Maker Index

Calculating machines were known by the names of inventor (Baldwin, Barbour, Bolleé, Grant), famous mathematicians (Archimedes), desired characteristics (Millionaire, Rapid), and investors (Monroe). The following list makes it easier to see related products.  Trade names are used instead of company names as these show up most frequently on objects.

This Swedish lever-set non-printing pinwheel calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with eight metal pinwheels and a metal base. Numbers are set by rotating the pinwheels forward, using levers that extend from the wheels.
Description
This Swedish lever-set non-printing pinwheel calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with eight metal pinwheels and a metal base. Numbers are set by rotating the pinwheels forward, using levers that extend from the wheels. Digits inscribed on the frame next to the rotating pinwheels show the number set, as well as a set of windows above the pinwheels that shows these digits.
The carriage at the front of the machine has eight windows for the revolution counter on the left and thirteen windows for the result register on the right. The revolution counter has tens carry. Cranks at opposite ends of the carriage zero the registers on the carriage. Pushing down a lever at the front releases the carriage. Metal buttons may be pushed down to move the carriage one unit left or right.
A crank with a wooden knob on the right side of the machine rotates clockwise for addition and multiplication and counterclockwise for subtraction and division. Thin metal rods above the registers carry decimal markers. A black plastic lever is next to the result register. A bell rings when the result changes sign (negative to positive or positive to negative).
A mark on the top of the machine reads: AKTIEBOLAGET (/) Original-Odhner (/) GOTEBORG SVERIGE. A mark on the back reads: No 39-279039. A second mark there reads: MADE IN SWEDEN.
According to the Odhner History, the model 39 was in production in 1944. An instruction pamphlet received with the machine (1978.2290.02) is dated 1949. The donor dated the machine to about 1950.
According to the accession file, the donor of this object, George K. Lucey, flew U.S. Army planes during World War II, and was a navigator for TWA for 22 years.
References:
Henry Wassen, Odhner History, Gothenburg, Aktiebolaget Original-Odhner, 1951.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1950
maker
Aktiebolaget Original Odhner
ID Number
1978.2290.01
accession number
1978.2290
catalog number
336873
maker number
39-279039
This manually operated non-printing German stepped drum calculating machine has a brass and iron frame painted black. Ten relatively short levers at the front of the machine move forward to set the stepped drums beneath.
Description
This manually operated non-printing German stepped drum calculating machine has a brass and iron frame painted black. Ten relatively short levers at the front of the machine move forward to set the stepped drums beneath. A lever for zeroing these levers is to the left , and a row of ten windows above the levers shows the number set. To the left of these windows are two levers that can be set for addition and multiplication or subtraction and division (one lever is for the revolution counting register, one is for the result register). The operating crank is to the right of the digit levers.
Behind the levers is the movable carriage with a row of 16 windows for showing the result and a row of nine levers behind that for revolution counting. A row of knobs allows one to set up numbers in the result register. There are zeroing levers for both carriage levers to the right of the registers. A knob for lifting the carriage is on the right. A piece of plastic covers the underside of the machine. The stepped drums are of brass, cut away and held around a brass core by a metal piece painted black. There are four rubber feet.
A mark on the front of the machine reads: „Archimedes”. A mark on the left reads: ARCHIMEDES (/) Reinhold Pöthig (/) Glashütte, Sa. A tag on the carriage reads: 4177. A mark on the back edge of the carriage at the left reads: 6521. A mark on the left of the machine reads: PATENT.
According to Martin, the Model C Archimedes machine was introduced in 1913. On early versions of this model, the entry register was below the levers. The model C was still offered for sale in 1924, when the C-16 cost $375.00 new.
References:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 181–185.
J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 68.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Reinhold Pöthig
ID Number
1979.0419.01
catalog number
1979.0419.01
accession number
1979.0419
maker number
6521
This German stepped drum, manually operated non-printing calculating machine has a brass and iron case painted black. The eight digit setting levers link to both number dials and brass stepped drums. The number dials record digits entered.
Description
This German stepped drum, manually operated non-printing calculating machine has a brass and iron case painted black. The eight digit setting levers link to both number dials and brass stepped drums. The number dials record digits entered. Levers in front of the dials zero the entry. An addition & multiplication / subtraction & division lever is on the left, and an operating crank on the right. The plate at the front is easily removed to show the levers and bell. The bell rings when the result changes sign (as in overdivision).
In back of the levers is the carriage, with nine revolution register dials and 16 result register dials. Both these registers can be set by hand. The revolution register dials have numbers in black (0 to 9) and in red (1 to 8). The zeroing bars for these registers are on the right of the carriage, and a knob for lifting the carriage is on its far left.
The machine has a metal tag attached to the front that reads: Ludwig Spitz & Co. G.m.b.H. (/) TIM (/) TIME IS MONEY (/) TRADE MARK. It also reads: TIM Calculating Machine Co (/) Chicago U.S.A. It is marked to the left of the entry levers: PATENT. A mark under the carriage on the right side reads: 03745. A mark under the carriage on the left side reads: 2549.
This model of the TIM was introduced in about 1909 and sold at least through 1924. This example was transferred to the Smithsonian collections from the Navy Memorial Museum at the Washington Navy Yard.
References:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 191–194.
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 84–85. By this time, the American agent for the TIM calculating machine was the Times Into Company of Chicago, Illinois.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1911
maker
Ludwig Spitz & Co.
