Friden Model S 10 Calculating Machine

Description:

By 1939 Friden Calculating Machine Company had introduced a “Supermatic” version of its calculating machine that featured multiplication by direct entry of digits (rather than repeated addition). This is an example of that full-keyboard non-printing electric stepped drum machine. It has a metal frame painted gray and ten columns of color-coded gray and blue-green plastic number keys, with a blank green key at the bottom of each column.

Metal rods between the columns of keys turn to indicate decimal places. On the right are two columns of function bars and keys. On the left is a register that indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of 9 white digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by further levers and function keys.

Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit register and a 21-digit result register. The result register has plastic buttons above it that can be used to set up numbers. Zeroing knobs for the registers are on the right of the carriage. Decimal markers slide below the two registers on the carriage. The machine has four hard rubber feet. An electric cord attachs to the machine at the back.

A mark on the bottom of the machine reads: S10-105632. A mark on the back and sides reads: FRIDEN. A sticker attached to the bottom reads: MODEL S. It also reads: FRIDEN CALCULATING MACHINE CO., INC. [() MADE IN SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. It also reads: DESIGN PAT. 103,425.

Design patent D103,425 was granted to Carl M. Friden March 2, 1937. According to Carl Holm of Neopost, the model S 10 was introduced in 1938. The date given is from Jorgenson.

Reference:

Ernie Jorgenson, Friden Age List, Office Machine Americana, p. 2.