Direct Multiplication Calculating Machines

The first calculating machines multiplied by repeated addition. To multiple by tens, hundreds, or larger units, one shifted the carriage.  From the 1870s, a few inventors proposed machines that could multiply directly – albeit by a single digit at a time. The Frenchman Léon Bollée exhibited such a machine at a world’s fair held in Paris in 1889. Not long thereafter the American George Grant and the Swiss inventor Otto Steiger invented direct multiplication machines. Steiger’s machine would sell successfully as the Millionaire in both Europe and the United States. In the 1930s, Swedish-born inventor Carl Friden introduced a calculating machine on which all of the digits of the multiplier could be entered at once. Automatic multiplication – and automatic division – came to be widely available on calculating machines in the 1950s.

In the late 19th century, several inventors turned their attention to designing better machines for doing arithmetic. This model calculating machine, patented by Edmund D.
Description
In the late 19th century, several inventors turned their attention to designing better machines for doing arithmetic. This model calculating machine, patented by Edmund D. Barbour of Boston, was intended to multiply a number by a digit directly, rather than requiring repeated addition. Barbour submitted the model to the U.S. Patent Office, and received a patent for the invention on August 13, 1872.
This machine consists of eight wooden cylinders that rotate on a crosswise shaft inside a wooden box. Each cylinder has around its edge 90 rows of cog-teeth. Each set of nine cog-teeth represents the multiples of a digit (zero multiples correspond to blank spaces). These cog-teeth have not actually been constructed. They are shown as pen marks on a slip of paper that extends around the first cylinder.
The machine is set to a given multiplier by rotating all the cylinders with a knob at one end of the machine. This knob is missing. The first cylinder has on its left side a wooden spur gear with 90 teeth The other cylinders would have such gears, but they are uncut. Pulling out a wooden toothed rack below the gear advances it one-ninetieth of a revolution for each unit on the rack. Hence one can set a multiplicand.
A movable carriage of brass on the top of the machine is supposed to be linked to the cylinders, so that when the carriage is pulled one unit to the right, the recording wheels advance in proportion to the figure represented on the edge of the cylinders. At present, the cylinders are not linked to the sliding carriage. Ther object has no maker’s marks. No successful product emerged directly from Barbour’s patents.
Compare MA.309172, MA.309173, and MA.318168.
The Edmund D. Barbour who took out this patent was probably Edmund Dana Barbour (1841–1925), a Boston native who reportedly gained a fortune in the China trade, before returning to Boston in 1871, not long before taking out this patent. Barbour went on to take out two further patents for calculating machines, to invest successfully in the Bell Telephone Company, to carry out extensive genealogical research, and to leave most of his fortune in bequests to Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Radcliffe College.
References:
Edmund Barbour, "Improvement in Calculating-Machines," U.S. Patent 130404, August 13, 1872.
J. A. V. Turck, Origin of Modern Calculating Machines, Chicago: Western Society of Engineers, 1921, pp. 180–187.
“Sharon’s Rich Men,” Boston Daily Globe, February 20, 1888, p. 6.
“Fund for Three Local Colleges: Edmund D Barbour’s Will Gives Each $20,000 a Year,” Boston Daily Globe, March 13, 1925.
J. Gardner Bartlett, “Edmund Dana Barbour,” The New England Historical and Genealogical Register , vol. 79, October 1925, pp. 339–344.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
patentee
Barbour, Edmund D.
maker
Barbour, Edmund D.
ID Number
MA.309172
accession number
89797
catalog number
309172
In 1878 Ramon Verea, a Spanish-born newspaper publisher in New York City, sent the U.S. Patent Office this model of a calculating machine he had invented.
Description
In 1878 Ramon Verea, a Spanish-born newspaper publisher in New York City, sent the U.S. Patent Office this model of a calculating machine he had invented. It was one of the first calculating machines that could multiply a number by a digit directly, rather than be repeated addition. The machine did not become a commercial product.
The lever-set machine has flat brass sides and is open at the front, bottom and back to reveal the mechanism. At the front are two ten-sided brass prisms that are mounted vertically. Each of the sides of the each prism has two columns of holes, with ten holes in a column. The holes come in ten sizes, with the largest and deepest representing 0, and the smallest and shallowest, 9. The holes represent multiples of a given digit.
Above the prisms are two knobs that move in slots in the flat top of the machine. Pulling forward a knob rotates the cylinder below, so that the side facing the back of the machine has holes representing multiples of the digit desired. Behind this mechanism is a row of tapered pins. Pulling a lever at the back of the machine raises or lowers these pins in order to set the multiplier. Turning a crank on the right side moves the pins up to the faces of the prisms and, where there are holes in the prism, allows the pins to enter to a certain depth.
Once the surface of a prism touched a pin, it pushed the pin, and a rack behind the pin, backward. Pins entering shallow holes reach the prism quickly and have a correspondingly greater effect on the rack. Pinions linked to the racks rotate correspondingly, rotating the result wheels at the back of the machine, with carrying occurring as required. Further turning of the crank restores the prisms, racks, and pins to their original position.
A mark on the top front of the machine reads: R. VEREA (/) NEW YORK. Verea had close ties to Cuba.
The model was displayed at the Museums of the Peaceful Arts in New York City. When that museum closed, it was given to the Smithsonian Institution by L. Leland Locke.
References:
R. Verea, “Improvement in Calculating Machines,” U.S. Patent 207918, September 10, 1878.
L. Leland Locke, “The First Direct-Multiplication Machine,” Typewriter Topics, November, 1926, pp. 16 and 18.
P. Kidwell, “Ideology and Invention: The Calculating Machine of Ramon Verea,” Rittenhouse, vol. 9, 1995, pp. 33–41.
date made
1878
date patented
1878
patentee
Verea, Ramon
maker
Verea, Ramon
ID Number
MA.311942
catalog number
311942
accession number
155183
Most early calculating machines carried out multiplication as a form of repeated addition.