ID Number
1979.0602.01
catalog number
1979.0602.01
accession number
1979.0602
maker number
03745
Established as a typewriter manufacturer in 1908, the Italian firm founded by engineer Camillo Olivetti (1868–1943) began manufacturing a calculating machine in 1940. After World War II, it introduced a ten-key printing machine capable of division, the Divisumma 14.
Description
Established as a typewriter manufacturer in 1908, the Italian firm founded by engineer Camillo Olivetti (1868–1943) began manufacturing a calculating machine in 1940. After World War II, it introduced a ten-key printing machine capable of division, the Divisumma 14. This is a later version of that machine, the Divisumma 24, which was introduced in 1956. Like many Olivetti products, these adding machines reflect the style of artist and industrial designer Marcello Nizzoli and have received attention for that reason. This example was manufactured after Olivetti acquired the Underwood Typewriter Company in 1959.
The machine has a gray metal case with a black lid. The yellow keyboard has a block of nine white number keys. Below these are three black keys with white dots for setting single, double, and triple zeros. To the right are two sets of four keys. Four of these are green, and relate to operations in the green register. The other four are black, and relate to operations in the black register (keys of one color are not grouped).
To the left of the numeral keys are the backspace key and the keyboard clearing key. Below them is the thumb add bar. Left of these are two levers with green knobs. One, marked A, predetermines automatic or non-automatic printing of the product. The other, marked R, is a repeat key. Further keys are to the left of these. The column indicator is above the keyboard.
The printing mechanism toward the back includes four digit wheels used to set dates, 13 digit wheels for numbers, and two type wheels right of the digit-wheels to print symbols. Totals are printed in red. The serrated plastic edge helps to tear the paper tape.
A mark on the top of the machine reads: underwood * olivetti. A mark on the back reads: Divisumma 24 Olivetti (/) MADE IN ITALY FABRIQUE EN ITALIE. A plate attached to the bottom has the serial number: 2D014738.
The machine also has a gray plastic cover, three paper tapes and two cords stored. The tapes are 8.8 cm. (3-1/2”) wide.
Compare 1979.0932.01.
The Kansas physician Richard L. Sutton Jr. reported when he donated the object to the Smithsonian Institution in 1979 that he found it “a meritorious machine, to which I have been strongly attached emotionally.”
References:
S. Kicherer, Olivetti: A Study of the Corporate Management of Design, New York: Rizzoli Inc, 1990.
N. Shapira, Design Process Olivetti 1908–1978, [Ivrea, Italy]: Olivetti, 1979, pp. 56–57.
Olivetti, Instructions for the Operation of Tetractys Printing Calculator, 1958. (1979.0854.02).
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1959
maker
Olivetti
ID Number
1979.0854.01
maker number
2D014738
accession number
1979.0854
catalog number
1979.0854.01
This ten-key listing electric calculating machine has a gray plastic case with a black lid that lifts to reveal the mechanism. The nine white numeral keys are arranged in a block. Below these are three black keys.
Description
This ten-key listing electric calculating machine has a gray plastic case with a black lid that lifts to reveal the mechanism. The nine white numeral keys are arranged in a block. Below these are three black keys. One has one white dot, one has two dots and the third has three dots (for differing numbers of zeroes).
To the right of the keys is a black bar marked +, a red bar marked -, a black T key, and a black ST key. There are three more black keys, six blue keys, and a red key on the left, as well as two levers with blue plastic knobs. Below the keyboard is a GT (grand total) bar and a switch. Above the keyboard is a place indicator. The printing mechanism behind this includes four type wheels to indicate dates, 13 for totals and two for symbols. Totals are printed in red. A serrated edge eases tearing the paper tape.
The machine has a gray cord and the 3-1/2” (8.8 cm.) wide paper tape. A mark at the top reads: olivetti. A mark on a tag attached to the back reads: Olivetti Divisumma GT 24 (/) MADE IN ITALY * FABRIQUE EN ITALIE. A nother tag attached to the back reads: PROPERTY OF (/) 112551 (/) SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION. The serial number, written on the inside of the back of the top and on a plate attached to the bottom, is 2866218.
The Italian artist Marcello Nizzoli designed this and other Olivetti calculating machines.
This particular example was used in the Office of the Registrar of the National Museum of American History and is dated from its property tag number.
Compare 1979.0854.01.
Reference:
S. Kicherer, Olivetti: A Study of the Corporate Management of Design, 1990, pp. 28–29.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972
maker
Olivetti
ID Number
1979.0932.01
maker number
2866218
accession number
1979.0932
catalog number
1979.0932.01
This fully automatic electric non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a gray and black steel frame, and ten columns of gray and white oblong plastic keys. At the bottom of each column is a key for clearing it.
Description
This fully automatic electric non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a gray and black steel frame, and ten columns of gray and white oblong plastic keys. At the bottom of each column is a key for clearing it. Between the columns of keys and under the keyboard are metal rods which turn to serve as decimal markers. They are painted white on one side and the same black as the case on the other.
To the right of the number keys are subtraction and addition bars, two carriage shift keys, and a green enter multiplier key. Below these are three levers, one to set repeated entries, one for multiplication, and one for non-entry. Below these are three red keys relating to entering the dividend, a gray keyboard clearance key, and a lock lever. Beneath the number keys are five keys relating to multiplication and division. A DIVD ALIGN key is left of these.
The carriage in back of the keyboard has ten dials to show a number set up for multiplication, 21 dials to show the result, and a row containing ten white dials and then 11 black dials. Sliding decimal markers are provided. The dials showing numbers set up for multiplication can be set at any of five positions. A metal piece slides over the windows for these dials to indicate the decimal point. A gray electrical cord attaches to the back. The gray cover is separate.
