Star Adding Machine

Description:

This small lever-set non-printing manually operated adding machine has a dark green metal case. Thelid opens to reveal 9 curved levers which are moved forward to set a number. Large digits beside the levers are for addition, small ones for subtraction. The nine red plastic keys across the top of the machine are for use in subtraction. A metal handle can be used to carry the machine when the lid is closed. A key locks the lid.

The machine is marked on the front: STAR ADDING MACHINE (/) MANUFACTURED BY (/) TODD PROTECTOGRAPH CO. (/) ROCHESTER, N.Y., U.S.A. (/) PATENTED NOV. 22 1921. OTHER PATENTS PENDING It has serial number on the bottom: 23341.

Compare to MA.323595.

According to Typewriter Topics, the lid was added to the Star in 1924. It served both to keep out dust and to allow the machine to be locked. That year, the device sold for $44. In April 1926, it was redesigned and put on the market as the Todd Visible.

References:

E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 326-328.

Typewriter Topics, vol. 58, October (?), 1924, p. 77.

Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, sec. 3-1A, p. 4.

Date Made: 1925

Maker: Todd Protectograph Company

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: New York, Rochester

Subject: Mathematics

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Adding Machines, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Mr. Dale C. Price

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MA.326517Accession Number: 260030Maker Number: 23341Catalog Number: 326517

Object Name: adding machine

Physical Description: metal (overall material)rubber (overall material)plastic (overall material)Measurements: overall: 14.6 cm x 16.8 cm x 16.2 cm; 5 3/4 in x 6 5/8 in x 6 3/8 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-10bb-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_690302

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