Description
Most early calculating machines carried out multiplication as a form of repeated addition. To multiply, say, by thirteen, one set the carriage at its rightmost position, turned the operating crank three times, shifted the carriage one position to the left, and turned the crank once. Ramon Verea of New York had patented a machine capable of direct multiplication in 1878, but it was never produced. In 1888, the young Frenchman Léon Bollée (1870–1913) of Le Mans constructed a calculating machine which embodied a multiplication table. He completed a better version of the machine in time to exhibit it at the Exposition Universelle, a World’s Fair held in Paris in 1889, and received a gold medal. This somewhat later version of the machine came to the Smithsonian from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
The large manually operated non-printing direct multiplication calculating machine has an iron base with a brass and steel mechanism and an open framework. A metal box carrying 12 setting levers moves along a bar near the front of machine. In front of it are a multiplier knob and brass disc with 20 teeth. The spaces between the teeth are labeled from 0 to 9 and from 0 to 9 again around the edge. Rotating the multiplier knob moves the metal box, placing it in one of the spaces between the teeth of the disc sets the digit of the multiplier.
Moving one of the setting levers forward moves forward a multiplication body below it. Each multiplication body is has a rectangular base and rows of vertical pins which represent the multiples of digits from 1 to 9. The pins of the multiplication bodies control the motion of several sets of brass pins mounted vertically over them and linked to the result register. The operating crank with its wooden handle are on the left side. Rotating the crank lifts the box upward so that the multiplication bodies engage the pins.
On the right side is a lever that may be set at either + or -. Toward the front is a set of 21 cylindrical dials, visible through windows. Each dial shows two digits at any one time. The top row of digits is labeled MULTN and used to show the multiplier in multiplication. The lower row of digits is labeled QUOTT and shows the quotient in division. Above this row of cylinders is a row of 21 dials which shows the result in multiplication and is set with thumbscrews with the divisor in division.
A brass piece across the top of the machine reads: MACHINE À CALCULER de Léon BOLLÉE (/) AU MANS [FRANCE]. It also reads: EXPON UNIVLLE (/) PARIS. 1889. MÉDLLE D’OR. It also reads: BTEE S.G.D.G. EN FRANCE (/) ET À L’ÉTRANGER.
A few years after Bollée introduced his machine, the Swiss inventor Otto Steiger patented a direct multiplication calculating machine that would sell widely as the Millionaire.
References:
Léon Bollée, “Calculating-Machine,” U.S. Patent 556720, March 17, 1896. This patent lists Bollée’s French, Belgian and British patent numbers in addition to describing the machine.
Leon Bollée, “Notice sur les machines a calculer,” Bulletin de la Societé d”Encouragement pour Industrie National, 1895, vol. 94, pp. 977-996. A report on the machine by General Hippolyte Sebert precedes this article. The article is presently (October 27, 2021) available online.
Jean Marguin, Histoire des instruments et machines à calculer, Paris: Hermann, 1994, pp. 130–136.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1892
maker
Bollée, Léon
ID Number
MA.323631
catalog number
323631
accession number
250163
This is the form of calculating machine exhibited by George B. Grant at the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. It is a lever-set non-printing manually operated connection pawl machine.
Description
This is the form of calculating machine exhibited by George B. Grant at the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893. It is a lever-set non-printing manually operated connection pawl machine. The form is called Grant’s grasshopper model because of its appearance.
The machine has an open iron frame painted black, with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five sliding pins at the front of the machine are used to set numbers on racks beneath. Next to each pin is a thin strip of paper with the digits from 0 to 9 printed on it. The digits increase as one goes toward the back of the machine. Each strip also has complementary digits in smaller type, for use in subtraction and division. Moving back a pin drives back a toothed rack.
Behind the racks is a movable carriage with 11 gears on it. A paper strip with digits on it is next to each gear. Turning a crank at the front right of the machine moves the racks back to engage the gears, turning each one of them in proportion to the number set. When the adding frame reaches the end of its backward movement, a cam set on the crank shaft at the front raises all the register gears a little so that the gears are disengaged from the racks and not moved in the return motion. One tooth on each gear extends so that when the gear has made a complete rotation, it engages one of the carry teeth arranged on a spiral shaft above the carriage. As the adding racks return to position, the shaft revolves and the carry tooth pushes the next gear up by one, resulting in a carry. The result appears o the paper strips between the gears on the carriage.
Releasing the carriage and turning it one revolution zeros the result shaft.
A slip of paper to the right of the number levers reads: GEORGE B. GRANT, (/) LEXINGTON, MASS. It also reads: 1.95. Y.
This machine was given to the museum by George B. Grant’s half-brother, Edwin A. Bayley.
Compare MA.310647 and MA.335633. MA.310647 has a metal plate at the back not found on MA.335633.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1893
maker
Grant, George B.
ID Number
MA.310647
catalog number
310647
accession number
118852
maker number
1.95. Y
This lever-set non-printing connection pawl calculating machine is the last experimental model of George B. Grant, designed to incorporate subtraction and division as well as addition and multiplication. It has a wooden base and a brass frame. Five pins slide to set numbers.
Description
This lever-set non-printing connection pawl calculating machine is the last experimental model of George B. Grant, designed to incorporate subtraction and division as well as addition and multiplication. It has a wooden base and a brass frame. Five pins slide to set numbers. Positions next to the pins are labeled from 0 to 9. Moving back a pin drives back a toothed rack.
Behind the racks is a movable carriage with 11 gears on it. The carriage can be set at six different positions. When the racks are pushed back (there is no cam to drive the racks), the gears are engaged, and rotate in proportion to the number set. The gears move in the opposite direction when the racks are moved forward. Carry teeth are arranged in a spiral shaft above the carriage. A lever at the front of the machine may be rotated in a way that may affect the action of the carry shaft. A crank on the right zeros the result shaft.
This model represents Grant’s enduring interest in the improvement of calculating devices. It did not lead directly to any commercial product.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1895
maker
Grant, George B.
ID Number
MA.310650
catalog number
310650
accession number
118852
This lever-set non-printing manually operated connection pawl calculating machine has an open iron frame painted black, with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide backward to set digits.
Description
This lever-set non-printing manually operated connection pawl calculating machine has an open iron frame painted black, with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide backward to set digits. Next to each pin is a thin strip of paper with the digits from 0 to 9 printed on it, the digits increasing toward the back of the machine. Each strip also has complementary digits in smaller type, for use in subtraction and division.
Moving back a pin drives back a toothed rack. Behind the racks is a movable carriage with 11 gears on it. A paper strip with digits on it is next to each gear. Turning a crank at the front right of the machine moves the racks back to engage the gears, turning each one of them in proportion to the number set. When the adding frame reaches the end of its backward movement, a cam set on the crank shaft at the front raises all the register gears a little so that the gears are disengaged from the racks and not moved in the return motion The cam on this machine is smaller than on other Grant grasshopper machines, but like that on MA.311941.