A mark on the carriage reads: MONROE. The same mark is on the back of the machine, with the Monroe logo trademarked in 1956. A mark on both right and left sides reads: MONROmatic. A paper sticker glued to the bottom of the machine reads: MONROE (/) CALCULATING MACHINE (/) COMPANY, INC. (/) ORANGE, N.J. U.S.A.. It also is marked with patent numbers that range from 2,250,403 to 2,732,129. The second patent date is from 1953. A metal tag attached to the bottom of the machine reads: MODEL 8N-213 (/) SERIAL B973812B. There is no mention of Litton Industries, which acquired Monroe Calculating Machine Company in 1958.
According to the accession file, the machine was purchased by the University of Pittsburgh 14 September 1960, at a cost of $880, for use in parapsychological research.
Compare to MA.335425 and 1984.3046.01.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1960
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company, Inc.
ID Number
1980.0255.01
catalog number
1980.0255.01
maker number
B973812B
accession number
1980.0255
This full-keyboard, non-printing manually operated pinwheel calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and nine columns of plastic keys, with three columns black, three columns white, and three more columns black. At the base of each bank of keys is a red clearance key.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing manually operated pinwheel calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and nine columns of plastic keys, with three columns black, three columns white, and three more columns black. At the base of each bank of keys is a red clearance key. The underlying keyboard is painted green. Metal rods between banks of keys serve as decimal markers.
Right of the number keys is a red keyboard clearance key, a multiply/divide key, and an addition/subtraction key. The operating crank on the right rotates backward (clockwise) for addition and multiplication and forward (counterclockwise) for subtraction and division.
Behind the keyboard is a movable carriage with the 18 windows of the result register. A lever at the front of the machine shifts the carriage, a button on the right side releases it, and a crank on the left end of the carriage clears it. Behind and above the carriage are nine windows showing digits entered, a lever that can be set for multiplication or division, and nine windows for the revolution register. Rotating a small crank on the right side clears this register.
Decimal markers slide on metal rods above all three registers. A metal flange below the result register helps the user place the carriage correctly. The machine has four rubber feet. At the back, two wooden cylinders have been attached to the base at the corners, so that the machine sits at an angle.
Plates attached to the right and left side read: MARCHANT. A metal plate right of the keyboard reads; MARCHANT (/) CALCULATORS (/) SIMPLICITY (/) ACCURACY (/) SPEED. A maker’s mark under the carriage on the right reads: 2097. A stamp on the bottom of the machine reads: KC 2097.
The Model KC, introduced in 1923 with initial serial number 1000, was one of Marchant Calculating Machine Company’s first three keyboard machines. It sold in 1924 for $350.00. By 1928 it was replaced by the model H-9.
Calvin Lieberman, the donor of this object, was associated with the steel recyling business in Toledo, Ohio, from at least 1937 through 1980.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, pp. 75–76, 549.
Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, vol. I, p. 9–23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
maker
Marchant Calculating Machine Co.
ID Number
1980.0805.01
catalog number
1980.0805.01
accession number
1980.0805
maker number
KC 2097
This compact cylindrical handheld calculating machine has black metal sides and a plastic top and operating handle. Eight slots along the side of the cylinder hold levers that are pulled down to set numbers. The digit entered appears at the top of the slot.
Description
This compact cylindrical handheld calculating machine has black metal sides and a plastic top and operating handle. Eight slots along the side of the cylinder hold levers that are pulled down to set numbers. The digit entered appears at the top of the slot. Holes around the edge of the top reveal the digits of the multiplier, which may be up to six digits large. The result also shows through holes around the edge of the top, and may be 11 digits large. The top may be rotated, as one one would move a carriage on an earlier stepped drum calculating machine. Sliding decimal markers indicate decimal places in entries, multipliers, and results.
To zero the machine, one raises the carriage and rotates a black disc under the operating lever through one turn. The operating handle is pulled out for subtraction and division. A lever on the side of the cylinder may be set for subtraction rather than addition in the revolution counting register.
The machine fits in black metal cylindrical case. The lid of the case turns clockwise to open.
A mark on the side reads: CURTA. A mark on the base reads: System Curt Herzstark (/) Made in Liechtenstein (/) by Contina AG Mauren (/) Type I No 61644. A mark on the lid reads: OPEN.
The Curta calculating machine was invented by the Austrian Curt Hertzstark (1902–1988). Hertstark, a Jew, was subject to imprisonment by the Nazis when they captured Austria. He worked on the design of the Curta during World War II as a prisoner at the concentration camp of Buchenwald, and produced the machine after the war in Liechtenstein. The Curta Type I was sold from at least 1949 until early 1972, when handheld electronic calculators replaced it.
For related documentation, see 1981.0922.02,1981.0922.03 and 1981.0922.04.
Compare to MA.333848. This machine has red marks to make it easier to find the setting levers.
References:
Curt Hertstark, Interview with Erwin Tomash, September 10 and 11, 1987, Oral History 140, Charles Babbage Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hertstark dates the beginning of production of the Curta to 1949.
Cliff Stoll, “The Curious History of the First Pocket Calculator,” Scientific American, (January 2004), pp. 82–89. Stoll and others give 1947 as the date of introduction of the Curta.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1965
maker
Contina AG Mauren
ID Number
1981.0922.01
catalog number
1981.0922.01
accession number
1981.0922
maker number
61644
The Swedish-born inventor Carl Friden was stranded in Australia during World War I and then, on his way back to Sweden, decided to settle in California. He found a place at the Marchant Calculating Machine Company, taking out several patents for machines manufactured there.
