Friden Model STW 10 Calculating Machine

Description:

This full-keyboard, electric non-printing calculating machine has a metal frame painted gray-brown and ten columns of color-coded brown and light tan plastic number keys, with a blank light tan key at the bottom of each column. Metal rods between the columns of keys and under the keyboard turn to indicate decimal places. A small brown and tan bar slides to the right to reset the decimal rods. On the right are two columns of function bars. The capabilities of the Friden STW-10 are quite similar to those of the earlier ST-10, although the exterior design and color are different.

On the left is a ten-digit register that indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of nine tan digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by three levers and four function keys.

Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit revolution register and a 20-digit result register. Gray-brown plastic buttons above the result register rotate to set up numbers. Ten numbered buttons are under the revolution register as well. Zeroing knobs for the registers are on the top right of the carriage. All three registers have sliding decimal markers.

The donor reported a date for the machine of 1960 and said that the initial price was $880. Jorgenson gives the same date. Carl Holm gives 1956 the date of manufacture.

Compare MA.334379, MA.335419 and 1984.3079.04.

References:

Accession File.

Ernie Jorgenson., Friden Age List, Office Machine Americana, p. 5.

Carl Holm, “Milestones in the Development of Friden.”