One tooth on each gear extends so that when the gear has made a complete rotation, it engages one of the carry teeth arranged on a spiral shaft above the carriage. As the adding racks return to position, the shaft revolves and the carry tooth pushes the next gear up by one, resulting in a carry. Releasing the carriage and turning it one revolution zeros the result shaft.
A mark on a paper tag to the right of the rightmost pin reads: Grant Calculating Machine Co. (/) LEXINGTON, MASS., U.S.A. (/) MACHINE NUMBER 18M .
This machine was given to the museum by George B. Grant’s half-brother, Edwin A. Bayley.
References:
Machinery, October 1895.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 77.
U.S. Patent 605,288 (June 7, 1898).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896
maker
Grant Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
MA.310648
catalog number
310648
accession number
118852
maker number
18M
This lever-set, non-printing manually operated connection pawl calculating machine has an open iron frame with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide back to set numbers.
Description
This lever-set, non-printing manually operated connection pawl calculating machine has an open iron frame with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide back to set numbers. Next to each pin is a thin strip of paper that has the digits from 0 to 9 printed on it, the digits increasing toward the back of the machine. Each strip also has complementary digits in smaller type, for use in subtraction and division. Moving back a pin drives back a toothed rack.
Behind the racks is a movable carriage with 11 gears on it. A paper strip with digits on it is next to each gear. Turning a crank at the front right of the machine moves the racks back so that they engage the gears, turning each one of them in proportion to the number set.
This machine has a pin which can be set to prevent the crank from turning. When the adding frame reaches the end of its backward movement, a cam set on the crank shaft at the front raises all the register gears a little so that the gears are disengaged from the racks and not moved in the return motion.
The cam on this machine is smaller than on other Grant grasshopper machines. One tooth on each gear extends so that when the gear has made a complete rotation, it engages one of the carry teeth arranged on a spiral shaft above the carriage. As the adding racks return to position, the shaft revolves and the carry tooth pushes the next gear up by one, resulting in a carry. Releasing the carriage and turning it one revolution zeros the result shaft.
The carriage on this machine appears to be frozen in place. An aluminum support at the back causes the top to slope forward.
A paper tag to the right of the pins for setting up numbers reads: Grant Calculating Machine Company (/) LEXINGTON, MASS., U.S.A. (/) MACHINE NUMBER 41 M.
Compare MA.310647, MA.310648, MA.323615 and MA.335633.
This machine is from the collection of L. Leland Locke.
References:
Machinery, October, 1895.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 77.
G. B. Grant, "Calculating-Machine," U. S. Patent 605,288 (June 7, 1898).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896
maker
Grant Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
MA.311941
catalog number
311941
accession number
155183
maker number
41M
This lever-set, non-printing manually operated connection pawl calculating machine has an open iron frame with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide to set numbers.
Description
This lever-set, non-printing manually operated connection pawl calculating machine has an open iron frame with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide to set numbers. Next to each pin is a thin strip of paper, or a slot for such a paper. One strip is missing and another, partly missing. Moving back a pin drives back a toothed rack.
Behind the racks is a movable carriage with 11 gears on it. A paper strip with digits on it is next to each gear. Turning a crank at the front right of the machine moves the racks back to engage the gears, turning each one of them in proportion to the number set. When the adding frame reaches the end of its backward movement, a cam set on the crank shaft at the front raises all the register gears a little so that the gears are disengaged from the racks and not moved in the return motion.
One tooth on each gear extends so that when the gear has made a complete rotation, it engages one of the carry teeth arranged on a spiral shaft above the carriage. As the adding racks return to position, the shaft revolves and the carry tooth pushes the next gear up by one, resulting in a carry. Releasing the carriage and turning it one revolution zeros the result shaft.
This machine is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. A paper tag attached to the object reads: 31. Another one reads in ink: Grant (/) Multiplier.
Compare MA.310647, MA.311941, and MA.335633.
References:
Machinery, October, 1895.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P.A. Kidwell and M.R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, p. 77.
G. B. Grant, "Calculating-Machine," U.S. Patent 605,288, June 7, 1898.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896
maker
Grant Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
MA.323615
catalog number
323615
accession number
250163
maker number
0853
This commercially sold example of George B. Grant’s grasshopper calculating machine at one time belonged to tabulating machine inventor Herman Hollerith Jr.
Description
This commercially sold example of George B. Grant’s grasshopper calculating machine at one time belonged to tabulating machine inventor Herman Hollerith Jr. of Washington, D.C.
The lever-set manually operated non-printing connection pawl machine has an open iron frame painted black, with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide horizontally to set numbers. Next to each pin is a thin strip of paper with the digits from 0 to 9 printed on it, the digits increasing toward the back of the machine. Each strip also has complementary digits in smaller type, for use in subtraction and division. Moving a pin back drives back a toothed rack.
Behind the racks is a movable carriage that slides to six different positions and has 11 gears on it. A paper strip with digits on it is next to each gear. Turning a crank at the front right of the machine moves the racks back to engage the gears, turning each one of them in proportion to the number set. When the adding frame reaches the end of its backward movement, a cam set on the crank shaft at the front raises all the register gears a little so that the gears are disengaged from the racks and not moved in the return motion.
One tooth on each gear extends so that when the gear has made a complete rotation, it engages one of the carry teeth arranged on a spiral shaft above the carriage. As the adding racks return to position, the shaft revolves and the carry tooth pushes the next gear up by one, resulting in a carry. Releasing the carriage and turning it one revolution zeros the result shaft.
A paper tag to the right of the pins reads: GRANT CALCULATING MACHINE COMPANY [/] BOSTON, PHILADELPHIA, CLEVELAND. Two windows at the front of the machine read: C B.
Compare MA.310647 and MA.335633 (MA.310647 has a metal plate at the back not found on MA.335633).
References:
“Grant’s Calculating Machine,” The Manufacturer and Builder, vol. 26 #9 (September 1894): pp. 195–96.
G. B. Grant, "The Calculating Machine," Machinery, 2 #2, October, 1895, pp. 50–51.
G. B. Grant, "Calculating-Machine," U.S. Patent 605,288, June 7, 1898.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896
maker
Grant Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335633
catalog number
335633
accession number
1977.0114
George B. Grant’s so-called grasshopper calculating machines sold in only modest numbers. However, he remained intrigued by the prospect of improving calculation, and continued to design prototype machines.