Description
The Swedish-born inventor Carl Friden was stranded in Australia during World War I and then, on his way back to Sweden, decided to settle in California. He found a place at the Marchant Calculating Machine Company, taking out several patents for machines manufactured there. By 1933 he had decided to start his own company. The Friden models A (8-digit entries) and B (10-digit entries) appeared in 1934.
In 1936 the young company introduced this machine, the model C. It featured automatic return clearance for the carriage and dials and was sold in two sizes, one that allowed entry of numbers up to eight digits long (the C 8) and one allowing ten-digit entries (the C 10). This is an early example of the C 10. It has a case painted greenish black. A later version of the model C, introduced in about 1941, had a gray case. It sold until 1949.
The stepped drum, full-keyboard electric non-printing calculating machine has ten columns of black and white plastic number keys, colored to make it easy to distinguish different units of money. A blank clearance key of red plastic is at the bottom of each column. Metal rods between the columns of keys turn to indicate decimal places. On the right are red and black function keys. The machine has no separate keys for multiplication.
Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit revolution register and a 21-digit result register. An arrow above the first column of keys assists in setting the carriage. The result register has plastic buttons above it that can be used to set up numbers. Decimal markers slide above the two registers. Zeroing knobs are on the right of the carriage. The cord is missing. The corners of the machine have metal streamlines. It resembles in key color and general appearance the contemporary Marchant keyboard electric machines built on Friden’s patent.
The machine is marked on the sides: FRIDEN. A second mark, visible through a window at the front of the machine, is: C10-41272. A paper tag glued to the front left of the machine reads: FRIDEN CALCULATIN [...] ACHINE CO. (/) OAKLAND, CALIF. The Friden Calculating Machine Company moved from Oakland to San Leandro in 1936.
Compare the Marchant ERB calculating machine with museum number 1977.1225.01, as well as a later model C 10 with catalog number MA.335422.
This machine was transferred to the collections from the Office of Exhibits at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in 1982. It had no Smithsonian Institution tag.
References:
Carl Holm, “Milestones in the Development of Friden.”
Ernie Jorgenson, Friden Age List, Office Machine Americana, p. 1
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936
maker
Friden Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0243.01
catalog number
1982.0243.01
accession number
1982.0243
maker number
C10 41272
This German stepped drum, full keyboard non-printing calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with metal handles on each side.
Description
This German stepped drum, full keyboard non-printing calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with metal handles on each side. It has nine columns of black and white digit keys (rightmost column, white; next column, black; next column, white; next three columns, black; next two columns, white; leftmost column, black), with a red clearance key at the bottom of each column. To the right of the keyboard is a red plastic key, which clears the entire keyboard. Above it is a subtraction key. Left of the keyboard is a keystem without a key. Between the columns are metal rods painted green on one side and white on the other to serve as decimal markers, as in Monroe calculating machines. The keyboard is painted green.
Above the keyboard nine number dials show a number set up on the keyboard. Behind is a carriage with a 17-dial result register and an 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 moves the carriage.
The machine fits closely into a metal base, painted black, which carries the motor. This base has a box at the front with a small window and a lever. On the left are ten black plastic digit keys arranged in four rows. Subtraction, addition, and multiplication bars at the front.
The machine is marked on a metal tag at the front: Rheinmetall. It is marked on a metal tag on the carriage: Büromaschinen (/) Wilhelm Burkhardt (/) Nürnburg-A.Fernruf 26876. It is marked on the left of the base: 5275. It is marked on the left with serial number: 23398. A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #109. The machine was model #109 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Compare 1982.0794.56. The serial number suggests this is a later machine.
Reference:
E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), pp. 448–452, esp. description of “superautomatic” model SASL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1932
maker
Rheinische Metallwaaren und Maschinenfabrik Sommerda Aktiengesellschaft
ID Number
1982.0794.20
catalog number
1982.0794.20
accession number
1982.0794
This German full-keyboard electric proportional rod calculating machine is black, painted green under the keyboard. It has 16 columns of black, white, and red octagonal plastic keys. The machine records multipliers of up to eight digits and products of up to 16 digits.
Description
This German full-keyboard electric proportional rod calculating machine is black, painted green under the keyboard. It has 16 columns of black, white, and red octagonal plastic keys. The machine records multipliers of up to eight digits and products of up to 16 digits. Keys for correction, division and multiplication are left of the keyboard, and keys for subtraction and addition are to the right. The carriage at the back of the machine has four rows of number dials. One row is covered at any given time. In back of the topmost row of number dials is a set of thumbscrews. The motor is in the back of the machine’s case, with a rubber cord extending from it.
A mark on the right front reads: MERCEDES- (/) EUKLID (/) Mod.38MS. A mark on the back reads: Mercedes Euklid. A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #146. It was model #146 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. It has serial number: 62941. The serial number dates the machine from after 1939. It was manufactured until about 1953.
References:
American Office Machines Research Service, vol. 3, section 4.3 (September 1938), p. 49.
Fédération Nationale des Chambres Syndicales de la Mécanographie,Fédération de Reprise officielle des Machines à Ecrire, Machines à Calculer . . ., Lyon, 1970, p. 72.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1946
maker
Mercedes-Bureau-Maschinen-GES.m.b.H.
ID Number
1982.0794.25
catalog number
1982.0794.25
accession number
1982.0794
maker number
62941
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
In 1921 the Monroe Calculating Machine Company expanded its offerings to include calculating machines of several different capacities, selling the new machines as the model K. Soon thereafter, it began to sell automatic or electrically powered machines.
