Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

This Burroughs Corporation electro-mechanical typewriter was produced during the first half of the 20th century in Detroit, Michigan.
Description
This Burroughs Corporation electro-mechanical typewriter was produced during the first half of the 20th century in Detroit, Michigan. Burroughs was better known for its line of adding machines, as it began its history as the American Arithmometer Company, before changing its name to the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. In 1953 the company renamed itself the Burroughs Corporation, moving on to produce typewriters, and subsequently computer mainframes. This typewriter has mechanical keys, but an electric carriage return. The typewriter has an extra-wide carriage to accommodate larger sheets of paper, intended for tabular and statistical work.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1932
ID Number
1985.0952.01
catalog number
1985.0952.01
accession number
1985.0952
This is a Smith & Corona Silent typewriter manufactured by around 1934. The model was made to be portable, and operate quietly thanks to the Smith Floating Shift used in the machine (note the cursive word “Floating” above the shift key).
Description
This is a Smith & Corona Silent typewriter manufactured by around 1934. The model was made to be portable, and operate quietly thanks to the Smith Floating Shift used in the machine (note the cursive word “Floating” above the shift key). When the shift key was invented, it originally shifted the cylinder, or platen, to be struck in a new position by the capital letters on a typebar. The floating shift moved the typebars up and down instead, allowing for a smoother typing action. The four row keyboard has a QWERTY layout.
The success of the Standard Typewriter Company’s Corona model typewriter prompted the company to change its named to the Corona Typewriting Company in 1914. In 1926 the company joined with the L. C. Smith & Brothers Typewriting company in to become Smith-Corona. Smith-Corona manufactured typewriters and typewriter accessories throughout the 20th century, becoming Smith Corona Marchant in 1958. After two bankruptcies, Smith Corona returned to operation in 2010 as a thermal paper manufacturing company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1934
maker
Smith & Corona Typewriters
ID Number
ME.336760
catalog number
336760
accession number
1978.2479
serial number
50911
This is an Electromatic brand electric typewriter. The Electromatic typewriter was first manufactured in 1924 by the North East Electric Company. The North East Electric Company produced the motor and base, and used a Remington model 12 as the typewriter.
Description
This is an Electromatic brand electric typewriter. The Electromatic typewriter was first manufactured in 1924 by the North East Electric Company. The North East Electric Company produced the motor and base, and used a Remington model 12 as the typewriter. The North East Electric Company became the Electromatic Typewriter Company before being purchased by IBM in 1933. The Electromatic operated with a motor controlling all aspects of typing, from the type bar to the carriage returns, allowing the user to operate the typewriter without their fingers ever leaving the keyboard. This typewriter was once used by the United States Navy.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1933
ID Number
1993.0278.01
catalog number
1993.0278.01
accession number
1993.0278
serial number
84032
This is a Smith & Corona Silent typewriter manufactured by around 1934. The model was made to be portable, and operate quietly thanks to the Smith Floating Shift used in the machine (note the cursive word “Floating” above the shift key).
Description
This is a Smith & Corona Silent typewriter manufactured by around 1934. The model was made to be portable, and operate quietly thanks to the Smith Floating Shift used in the machine (note the cursive word “Floating” above the shift key). When the shift key was introduced in the Remington No. 2 in 1878, it originally shifted the cylinder, or platen, to be struck in a new position by the capital letters on a typebar. The floating shift moved the typebars up and down instead, allowing for a smoother typing action. The four row keyboard has a QWERTY layout.
The Standard Typewriter Company released their Corona model typewriter in 1912. Its success prompted the company to change its name to the Corona Typewriting Company in 1914. In 1926 the company joined with the L. C. Smith & Brothers Typewriting company in to become Smith-Corona.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1938
maker
L. C. Smith & Corona Typewriters Inc.
ID Number
ME.334782
catalog number
334782
accession number
314637
serial number
2S 70436
The Electromatic brand typewriter was manufactured by the North East Electric Company of Rochester, New York, beginning in 1924. The North East Electric Company produced the motor and base for the Electromatic, and used a Remington model 12 as the typewriter.
Description
The Electromatic brand typewriter was manufactured by the North East Electric Company of Rochester, New York, beginning in 1924. The North East Electric Company produced the motor and base for the Electromatic, and used a Remington model 12 as the typewriter. When Remington did not supply the North East Electric Co. with more typewriters, the company became Electromatic Typewriters Incorporated in 1929 to produce its own Electromatics, before being purchased by IBM in 1933. This typewriter was likely produced between 1929 and 1933.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1929 - 1933
maker
Electromatic Typewriters, Inc.
ID Number
ME.312857
catalog number
312857
accession number
169125
serial number
P-144
This Corona Standard typewriter was produced by L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters Incorporated of Syracuse, New York around 1935.