Description
George B. Grant’s so-called grasshopper calculating machines sold in only modest numbers. However, he remained intrigued by the prospect of improving calculation, and continued to design prototype machines. This is the experimental model for a reversing machine designed to subtract and divide as well as to add and multiply.
As in Grant's earlier invention, this connection pawl non-printing manually operated machine has an open iron frame with steel and brass parts and paper labels. Five pins at the front of the machine slide to set numbers. Next to two pins is a thin strip of paper with the digits from 0 to 9 printed on it, the digits increasing toward the back of the machine. Moving back a pin not only drives back one toothed rack but has the reverse affect on a rack adjacent to it, bringing it forward. There also is a second rack with a single tooth at the far right.
Behind the racks is a movable carriage with one group of 11 gears and another group of six gears on it. A paper strip with digits on it is next to each gear. The spiral shaft above the carriage is for carrying. The carriage is not fixed in the frame and does not engage the racks as presently arranged. It appears that the larger set of racks is intended to drive the 11 gears to form results, while the smaller set of gears is driven by the single rack and serves as a revolution counter.
A crank on the right zeros the result shaft.
The model was given to the Smithsonian by Grant’s half-brother, Edwin A. Bayley.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1897
maker
Grant, George B.
ID Number
MA.310649
catalog number
310649
accession number
118852
maker number
none
In 1895, Otto Steiger, a Swiss citizen residing in Munich, obtained a U.S. patent for a calculating machine that would multiply a number by a single digit directly, with only a single turn of a crank. Earlier calculating machines required considerably more effort.
Description
In 1895, Otto Steiger, a Swiss citizen residing in Munich, obtained a U.S. patent for a calculating machine that would multiply a number by a single digit directly, with only a single turn of a crank. Earlier calculating machines required considerably more effort. Steiger’s machine was produced in Zurich by the firm of Hans W. Egli and came to be used in American government offices and businesses.
This lever-set, manually operated non-printing direct multiplication machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely contained within the case. Eight German silver levers are pulled forward to enter numbers. To the left of these is a crank which may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. To the right of the digit levers is a lever which may be set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank.
In front of the levers is a row of eight windows that indicate the number set on the levers. This row of windows is labeled: DIVISOR. In front of this is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, and the other row, the result or the dividend. The result windows are labeled: DIVIDEND. They may be set with a dividend using thumbscrews. Zeroing knobs for both these registers are on the carriage. Between the digit windows for all three registers are holes for decimal markers. A total of two decimal markers survive. Between the front two registers, at the left, is a button used to shift the carriage.
Instructions for operating the machine, and related tables, are given in English on a paper sheet on the inside of the lid. The lid also holds a brush for cleaning the machine and a safety screw. A bell rings when the sign of the result changes (as in over division). The entire machine rests on stand 1986.3114.02.
A mark in the middle front of the top of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag on the right reads: Hans W. Egli (/) Ingenieur (/) Fabrikation von Rechenmaschinen (/) Pat. O. Steiger (/) ZURICH II.. A metal tag on the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. The serial number, stamped under the tag on the right, reads: No 1132. A mark right of this reads: MADE IN SWITZERLAND.
This machine was part of the office furniture of the now-defunct Calumet and Hecla Copper Company in Calumet, Michigan. That firm was in business from the later 1860s to the 1940s.
Precise dating of Millionaire calculating machines is uncertain. Daniel Lewin has estimated that machines with serial number 500 date from 1900, those with serial number 1600 from 1905, and those with serial number 2800 from 1910. If this is accurate, machines with serial number in the 1100s would date from before 1905. The Spectator Company, a New York publisher of books on insurance and distributor of calculating machines advertised the Millionaire in 1903. Morschhauser is described as the distributor from at least 1905 onward, hence a rough date of 1904 for this machine.
Compare MA.311943, MA.312818 and MA.312819.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1906
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
1986.3114.01
catalog number
1986.3114.01
nonaccession number
1986.3114
maker number
01132
The large heavy adding and calculating machines that began to sell widely in the early 20th century were not easy to move about. Purchasers also often bought metal stands like this one. The object is painted black and has four rubber feet.
Description
The large heavy adding and calculating machines that began to sell widely in the early 20th century were not easy to move about. Purchasers also often bought metal stands like this one. The object is painted black and has four rubber feet. Stands for smaller machines would often have a shelf on which the operator could place related paperwork.
For related object, see Millionaire calculating machine 1986.3114.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
1986.3114.02
catalog number
1986.3114.02
nonaccession number
1986.3114
In the early 20th century, William A. Morschhauser of New York City became the exclusive American distributor of the Millionaire calculating machine. He placed machines at several United States government offices, including the Post Office Department.
Description
In the early 20th century, William A. Morschhauser of New York City became the exclusive American distributor of the Millionaire calculating machine. He placed machines at several United States government offices, including the Post Office Department. This is one example of such a machine.
The lever-set manual non-printing direct multiplication machine sits in a metal box that has a flat steel lid painted black. The top of the box (under the lid) has a brass cover plate, in two parts, that has various holes to accommodate the operating parts of the machine. A row of ten slits in the middle back of the cover plate allows for the motion of ten levers that are moved to set digits. The digits set appear in a row of windows in front of the slits.
In front of the setting mechanism is a carriage that moves within the case. It has 20 holes that record results of addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems. Thumbscrews under the result windows are used to set the divisor in division. In back, to the left of the result windows and also on the carriage, is a row of ten windows of the revolution counter.
To the left of the levers for setting numbers is the handle that is moved to set digits for direct multiplication. To the right of the levers is a knob that can be set for addition, multiplication, division or subtraction. Right of this is the operating handle. A paper table glued to the inside of the lid gives operating instructions and a set of tables for use in division. Two safety screws are to be used when the instrument is moved.
A mark stamped on the machine at the middle reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A brass tag attached to one corner reads: Hans W. Egli (/) Ingenieur (/) Fabrikation von Rechenmaschinen (/) Pat. O. Steiger (/) ZURICH II. A mark stamped on the right corner reads: No 821. Another mark near there reads: MADE IN SWITZERLAND. A brass tag near one of the corners reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue, (/) NEW YORK CITY. A mark on the carriage reads: PTD MAY 7TH 1895. SEPT. 17TH 1895.
Compare MA.312818 and MA.312819.