Description
In 1921 the Monroe Calculating Machine Company expanded its offerings to include calculating machines of several different capacities, selling the new machines as the model K. Soon thereafter, it began to sell automatic or electrically powered machines. This is an example of Monroe’s first electrically powered model, the KA.
The full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum machine has a metal frame painted black, with rounded corners. The steel plate under the keyboard is painted green. Eight columns of black and white plastic concave keys are colored according to the place value of the digit represented, with a red clearance key at the bottom of each column. Rods between the rows of keys serve as decimal markers. They are painted the same green as the plate underneath them on one side and white on the other.
To the right of the number keys are two bars and three keys in a column. The bars are for addition and subtraction. One key clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. A metal lever and a metal knob are to the left of the keyboard. A crank for operating the machine fits into the right side. It rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction. A black motor attached to the left side at the back can be used to drive the machine. It has an on-off switch.
Behind the keyboard is a carriage that has a row of 16 numeral dials for recording results and a row of eight numeral dials behind these in the revolution register. Two thin metal rods between the rows of windows carry decimal markers. A crank for shifting the carriage is at the front of the machine; a knob for lifting the carriage is to the right of the result register; and a crank for zeroing dials on the carriage is on its right side. The machine has four rubber feet and a black two-pronged electrical cord.
A mark on the front reads: MONROE (/) Calculating Machine Company (/) New York. The serial number, on the frame of the mechanism on the right side under the carriage is: A7530. A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #253. This is model #253 from the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Compare MA.334711, MA.304386, 1983.0831.1, and 1984.0682.05.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 551.
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1928, vol. 2, pp. 9-29 to 9-33.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.57
catalog number
1982.0794.57
maker number
A7530
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard, non-printing, manual, modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with rounded corners. The eight columns of black and white plastic keys have a red clearance key at the bottom of each column.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing, manual, modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black, with rounded corners. The eight columns of black and white plastic keys have a red clearance key at the bottom of each column. Rotating rods between the rows of keys serve as decimal markers. Three keys are in a column to the right of the number keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
In back of the keyboard is a carriage that has a row of 16 numeral dials for recording results and a row of eight numeral dials behind these that serves as a revolution register. Digits for the revolution register are red and black. Between the windows for these registers are two thin metal rods that carry decimal markers. The carriage shift lever is at the front of the machine. On the carriage, to the right of the result register, is a lifting knob. A crank on the right of the carriage for zeros registers on it. The machine has four rubber feet.
A mark on the front reads: MONROE. A red tag attached to it reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #254. A white tag attached to it reads: Monroe Calculator 8 Banks (/) Hand Side Crank (/) #92701 (/) (A. Williamson) (/) Rack B Shelf #3.
This is model #254 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. Date based on assumption model number is 92701.
Compare to MA.334711, MA.307386, and 1983.0831.1.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 551.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.58
catalog number
1982.0794.58
accession number
1982.0794
This manually operated, non-printing stepped drum calculating machine has a brass and steel mechanism painted black with a black steel cover and a black iron stand. Digits are set by pushing down (not pulling up) eight German silver levers.
Description
This manually operated, non-printing stepped drum calculating machine has a brass and steel mechanism painted black with a black steel cover and a black iron stand. Digits are set by pushing down (not pulling up) eight German silver levers. The digit set up appears in a row of windows between the levers. A zeroing knob for the levers is left of them. The operating crank is to the right.
To the left of the levers is a window showing a number that relates to automatic division and two levers, one for automation division and the other for subtraction / addition-multiplication. Behind the levers is a carriage with a row of nine revolution counter register windows and 16 result register windows. The digits on the revolution counter run from 0 up to 8 and then from 9 down to 1. The zeroing knobs for these registers are on the right of the carriage.
Above the entry levers, the revolution counting register, and the result register are metal bars that carry decimal markers. Thumbscrews allow one to set up numbers in the result register. On the left end of the carriage are a bell and a mechanism for shifting the carriage. The bell rings when the result passes through zero (e.g., from positive to negative or negative to positive). The machine has four cork feet. The steel cover has operating instructions on a piece of paper pasted to its inside.
The machine is marked to the left of the levers: MADAS (/) U.S.A. Ptd Dec. 16th 1913 (/) etc. It is marked on the far left: No 4571 (/) MADE IN SWITZERLAND. It is marked on the outside of the cover: MULTIPLICATION AUTOMAT. DIVISION ADDITION SUBTRACTION (/) MADAS. A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #347.
This example was #347 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
This model of the MADAS was introduced in 1913 and sold until about 1930. Compare MA.317288, MA.324278, MA.323586 and 1982.0794.88.
Reference:
H. W. Egli, Ltd., MADAS 50 Jahre Arbeit, Zurich.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1912
maker
Egli, Hans W.
ID Number
1982.0794.88
catalog number
1982.0794.88
accession number
1982.0794
This compact cylindrical handheld calculating machine has gray metal sides and a black top and operating handle. There are 11 slots along the side of the cylinder with plastic red and black levers that are pulled down to set numbers.
Description
This compact cylindrical handheld calculating machine has gray metal sides and a black top and operating handle. There are 11 slots along the side of the cylinder with plastic red and black levers that are pulled down to set numbers. The digit entered appears at the top of the slot. Multipliers are indicated by numbers read through holes around the edge of the top and may be up to eight digits large. The result also is indicated around the edge of the top, and may be up to 15 digits large. The top may be rotated, as one one would move a carriage on an earlier stepped drum machine. Sliding markers indicate decimal divisions for entries, multipliers, and results.