Description
This Corona Standard typewriter was produced by L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters Incorporated of Syracuse, New York around 1935. This typewriter has an interesting variation on the standard QWERTY keyboard, as each key has an image of an animal, along with the alphabetical character. This special keyboard was available on three different models of Corona’s —the Silent, the Sterling, and the Standard—for a $2.25 charge. The keyboard was designed to help teach children how to type, and came with a set of nine rings, four on each hand and one on the thumb. Each ring had the image of an animal that corresponded with an animal on the key—you hit the bear with the finger that had the bear ring, the rabbit with the finger that bore the rabbit ring, the spacebar with the thumb that bore the elephant ring, etc. This typewriter is rare, as the Great Depression made an extra fee for a child’s keyboard difficult for many families to afford.
The success of the Standard Typewriter Company’s Corona model typewriter prompted the company to change its named to the Corona Typewriting Company in 1914. In 1926 the company joined with the L. C. Smith & Brothers Typewriting company to become Smith Corona. Smith Corona manufactured typewriters and typewriter accessories throughout the 20th century, becoming Smith Corona Marchant in 1958. After two bankruptcies, Smith Corona returned to operation in 2010 as a thermal paper manufacturing company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
ID Number
1986.0082.01
catalog number
1986.0082.01
accession number
1986.0082
serial number
1C19988
For much of the 20th century, data was entered into data processing machines using punched cards.
Description
For much of the 20th century, data was entered into data processing machines using punched cards. This is a machine for punching such cards manufactured by International Business Machines Corporation of New York.
The tabletop key-driven machine punches twelve rectangular holes per column in 80-column cards. On the right are ten rubber digit keys, a key marked X and a blank key. Keys above these keys move cards one space to the left and all the way to the left. Cards are inserted and removed by hand. The machine rests in an iron base painted black. An enclosed metal cylinder protrudes from the back. The instrument sits at an angle in a wooden box painted green. In the box is a pointed metal rod.
The stamped number on the back right of the machine reads: 98 146. A mark painted across the back reads: HARRIET 8EC GR. A sticker attached to the back of the box reads: I-606 (/) NOT FOR (/) SALE. A mark on the side of the box reads: NASC (/) Rm 207-A (/) BLD #1. There are spaces for tags on the front of the machine, but no tags.
An 80-column punch card and a photocopy of a piece of International Time Recording Company stationery came with this object.
In 1901 Herman Hollerith patented a card punch with keys that was the forerunner of this instrument. IBM cards with rectangular holes and 80 columns were introduced in 1928. Cards with 12 rows of holes date from the early 1930s. This particular machine was for many years the property of IBM employee Robert B. Roberts.
References:
E. W. Pugh, Building IBM: Shaping an Industry and Its Technology, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1995, p. 49.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1930
maker
IBM
ID Number
1987.0601.01
accession number
1987.0601
catalog number
1987.0601.01
This machine has four wooden drawers arranged in a single column in a wooden case. The register, in a brown metal case, sits atop the drawers. It has four columns of digit keys (red for dollars, black for cents, with a red five-cent key).
Description
This machine has four wooden drawers arranged in a single column in a wooden case. The register, in a brown metal case, sits atop the drawers. It has four columns of digit keys (red for dollars, black for cents, with a red five-cent key). Right of these is a column with keys marked A, B, D, E. Right of these is a lever now broken, a motor bar, and a section for the paper tape. The indicators are above the keys. The machine is electric. It has serial number 3672484 and model number 1544-(4D-1).
The machine was used at the Lansburgh Department Store in downtown Washington, D.C. When City Stores Company purchased Lansburgh, they gave the machine to the Smithsonian.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1937
maker
National Cash Register Company
ID Number
MA.334907
maker number
3672484
accession number
314157
catalog number
334907
This machine has eight cash drawers, arranged in two columns of four drawers each. The register, with its brown metal case, sits atop these. It has four columns of digit keys (red for dollars, white for cents, and a red 5-cent key).
Description
This machine has eight cash drawers, arranged in two columns of four drawers each. The register, with its brown metal case, sits atop these. It has four columns of digit keys (red for dollars, white for cents, and a red 5-cent key). Right of these are eight letter keys (A, B, D, E, H, K, L, and M) and a total key. Right of these is a lever which can be set at the desired operation, and a motor bar. The machine also has an operating handle. The paper tape is on the left and the glass-covered indicators are at the top.
The machine has serial number 390234. It also is marked: X 094(4) RS-8C.
This cash register was used at the Lansburgh department store in downtown Washington, D.C. When City Stores Company purchased Lansburgh, they gave the machine to the Smithsonian.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939
maker
National Cash Register Company
ID Number
MA.334909
maker number
3848004
accession number
314157
catalog number
334909
For the first half of the 20th century, much data was entered into data processing machines using punched cards. This machine for punching such cards was manufactured by International Business Machines Corporation of New York.This key-driven, manual punch has 14 black keys.
Description
For the first half of the 20th century, much data was entered into data processing machines using punched cards. This machine for punching such cards was manufactured by International Business Machines Corporation of New York.