Precise dating of Millionaire calculating machines is uncertain. Daniel Lewin has estimated that machines with serial number 500 date from 1900, those with serial number 1600, from 1905, and those with serial number 2800, from 1910. If this is accurate, a machine with a serial number in the 800s dates from 1900 to 1904. The Spectator Company, a New York publisher of books on insurance and a distributor of calculating machines, advertised the Millionaire in 1903. Morschhauser is described as the distributor from at least 1905 onward, hence a rough date of 1904 for this machine.
References:
Daniel Lewin, "Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Rechenmaschinen der Firma H.W. Egli bis 1931" Typenkorb, Nr. 48 und 49, 1992.
The Insurance Year Book 1903–1904, New York: The Spectator Company, 1903, p. 28.
E. H. Beach, ed., Tools of Business: An Encyclopaedia of Office Equipment and Labor Saving Devices, Detroit: The Book-Keeper Publishing Co, 1905, pp. 14–15.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.312818
catalog number
312818
maker number
00821
accession number
167157
In 1893 the Swiss engineer Otto Steiger invented a calculating machine capable of direct multiplication. That is to say, one could enter a number, enter a digit, turn the crank, and the product would appear.
Description
In 1893 the Swiss engineer Otto Steiger invented a calculating machine capable of direct multiplication. That is to say, one could enter a number, enter a digit, turn the crank, and the product would appear. The carriage shifted automatically, and one could then enter the next digit of the multiplier. Such machines had been proposed earlier by R. Verea, George S. Grant, and Leon Bollee, but were not successfully produced in large numbers until the Swiss manufacturer Hans Egli began making a machine based pm Steoger's patents called the Millionaire.
In about 1904 William A. Morschhauser (1872–1940) of New York City became the U. S. agent for Egli. Morschhauser provided this model of a Millionaire calculating machine to L. Leland Locke for exhibition at the Museums of the Peaceful Arts in New York City.
The lever-set manually operated non-printing machine has a brass mechanism for display but no metal case or lid. It is enclosed in glass, with only a partial mechanism to show the inner workings of the machine. The carriage is entirely contained within the case. One German silver lever is pulled forward to enter a digit. To the left of it are a series of toothed racks. Left of these is a crank which may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication. Below the crank, the multiplication mechanism is visible. To the right of the digit lever is a lever that may be set at addition, multiplication, division, of subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank.
In front of the levers is a row of eight windows, one of which indicates the digit set up by the lever. In front of this is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, the other row the result. The second register also has thumbscrews, that may be used to set a dividend. Both these registers have zeroing knobs. Holes for decimal markers between digits in the two registers on the carriage provide space for two German silver decimal markers. Between the front two registers, at the right, is a button used to shift the carriage. A bell is visible on the left.
A mark on the inside front of the machine at the base on the right reads: 809. A mark on the plate above the carriage reads: PTD MAY 7TH 1895. SEPT. 17TH 1895 [/] THIS PLATE NEVER TO BE TAKEN OFF!. A mark beneath the lever to the right of the digit lever reads: A M D S.
Precise dating of Millionaire calculating machines is uncertain. Daniel Lewin has estimated that machines with serial number 500 date from 1900, those with serial number 1600 from 1905, and those with serial number 2800 from 1910. If this is accurate, machines with serial number in the 800s would date from 1901 to 1904. The Spectator Company, a New York publisher of books on insurance and a distributor of calculating machines advertised the Millionaire in 1903. Morschhauser is described as the distributor from at least 1905 onward, hence a rough date of 1904 for this machine.
References:
Daniel Lewin, "Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Rechenmaschinen der Firma H.W. Egli bis 1931" Typenkorb, Nr. 48 und 49, 1992.
The Insurance Year Book 1903–1904, New York: The Spectator Company, 1903, p. 28.
E. H. Beach, ed., Tools of Business: An Encyclopaedia of Office Equipment and Labor Saving Devices, Detroit: The Book-Keeper Publishing Co, 1905, pp. 14–15.
Henry J. Kennedy, “An Ingenious Calculating Machine,” American Machinist, November 1, 1906, pp. 555–562.
“W. A. Morschhauser Ex-Official of the Calculating Business Machines Corp.” New York Times, December 5, 1940, p. 25.
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P.A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 119–125.
H. Sossna, “Die neue Multiplicationsmaschine von Otto Steiger & Hans J. Egli in Zurich,” Zeitschrift fuer Vermessungswesen, 28 # 24, 15 December 1879, pp. 665–696, esp. pp. 674–696.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.311943
catalog number
311943
maker number
00809
accession number
155183
In the early 20th century, William A. Morschhauser of New York City became the exclusive American distributor of the Millionaire calculating machine. He placed machines at several United States government offices, including the Post Office Department.
Description
In the early 20th century, William A. Morschhauser of New York City became the exclusive American distributor of the Millionaire calculating machine. He placed machines at several United States government offices, including the Post Office Department. This is one example of these machines.
The lever-set, manual, non-printing, direct multiplication calculating machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely contained within the case. The ten German silver levers are pulled forward to enter numbers. To the left of these is a crank, which may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division (this crank moves when the knob is pulled up). To the right of the digit levers is a lever that may be set at addition, multiplication, division, of subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. In front of the levers is a row of ten windows that indicates the number set on the levers. This row of windows is labeled DIVISOR.
In front of this is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, and the other row, the result or the dividend. The result windows are labeled “DIVIDEND” and may be set with a dividend using thumbscrews.
Zeroing knobs for both these registers are on the carriage. Holes for decimal markers are between digits on all three registers, along with a total of one surviving decimal marker. Between the front two registers, at the left, is a button used to shift the carriage. A paper sheet inside the lid gives instructions for operating the machine and related tables. The brush for cleaning the machine does not survive.
A mark on the top of the machine at the front reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag to the right of this reads: Hans W. Egli (/) Ingenieur (/) Fabrikation von Rechenmaschinen (/) Pat. O. Steiger (/)ZURICH II. A metal tag on the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. The serial number, stamped under the tag on the right front, is: No 832.
Compare MA.312818 and MA.312819.
Precise dating of Millionaire calculating machines is uncertain. Daniel Lewin has estimated that machines with serial number 500 date from 1900; those with serial number 1600, from 1905; and those with serial number 2800, from 1910. If this is accurate, machines with serial number in the 800s would date from well before 1905. The Spectator Company, a New York publisher of books on insurance and a distributor of calculating machines, advertised the Millionaire in 1903. Morschhauser is described as the distributor from at least 1905 onward, hence a rough date of 1904 for this machine.