To zero the machine, the carriage is raised and the black disc under the operating lever is rotated through one turn using a clearing lever with a ring-like handle. The operating handle is pulled up for subtraction and division. Moving a lever on the side of the cylinder causes subtraction rather than addition in the revolution counting register. Operating instructions were received with the machine and are stored with it. The machine fits in a black metal cylindrical case. The lid of the case turns clockwise to open.
The machine and case are marked: CURTA, A mark on the bottom of the object reads: Type II (/) No 517304 (/) Made in Liechtenstein (/) (Customs Union with Switzerland) (/) by Contina Ltd Mauren (/) System Curt Herstark. The machine is marked on the lid: OPEN.
The Curta calculating machine was invented the Austrian Curt Hertzstark (1902–1988). He worked on the design during World War II as a prisoner at the Nazi concentration camp of Buchenwald, and produced the machine after the war in Liechtenstein. The Curta Type II was sold from at least 1954 until early 1972, when handheld electronic calculators replaced it.
For related documentation, see 1983.0471.06 and 1983.0471.07
References:
Curt Hertstark, Interview with Erwin Tomash, September 10 and 11, 1987, Oral History 140, Charles Babbage Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hertstark dates the beginning of production of the Curta to 1949.
Cliff Stoll, “The Curious History of the First Pocket Calculator,” Scientific American, (January 2004), pp. 82–89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1958
maker
Contina AG Mauren
ID Number
1983.0471.05
accession number
1983.0471
catalog number
1983.0471.05
This modification of Friden’s fully automatic STW calculating machine allows for “back transfer.” That is to say, it has a mechanism to transfer figures from the accumulator register to the keyboard selecting levers and vice versa.
Description
This modification of Friden’s fully automatic STW calculating machine allows for “back transfer.” That is to say, it has a mechanism to transfer figures from the accumulator register to the keyboard selecting levers and vice versa. The model was manufactured from 1959 until 1965.
The full-keyboard electric non-printing stepped drum machine has a metal frame painted tan and ten columns of brown and white plastic keys, with a blank white key at the bottom of each column. Metal rods between the columns of keys and under the keyboard turn to indicate decimal points. On the right are two columns of function bars. On the left is a nine-digit register that indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of nine white digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by further levers and function keys, including a split “NEG POS TRANSFER” bar.
Behind the entry keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit register and a 20-digit result register. The result register has plastic buttons above it that can be used to set up numbers. Nine entry buttons and a clear button are under the revolution register. Zeroing knobs for the registers are on the right of the carriage. A clear carriage bar is toward the front of the keyboard. All three registers have sliding decimal markers. The machine has four hard rubber feet as well as a rubber cord and a tan plastic cover.
A mark on the bottom reads: MODEL SERIAL (/) SBT 10 907698. A mark on the back and side reads: Friden. A sticker on the bottom reads: FRIDEN, INC. (/) SAN LEONARDO, CALIFORNIA, USA. A mark on the cover reads: Friden (/) AUTOMATIC CALCULATOR.
For related documents, see 1984.0475.02, 1984.0475.03, 1984.0475.07, and non-accession 1984.3079.
This is one of five Friden calculating machines given to the Smithsonian by Vincent L. Corrado (1917-1984), a native of Covington, Kentucky, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting at Catholic University, served in the U.S. Army from 1942 through 1973, and then joined the Veteran’s Administration for the rest of his life.
The date given is based on the serial number, courtesy of Carl Holm. This is the date of manufacture.
Reference:
Ernie Jorgenson, Friden Age List, Office Machine Americana, p. 5 gives the date 1960 for this machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964
maker
Friden, Inc.
ID Number
1983.0475.01
catalog number
1983.0475.01
accession number
1983.0475
maker number
SBT 10 907698
This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculating machine has a blue metal frame with a black carriage. It has ten columns of green and white all-plastic number keys. At the base of each column is a gray tabulator set key.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculating machine has a blue metal frame with a black carriage. It has ten columns of green and white all-plastic number keys. At the base of each column is a gray tabulator set key. These keys are numbered from 1 on the right to 10 on the left. Right of the number keys are division and stop keys, subtraction and addition bars, a non-shift key, a repeat key, a negative multiplication bar, and two carriage shift keys. In front of these are clearance keys for the tab set, the keyboard, and the dials. Right of these is a column of ten keys for automatic multiplication.
Above the number keys is a row of ten windows to show a number set up. Behind this register is a movable carriage with an 20-window result register and an 11-window revolution register. The registers on the carriage have reversible decimal markers. The motor is at the back of the machine, inside the case. There are four rubber feet.
A tag attached to the bottom of the machine reads: 10FA-321409; MARCHANT. A property tag on the back reads: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION (/) 85612. A black paper tag pasted to the bottom of the machine reads: Manufactured by (/) MARCHANT CALCULATING MACHINE COMPANY (/) OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. It also reads (the last in a list of patents): 2502321. It also reads: Figuremaster.
The Marchant Model 10FA was introduced in 1948 and sold through 1950 (it is not on the GSA Price List for July, 1951-June, 1952). This example was used in the Division of Extractive Industries at what was then the Smtihsonian’s Museum of History and Technology.
Reference:
SCM Collection.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1950
maker
Marchant Calculating Machine Co.
ID Number
1983.0476.01
maker number
10FA-321409
catalog number
1983.0476.01
accession number
1983.0476
This full-keyboard manually operated non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine is a Monroe Model K, especially altered for use by the blind. It was owned by Russell Kletzing of Sacramento, Calif., a lawyer blinded as a child.