This key-driven, manual punch has 14 black keys. Twelve are for the 12 rows on a punch card. These are labeled from 0 to 9, X, and blank. Another key moves the card one space to the left and the last releases it. Keys are fed in from the right. A portion of a punch card attached in back of the machine has a pointer attached to it which allows one to determine the column of the card one is punching. The device is set up for 80-column cards and punches rectangular holes. A cylindrical protrusion extends from the back of the machine.
A metal tag attached to the front of the object reads: PROPERTY OF (/) INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP. (/) 001-12036-JH (/) ENDICOTT, NEW YORK, U.S.A. A mark stamped into the back of the card bed reads: 01 202.Two rods are marked at the front below the punching position: 202.
IBM cards with rectangular holes and 80 columns were introduced in 1928. Cards with 12 rows of holes date from the early 1930s.
Reference:
E. W. Pugh, Building IBM: Shaping an Industry and Its Technology, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1995, pp. 48–49.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1930
maker
International Business Machines Corporation
ID Number
MA.333894
accession number
304350
catalog number
333894
This eighty-column paper punch card is rectangular, with the upper left corner cut off. It is punched symmetrically. Text along the top reads: MANUAL KEY PUNCH - ABOUT 70 YEARS OLD. A form number printed along the bottom reads: DO-5081.
Description
This eighty-column paper punch card is rectangular, with the upper left corner cut off. It is punched symmetrically. Text along the top reads: MANUAL KEY PUNCH - ABOUT 70 YEARS OLD. A form number printed along the bottom reads: DO-5081. Further text reads: PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Received with card punch with museum number 1987.0601.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930s
maker
IBM
ID Number
1987.0601.01.02
accession number
1987.0601
catalog number
1987.0601.01.02
This key-driven, manual verifier has 15 black rubber keys. Twelve are for the 12 columns on a punch card. These are labeled from 0 to 9, X, and blank. Two other keys move the card one space, and the last key releases the card. Cards are fed manually from the left.
Description
This key-driven, manual verifier has 15 black rubber keys. Twelve are for the 12 columns on a punch card. These are labeled from 0 to 9, X, and blank. Two other keys move the card one space, and the last key releases the card. Cards are fed manually from the left. A mechanism at the center of the machine senses whether or not a hole has been punched in a given line. If one depresses a key corresponding to a hole punched on the card, the card advances one place to the left. If the hole on the card does not match what is punched, the card does not move. Depressing the blank key at the front of the verifier then cuts a hole at the bottom of the column in which the error occurs. Erroneous cards are then retyped on a card punch. If the hole and the key typed match, the card advances one column.
A mark stamped on the base of the machine toward the left reads: 05111993-A0.
IBM introduced verifiers as part of its line of punch card equipment around 1917. Cards with 12 columns date from the early 1930s onward.
Reference:
C. J. Basche, L. R. Johnson, J. H. Palmer and E. W. Pugh, IBM’s Early Computers, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1986, pp. 7–8, 11.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
maker
International Business Machines Corporation
ID Number
1979.0931.01
accession number
1979.0931
catalog number
1979.0931.01
This eighty-column paper punch card is tan with a green stripe across the bottom. There is space for punches and for entering text.
Description
This eighty-column paper punch card is tan with a green stripe across the bottom. There is space for punches and for entering text. Fields include invoice number, qantity ordered or shipped, quantity manufacturing, customer name, schedule date, state, office number, customer code number, invoice number, and date schedule.
Six round holes are punched in the card, although these do not fit the design of numbers in the columns.
The card was received with tabulating machine 1990.0693.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
1930 roughly
ca 1930
maker
IBM
ID Number
1990.0693.01.03
catalog number
1990.0693.01.03
accession number
1990.0693
These tan 24-column punch cards have fields for Inst., State, Sheet no., Line no., Ad., Offense, Def. or Min., Maximum, Prev. Com., Sex, Mar. cond., Age, and Race and C of B.
Description
These tan 24-column punch cards have fields for Inst., State, Sheet no., Line no., Ad., Offense, Def. or Min., Maximum, Prev. Com., Sex, Mar. cond., Age, and Race and C of B. These fields are quite possibly institution, state, sheet number, line number, offense, minimum sentence, maximum sentence, previous commitments, sex, marital condition, age, and race and country of birth. Each card is marked: PA. Each card also is marked on the right edge: PRISONERS: 1934 (/) CENSUS BUREAU.
Between 1926 and 1946, the United States Bureau of the Census collected and compiled yearly statistics on prisoners at state and federal prisons in the United States. This data analysis would be continued by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. These cards were part of that effort.
Reference:
Margaret Cahalan and Lee Parsons, Historical Corrections Statistice in the U.S. 1850-1984, Rockville, Md.: Westat, Inc., 1986, pp. 4-6.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934
maker
U. S. Census Bureau
ID Number
1995.3080.02
nonaccession number
1995.3080
catalog number
1995.3080.02

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