References:
Daniel Lewin, "Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Rechenmaschinen der Firma H.W. Egli bis 1931" Typenkorb, Nr. 48 und 49, 1992.
The Insurance Year Book 1903–1904, New York: The Spectator Company, 1903, p. 28.
E. H. Beach, ed., Tools of Business: An Encyclopaedia of Office Equipment and Labor Saving Devices, Detroit: The Book-Keeper Publishing Co, 1905, pp. 14–15.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.312819
catalog number
312819
maker number
00832
accession number
167157
The lever-set manual non-printing direct multiplication calculating machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely contained within the case.
Description
The lever-set manual non-printing direct multiplication calculating machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely contained within the case. The ten German silver levers are pulled forward to set up numbers. Left of these is a crank that may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. Right of the digit levers is a lever that may be set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. In front of the levers is a row of 10 windows, which indicates the number set on the levers. These are labeled DIVISOR.
In front of the row of windows is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, the other row, the result or the dividend. The result windows are labeled DIVIDEND and may be set with a dividend using thumbscrews. Zeroing knobs for both these registers are on the carriage. All three registers have holes for decimal markers between digits. One decimal marker survives.
Between the front two registers, at the left, is a button used to shift the carriage. A bell rings when the result changes sign (as in over division). Instructions for operating the machine, and related tables, are given on a paper sheet inside of the lid. A brush for cleaning the machine also is inside the lid. The stand under this machine is not part of this object. It goes with MA.333940. Dimensions don’t include it. This stand has a wooden table at the front that folds down.
Where this machine was used is unknown. It was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution from the Seattle office of the General Services Administration in 1967. The machine has serial number 837.
Precise dating of Millionaire calculating machines is uncertain. Daniel Lewin has estimated that machines from 1900 have serial number 500, those with serial number 1600 from 1905, and those with serial number 2800 from 1910. If this is accurate, machines with serial number in the 800s would date from 1901 to 1904. The Spectator Company, a New York publisher of books on insurance and distributor of calculating machines advertised the Millionaire in 1903. Morschhauser is described as the distributor from at least 1905 onward. Hence a rough date of 1904 for this machine.
Compare MA.311943, MA.312818 and MA.312819.
References:
Daniel Lewin, "Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Rechenmaschinen der Firma H.W. Egli bis 1931" Typenkorb, Nr. 48 und 49, 1992.
The Insurance Year Book 1903-1904, New York: The Spectator Company, 1903, p. 28.
E. H. Beach,ed., Tools of Business: An Encyclopaedia of Office Equipment and Labor Saving Devices, Detroit: The Book-Keeper Publishing Co, 1905, pp. 14–15.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1904
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.328619
catalog number
328619
maker number
00837
accession number
273381
This lever-set, manually operated non-printing rack and pinion calculating machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The top of the machine and the lid are painted black.
Description
This lever-set, manually operated non-printing rack and pinion calculating machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The top of the machine and the lid are painted black. The carriage is entirely contained within the case.
Eight German silver levers are pulled forward to set up digits. To the left of these is a crank, which may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication by a single digit. To the right of the digit levers is a lever which may be set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. In front of the levers is a row of 8 windows that indicate the number set up by the levers. This row of windows is labeled: DIVISOR.
In front of these windows is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient; the other row shows the result. The second register also has thumbscrews that may be used to set a dividend. It is labeled “DIVIDEND.” Both these registers have zeroing knobs. Holes for decimal markers are between digits in all three registers, but this machine has no decimal markers. Between the front two registers, at the left, is a button used to shift the carriage. A bell rings when the carriage reaches its leftmost position, when the result changes sign (as in overdivision); and when the result exceeds the capacity of the machine.
Instructions for operating the machine, and related tables, are given in a paper sheet on the inside of the lid.
A mark in the middle of the front of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag to the right reads: Hans W. Egli (/) Ingenieur (/) Fabrikation von Rechenmaschinen (/) Pat. O. Steiger (/)ZURICH II. A metal tag to the left indicates the name and address of the U.S. agent for the machine: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. Below this tag is the serial number: No 2432.
Daniel Lewin has estimated that Millionaire calculating machines with serial number 500 date from 1900; those with serial number 1600, from 1905; and those with serial number 2800, from 1910. A machine with serial number 2432 might reasonably date from about 1909.
Reference:
Daniel Lewin, "Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Rechenmaschinen der Firma H.W. Egli bis 1931" Typenkorb, Nr. 48 and 49, 1992.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1909
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.323594
catalog number
323594
maker number
02432
accession number
250163
This lever-set ,manually operated non-printing calculating machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely contained within the case.
Description
This lever-set ,manually operated non-printing calculating machine has a brass mechanism and a metal case with lid. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely contained within the case. The machine carries out direct multiplication.
Ten German silver levers are pulled forward to set up numbers. A crank left of these may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. A lever right of the digit levers may be set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. A row of ten windows in front of the levers shows the number set on the levers. It is labeled DIVISOR.
In front of this is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient. The other row shows the result or the dividend. The result windows are labeled DIVIDEND and may be set with a dividend using thumbscrews. The carriage has zeroing knobs for both these registers. Holes for decimal markers are between the digits of all three registers. Between the front two registers, at left, is a button used to shift the carriage. A bell rings if the number in the result window changes sign (as when subtraction produces a negative number).
A paper sheet inside the lid gives instructions for operating the machine and related tables, along with a cleaning brush and key. The stand is stored separately.
A mark on the middle of the front of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag on the right reads: Hans W. Egli (/) Ingenieur (/) Fabrikation von Rechenmaschinen (/) Pat. O. Steiger (/) ZURICH II. A metal tag on the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. Just under this tag is stamped the serial number: No 2609. A mark on the carriage next to the result register reads: PTD MAY 7TH 1895. SEPT. 17TH 1895. Scratched in the middle of the front of the machine is the mark: FOR PARTS ONLY.
For related documentation see MA.319929.03 through MA.319929.07.
Daniel Lewin has estimated that Millionaire calculating machines with serial number 1600 date from 1905, and those with serial number 2800, from 1910. Hence the rough date of 1909 is assigned to the object.