Description
This full-keyboard manually operated non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine is a Monroe Model K, especially altered for use by the blind. It was owned by Russell Kletzing of Sacramento, Calif., a lawyer blinded as a child. Kletzing was active in the National Federation of the Blind, and challenged the view that the U.S. Civil Service register should exclude blind lawyers because they could not read conventionally printed text.
The machine has a metal frame painted black, with rounded corners. The steel plate under the keyboard is painted green. The eight columnsof plastic keys are colored black or white accoding to the place value of the digit represented. The “5” digit keys have a raised metal dot on them. Key stems for clearance keys are at the bottom of each column, but have no key tops. Rods between the rows of keys to serve as decimal markers are lacking. Three keys in a column to the right of the number keys include one that clears the entire keyboard, with the other two set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. A metal lever is to the right of the keyboard and a metal knob to the left. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
Behind the keyboard is a carriage that has a row of 16 numeral dials for recording results and a row of eight numeral dials behind for the revolution register. The revolution register dials are each numbered from 0 to 9 in black and from 1 to 9 in red. Fixed indentations between the revolution dials serve as decimal markers. Both of these sets of dials have digits in Braille as well as typeface. The carriage has no sliding decimal markers. Small paper stickers have been glued below the usual position of the decimal point and the thousands marker in the result register. The carriage shift lever is at the front of the machine. The carriage has a knob for lifting it to the right of the result register, and a crank for zeroing dials on its right side. The machine has four rubber feet.
A mark scratched on the back of the machine reads: Z265520. A mark on the right side of the mechanism, under the carriage, reads: Z97700. A mark on the bottom edge of the carriage at the left reads: 97700. A mark on the back of the machine, which has been painted over, reads: MONROE.
Compare to MA.334711 and MA.307386.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, pp. 80–82, 551.
National Federation of the Blind, "NFB Awards 2000," Braille Monitor, August / September 2000.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1928
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1983.0831.01
maker number
Z97700
accession number
1983.0831
catalog number
1983.0831.01
This lever-set, non-printing manually operated pinwheel calculating machine has a metal housing and metal base, both painted black. The nine levers for setting entries are topped with red or white plastic covers.
Description
This lever-set, non-printing manually operated pinwheel calculating machine has a metal housing and metal base, both painted black. The nine levers for setting entries are topped with red or white plastic covers. A bar in front of the levers can be raised to zero them (there is no entry register). The steel operating crank with wooden handle extends from the right side of the machine. It rotates backward (clockwise) for addition and multiplication and forward (counterclockwise) for subtraction and division.
At the front of the machine is a movable carriage with 13 windows that show dials of the result register on the right and nine windows for the revolution register on the left. Dials in the revolution register are black for addition and red for subtraction. Decimal markers slide above both of these registers and above the setting levers. Moving a sturdy brass lever at the front shifts the carriage. A zeroing lever on the right side of the carriage zeros the result register when turned clockwise, and the revolution register when turned counterclockwise. The machine has a metal base with rubber feet, but has no cover.
A triangular metal tag attached left of the levers reads: MARCHANT (/) CALCULATORS (/) SIMPLICITY (/) ACCURACY (/) SPEED. A worn paper tag glued to the back of the machine reads: MANUFACTURED BY (/) MARCHANT CALCULATING MACHINE (/) OAKLAND CALIFORNIA U.S.A. (/) PATENTED IN UNITED STATES & FOREIGN COUNTRIES (/) UNITED STATES [. . .] 76,197 DEC 4. 1923 (/) AUSTRALIA 5,861 March 2. 1922 (/) CANADA 239,984 MAY 13. 1924 (/) CHILE 4,884 OCT 18. 1922 (/) GREAT BRITAIN 185,852 June 14. 1921 (/) HOLLAND & COLONIES 11,299 April 16. 1924 (/) JAPAN 40,871 NOV. 30 1921 (/) SOUTH AFRICA 78 JAN 27. 1922 (/) OTHER UNITED STATES AND FOREIGN PATENTS (/) ISSUED AND PENDING. No serial number found.
According to Marchant Math-Mechanics, a publication for the sales staff of Marchant, the model XLA was introduced in 1928 as a relatively inexpensive calculating machine that could be placed “on every desk.” It cost $125, and had a smaller capacity than the model XL. The experiment proved unsuccessful, and the machine was discontinued in 1931.
Reference:
Marchant Math-Mechanics, vol. 7, 1940, p. 132.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Marchant Calculating Machine Co.
ID Number
1984.0682.02
catalog number
1984.0682.02
accession number
1984.0682
This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculating machine has a metal case painted gray and eight columns of green and white color-coded oval plastic keys. A red clearance key is at the bottom of each column. The underlying keyboard is light gray.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculating machine has a metal case painted gray and eight columns of green and white color-coded oval plastic keys. A red clearance key is at the bottom of each column. The underlying keyboard is light gray. Between banks of keys are metal rods for decimal markers.
Right of the number keys are auto divide and stop keys, subtraction and addition bars, shift keys for use in multiplication, and a reverse key. In front of these are clearance keys for the keyboard, the tab setting, and the dials. Right of these is a column of ten keys for automatic multiplication and two carriage shift keys. Above the number keys is a row of eight windows to show a number set up (the decimal markers extend from between the number keys to between these windows).
Behind this register is a movable carriage with an 16-window result register and a nine-window revolution register. Decimal markers slide above the registers on the carriage. To the left of the revolution register is a row of six buttons used in setting tabs. The motor is at the back of the machine, inside the case. Numbers are represented by the rotation of sets of gears on three shafts under the carriage.
