/) 1 2 3 (/) 0.
There is a black plastic cover.
This machine has some similarity to the adding machine sold by Marchant around 1959, in the shape of the keys and placement of the function keys and print mechanism. However, it is considerably wider.
Reference:
SCM Collection (1979.3084.128).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1959
maker
Marchant Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335375
catalog number
335375
accession number
318944

Olivetti Multisumma 22 Adding Machine

This ten-key listing electric adding machine has a blue-green plastic case with a black plastic cover for the paper tape and two-color ribbon. It has three rows of white plastic digit keys, with two bars below these, one for entering single zeros and the other for double zeros.
Description
This ten-key listing electric adding machine has a blue-green plastic case with a black plastic cover for the paper tape and two-color ribbon. It has three rows of white plastic digit keys, with two bars below these, one for entering single zeros and the other for double zeros. Right of the digit keys are total, subtotal, subtraction, and entry bars. Left of the digit keys is a column of function keys, with a lever at the top and at the bottom of the column. Left of these are three further function keys and a white key which may be depressed. Above the keyboard is a place indicator for digits being entered. Numbers of up to 12 digits may be entered.
Behind the keyboard is the printing mechanism, which includes one bar for printing special characters. Results with up to 12 digits may be printed. There is a paper tape 3” (7.7 cm.) wide, with a plastic serrated edge for tearing it. A lever at the right releases tension on the platen. A plug extends from the back of the machine. The machine has a dark gray cloth cover laminated with plastic.
A mark on top of the machine reads: olivetti-underwood. a mark on a metal plate attached to the back reads: Multisumma 22 Olivetti (/) MADE IN ITALY - FABRIQUE EN ITALIE. The serial number on the bottom is M 346630.
According to Shapira, Olivetti purchased a controlling share of Underwood in 1959. The Olivetti Multisumma 20, apparently a later machine than the Multisumma 22, was introduced in 1965.
Reference:
N. Shapira, Design Process Olivetti 1908-1978, 1979, p. 251, 252.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Olivetti-Underwood
ID Number
1997.0237.01
catalog number
1997.0237.01
accession number
1997.0237
maker number
M 346630

Friden Adding Machine Cover

This tan plastic cover for a ten-key Friden adding machine was found with machine MA.335423, which is by Marchant. It does not fit the machine.Friden was making a ten-key adding machine (as opposed to a calculating machine) in about 1960.
Description
This tan plastic cover for a ten-key Friden adding machine was found with machine MA.335423, which is by Marchant. It does not fit the machine.
Friden was making a ten-key adding machine (as opposed to a calculating machine) in about 1960. In 1964, the company began manufacture of electronic calculators.
References:
Newsweek, November 14, 1960, p. 56.
Accession file 313935.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Friden Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1997.3040.01
catalog number
1997.3040.01
nonaccession number
1997.3040

Comptograph

This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a grayish tan metal casing, a paper tape, and nine white plastic numeral keys, arranged on a block, with zero bar below. Above the number keys is a place indicator with clearance bar. Other keys are marked X, +, -, #, and *.
Description
This ten-key printing electric adding machine has a grayish tan metal casing, a paper tape, and nine white plastic numeral keys, arranged on a block, with zero bar below. Above the number keys is a place indicator with clearance bar. Other keys are marked X, +, -, #, and *. One key is marked with a diamond. The machine has a tan cord, a paper tape 2 3/8” (6 cm.) wide, and a gray cover. The rightmost printwheel prints special characters. A latch releases the lid to reveal the mechanism, the platen, the printwheels, and the two-color ribbon. A serrated plastic edge helps users tear off the paper tape. A lever on the top left releases the tension on the platen.
The machine is marked on the back: Comptograph. It is marked on a metal tag on the inside right: Mod. 2205 No 125253. It is marked on a paper tag on the bottom: MADE IN (/) WESTERN GERMANY. It is marked on the plastic cover: LEON (/) Office Machines Co., Inc. (/) 625 F. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. (/) REpublic 7-3145.
The machine was used by the donor’s husband when he was working in lingerie manufacture in Richmond, Va.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1962
ID Number
1992.0636.01
maker number
125253
accession number
1992.0636
catalog number
1992.0636.01

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