This calculating machine was used by the physicist William F. Meggars of the United States National Bureau of Standards.
References:
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: from Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, vol. 12, 1990, pp. 31–40.
Daniel Lewin, "Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Rechenmaschinen der Firma H.W. Egli bis 1931" Typenkorb, Nr. 48 and 49, 1992.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1909
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.333940
catalog number
333940
maker number
02609
accession number
319929
This is the mechanism for a direct multiplication, lever-set, manual non-printing Millionaire calculating machine. It includes a metal base, an iron frame for the base, and part of the carriage and the mechanism for entering numbers (but only part).
Description
This is the mechanism for a direct multiplication, lever-set, manual non-printing Millionaire calculating machine. It includes a metal base, an iron frame for the base, and part of the carriage and the mechanism for entering numbers (but only part). Also present are a component used in direct multiplication, and two cranks on their shafts. The parts of the machine are marked with different numbers. The machine has no case or lid.
Stamped on the iron frame near the right front corner is the serial number: 4154. A mark painted on the carriage reads: 27-80. The number “27-80” indicates that the machine came from the collection of New York teacher and historian of mathematics L. Leland Locke (see accession 155183 and non-accession 1983.3003). Other parts of the machine may well be in non-accession 1983.3003.
According to the estimates of Daniel Lewin, a Millionaire calculating machine with serial number 4200 was made in 1915. Hence the rough date of 1914 is assigned to this object.
Reference:
Daniel Lewin, "Die Entwicklungsgeschichte der Rechenmaschinen der Firma H.W. Egli bis 1931" Typenkorb, Nr. 48 and 49, 1992.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1914
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.317387
catalog number
317387
maker number
04154
accession number
230394
This full-keyboard direct multiplication non-printing electric calculating machine has an iron and steel case painted black, The nine columns of plastic black and white keys are colored according to the place values represented. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys.
Description
This full-keyboard direct multiplication non-printing electric calculating machine has an iron and steel case painted black, The nine columns of plastic black and white keys are colored according to the place values represented. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even ones are flat. The keyboard is covered with green felt.
Right of the number keys is an addition bar. Considerably to the right of this is a key to be depressed in division and ten digit keys used to enter digits directly in multiplication. To the left of the keyboard is a key marked “C” that, when depressed, locks the keyboard. A row of seven number dials serves as a revolution counter. These dials are covered with glass.
On the left side is a handle for clearing the revolution counter and result register. Behind the keyboard and revolution counter, inside the machine, in a row of 16 number dials recording the result. These dials are also covered with glass. They are deep within the machine, and difficult to read. The result register may be divided to record two results simultaneously. The base of the case is open, with a cloth cover inside it. This example has no motor.
A mark on the front of the machine reads: The Ensign. A mark on the right side reads: ENSIGN (/) MANUFACTURING CO. (/) BOSTON, U.S.A. (/) PATENTED (/) NOV. 1, 1904. - JAN. 2, 1906. (/) JULY 9, 1907. - FEB. 18, 1908 (/) JUNE 2, 1908. (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
The Ensign was an early example of an electrically operated calculating machine. The Ensign Manufacturing Company of Waltham, Massachusetts is listed in Thomas’ Register for 1909. The dates on the machine refer to dates of patents of Emory S. Ensign, who was president of the company. The Ensign Manufacturing Company of Boston, Massachusetts, is listed in Thomas’ Register for 1912, 1914, 1915, 1916, and 1917. It was not listed in 1918. By this time, Ensign seems to have moved to Queens, New York. The machine was manufactured until about 1925.
This example is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
References:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 189–191.
Thomas’ Register of American Manufacturers, New York: Thomas Publishing Company.
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 23.
E. S. Ensign, "Calculating-Machine," U. S. Patent 773,632, November 1, 1904.
E.S. Ensign, "Calculating-Machine," U.S. Patent 859,552, July 9, 1907.
E. S. Ensign, "Calculating Machine, U.S. Patent 879,449, February 18, 1908.
E.S. Ensign, "Calculating-Machine," U.S. Patent 889,668, June 2, 1908).
E. S. Ensign, "Drive for Calculating-Machines," U.S. Patent 1,331,561, February 24,1920. Ensign applied for this patent in 1916.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
maker
Ensign Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.323625
catalog number
323625
accession number
250163
This full-keyboard electric proportional rod calculating machine has an iron and steel frame painted black and 13 columns of plastic keys. Keys are colored according to the size of the digits, not by their place value.
Description
This full-keyboard electric proportional rod calculating machine has an iron and steel frame painted black and 13 columns of plastic keys. Keys are colored according to the size of the digits, not by their place value. A metal rod in back of the keyboard holds four sliding rods that can be used for decimal divisions. At the bottom of each column of keys is a red key that zeros the digit in that column. Moving a lever to the left of the number keys clears the entire keyboard. The keyboard is painted green. Numbers entered on the keys appear in a row of windows under the keyboard that shows 13 number dials.
At the front of the machine, a row of 16 windows shows the result. A row of eight windows shows the dials of the revolution counter, and another row of 16 dials may be used to accumulate totals. A thin metal piece painted black can cover this row. Finger knobs in front of the total windows alter the total and result dials simultaneously. A final set of knobs shows the multiplier in the machine’s automatic direct multiplication (small finger knobs in front of these dials are used to set up the number).
These four rows of dials are on a movable carriage. All five rows of dials have movable decimal markers. The motor for the machine is under the mechanism and behind the carriage. The plug is on the right side. A set of levers on the left of the carriage, near the end of the result windows, releases the carriage. Handles for lifting are on both sides of the machine.
A metal tag on the right of the machine reads: MERCEDES - (/) EUKLID. A metal tag next to the dials of the revolution counter reads: RALPH C. COXHEAD (/) MERCEDES-EUKLID (/) CALCULATING MACHINE (/) NEW YORK CHICAGO. A mark scratched in the base of the machine at the front reads: Property (/) Univ. Mich. A mark at the left front of the machine on the frame for the carriage reads: 9 [. . .]. A mark on the back of the machine reads: Made in Germany.
Ralph C. Coxhead was the American agent for the Mercedes-Euklid during the 1920s. This model sold for $1,225.00 in 1928.
This machine came to the Smithsonian from the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
References:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 156–164.