A mark on the sides and back of the machine reads: MARCHANT. A metal tag attached to the bottom reads: ACR8M-190554
The machine has a green rubber cord and a gray plastic cover. A label on the front is from an office supply store in Baltimore, Md.
Compare to Harold T. Avery’s 1940 U.S. patents 2,216,659, 2,211,736, and 2,217,195. See 1979.3084.106 for related trade literature. The model ACR8M was manufactured from at least 1942 until 1948.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1943
maker
Marchant Calculating Machine Company, Inc.
ID Number
1984.0682.03
catalog number
1984.0682.03
accession number
1984.0682
maker number
ACR8M-190554
This manual, full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and a steel keyboard painted green.
Description
This manual, full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and a steel keyboard painted green. In the six columns of black and white color-coded keys, keys for odd digits are concave and those for even digits are relatively flat. At the bottom of each column is a red clearance key. Metal rods between the rows of keys serve as decimal markers.
Three key stems are in a column to the right of the number keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. The keys for these key stems are missing. A metal lever is to the right of the keyboard and a metal knob to the left. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
The carriage in back of the keyboard has a row of 12 white numeral dials for recording results and a row of six numeral dials behind these in the revolution register. The revolution register has black digits for addition and red ones for subtraction. There is no carry in the revolution register. Two thin metal rods between the windows of these registers carry decimal markers. The carriage shift lever is at the front of the machine. To the right of the result register is a knob for lifting the carriage. A zeroing crank for dials on the carriage is on its right side. A bell rings when the result passes through zero (as in over-division). The machine has four rubber feet.
A mark on the front reads: MONROE. A mark on the back reads: MONROE (/) Calculating Machine Company (/) New York, U.S.A.. Stamped on the edge of the carriage on the back left is the serial number: 77811.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, pp. 9-29 to 9-33.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1984.0682.04
catalog number
1984.0682.04
maker number
77811
accession number
1984.0682
The manual, full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and a steel keyboard painted green. Eight columns of uniformly shaped black and white color-coded keys serve for data entry.
Description
The manual, full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and a steel keyboard painted green. Eight columns of uniformly shaped black and white color-coded keys serve for data entry. At the bottom of each column is a red clearance key. Metal rods between the rows of keys are decimal markers. Three key stems are in a column to the right of the number keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation (at least one of these keys looks like a replacement). A metal lever is right of the keyboard and a metal knob to the left. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
The carriage behind the keyboard has a row of 16 black numeral dials for recording results, and a row of eight white numeral dials which serve as a revolution register. The revolution register, which has no carry, has black digits for addition and red ones for subtraction. Two thin metal rods between the windows for these registers carry decimal markers. The carriage shift crank is at the front of the machine. A knob for lifting the carriage is right of the result register, and a crank for zeroing dials on the carriage is on its right side. There are four rubber feet. A bell rings when the result passes through zero (as in over-division).
A mark on the front of the machine reads: MONROE. A mark on the back reads: MONROE (/) Calculating Machine Company (/) New York, U.S.A. The serial number, recorded on the bottom edge of the left side of the carriage, is 91928
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, pp. 9-29 to 9-33.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1984.0682.05
catalog number
1984.0682.05
maker number
91928
accession number
1984.0682
This fully automatic, non-printing electric modified stepped drum calculating machine has a gray and black steel frame and ten columns of gray and white oblong plastic keys. At the bottom of each column is a clearance key.
Description
This fully automatic, non-printing electric modified stepped drum calculating machine has a gray and black steel frame and ten columns of gray and white oblong plastic keys. At the bottom of each column is a clearance key. Between the columns of keys and under the keyboard are metal rods that turn to serve as decimal markers. An automatic keyboard clear switch is in the front. To the right of the number keys are subtraction and addition bars, two carriage shift keys, and a green key. Below these are three levers, one to set repeated entries, one for multiplication, and one for non-entry. Below these are three red keys relating to entering the dividend, a gray keyboard clear key, and a lock lever. Beneath the number keys are five keys relating to multiplication and division. A DIVD ALIGN key is left of these.
In back of the keyboard is a carriage with ten dials to show a number set up for multiplication, 21 dials to show the result, and a row containing ten white dials on the left and then 11 black dials. The white dials are revolution register dials that show multipliers in black or quotients in red. These do not have a carry. The black dials also register the multiplier in multiplication and the quotient in division and have a carry. Above the black dials is a row plastic buttons, eight red and one yellow. The red buttons are tab stops for the carriage, and the yellow button releases the red ones. Sliding decimal markers are provided. A gray-green electric cord plugs into the back of the machine.
A mark on the carriage reads: MONROE. The same mark is on the back of the machine, with the Monroe logo trademarked in 1956. A mark on both right and left sides reads: MONROmatic. A paper sticker glued to the bottom of the machine reads: MONROE (/) CALCULATING MACHINE (/) COMPANY, INC. (/) ORANGE, N.J. U.S.A.. It also is marked with patent numbers that range from 2,250,403 to 2,732,129. The second patent date is from 1953. A metal tag attached to the bottom of the machine reads: MODEL 8N-213 (/) SERIAL J903574. There is no mention of Litton Industries, which acquired Monroe Calculating Machine Company in 1958.
Compare to 335425 and 1980.0255.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company, Inc.
ID Number
1984.3046.01
catalog number
1984.3046.01
maker number
J903574
nonaccession number
1984.3046

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