J. H. McCarthy, The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, vol. 1, sec. 9, pp. 24–28.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920s
distributor
Coxhead, Ralph C.
maker
Mercedes-Bureau-Maschinen-Gesellschaft
ID Number
MA.324280
catalog number
324280
accession number
256654
This key-set electric direct multiplication, non-printing calculating machine has a brass mechanism, a metal case with lid, and color-coded plastic keys. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely within the case.
Description
This key-set electric direct multiplication, non-printing calculating machine has a brass mechanism, a metal case with lid, and color-coded plastic keys. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage is entirely within the case. The ten columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys have nine keys in each column. Painted rods between columns of keys have red, white, and black sides to indicate decimal positions.
A zero (clearance) key is left of the keyboard. Left of it is a crank which may be set between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. Right of the keys is a lever which is set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. A row of ten windows in front of the keys shows the number set. These windows are covered with glass and labeled Divisor.
In front of the windows is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the keys (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, and the other row shows the result or the dividend. The result windows are labeled Dividend and may be set using thumbscrews. Zeroing knobs for both these registers are on the carriage, as well as sliding decimal markers. Between the front two registers, at the left, is a button used to shift the carriage.
Instructions for operating the machine are on a paper sheet inside the lid, along with a cleaning brush, a screw, and a key. The stand carries an electric motor, with wooden shelves on both sides.
A mark in the middle of the front of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag to the right reads: H.W. EGLI S.A. (/) Calculating Machines (/) ZURICH (Switzerland). A metal tag to the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. Under this tag the serial number mark reads: No 9123. Another mark on the machine reads: BS24326.
For related documentation see MA.319929.03 through MA.319929.07. Compare MA.314579.
The Millionaire with keys for entering numbers was introduced in 1913. According to Ernst Martin, the Millionaire with keys for multiplication was introduced in 1927. This example was used at the U. S. Bureau of Standards and came to be owned by the physicist William F. Meggers.
References:
MADAS 50 Jahre Arbeit.
Ernst Martin, Die Rechenmaschinen und ihre Entwicklungsgeschichte, 2nd edition, 1928, p. 438.
P. A. Kidwell, “American Scientists and Calculating Machines: from Novelty to Commonplace,” Annals of the History of Computing, vol. 12, 1990, pp. 31–40.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1928
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.333941
accession number
319929
catalog number
333941
This full-keyboard, non-printing calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with metal handles on each side. The nine columns of color-coded black and white digit keys each have a red clearance key at the bottom.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with metal handles on each side. The nine columns of color-coded black and white digit keys each have a red clearance key at the bottom. To the right of the keyboard is a red plastic key that clears the entire keyboard; to the left is a red DIS key. Between the columns are metal rods painted green on one side and white on the other to serve as decimal markers. The keyboard is painted green. Above the keyboard nine number dials show a number set up on the keyboard.
Behind the keyboard is a carriage with a 17-dial result register and eight dial revolution counter. Right of the registers are clearance levers. Rods above both registers carry decimal markers. Thumbscrews set up numbers on the result register. A crank at the front of the machine may be intended to move the carriage.
The machine fits closely in a metal base, painted black, that carries the motor. This base has a box at the front with a small window and a lever. On the left it has ten digit keys arranged in four rows. It carries subtraction, addition, and multiplication bars at the front.
The machine is marked on the front right and on the back: MATHEMATON. It is marked on the left of the carriage: ALBERT F. LYONS (/) N.E. DISTRIBUTOR (/) BOSTON-MASS. It is marked on the left of the base: 4680. It is marked on the left: 21164. It is marked on a tag attached to the left : Patented in U.S.A. (/) July 2, 1926. Jan. 19, 1928. (/) June 9, 1927. Jan. 21, 1931. (/) Aug. 9, 1927. Febr.23, 1932. (/) Patented in Germany, Great Britain, France, (/) Italy and other foreign countries. A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #252. It is marked on the right side of the carriage: Made in Germany.
On Feb. 23, 1932, August Kottmann took out U.S. patent 1,846,207 for a calculating machine and assigned it to Rheinische Mettallwaaren und Maschinenfabrik Soemmerda Aktiengesellschaft in Soemmerda, Germany. Other dates listed on the machine are not easily associated with U.S. calculating machine patents. A. Kottmann took out U.S. patents relating to calculating machines Sept. 7, 1927, Nov. 1, 1927, and Feb. 10, 1931, which he assigned to Rheinische. H. Schmidt took out a U.S. patent relating to calculating machines May 1, 1928, which he assigned to Rheinische. The dates listed on the tag on the machine may correspond to foreign patents for these inventions.
This example was model #252 in the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1933
maker
Rheinische Metallwaaren und Maschinenfabrik Sömmerda Aktiengesellschaft
ID Number
1982.0794.56
catalog number
1982.0794.56
accession number
1982.0794
This key-set direct multiplication calculating machine has a brass mechanism, a metal case with lid, and color-coded plastic keys. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black.
Description
This key-set direct multiplication calculating machine has a brass mechanism, a metal case with lid, and color-coded plastic keys. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage fits entirely within the case.
There are ten columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys, with nine keys in each column. Painted rods between columns of keys turn to serve as decimal markers. The zero key is left of the keyboard. Left of these is a crank that may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. Immediately to the right of the digit keys is an operating bar. Right of this is a lever that may be set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. Ten glass-covered windows in a row in front of the keyboard show the number entered.
Further forward is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, and the other row shows the result or the dividend. The result registers may be set with a dividend using thumbscrews. Both registers on the carriage have zeroing knobs and sliding decimal markers. The carriage shift button is between these registers, at the left. Both the paper sheet and the brush are missing from inside the lid.
A metal tag screwed to the middle of the front of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag on the right reads: H.W. EGLI SteAmg. (/) Calculating Machines (/) ZURICH (Switzerland). A metal tag on the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. The serial number, stamped on the top left under this tag, is 14382.
Compare MA.333941.
The United States Naval Observatory transferred this machine to the Smithsonian in 1955.
The key-driven Millionaire was introduced in 1913. In 1927, keys were also introduced on some models for use in direct multiplication (these keys are not found on this machine). Egli manufactured Millionaire calculating machines until about 1935, and Morschhauser retired in 1935. The serial number of this machine suggests a late date of manufacture.
References:
“W.A. Morschhauser Ex-Official of the Calculating Business Machines Corp.” New York Times, December 5, 1940, p. 25.
MADAS 50 Jahre Arbeit, NMAH Files.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
MA.314579
accession number
204773
catalog number
314579

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