Finger-Operated

An image displaying several adding machines from the Division of Medicine and Science.

In the second half of the 19th century, several American inventors proposed adding machines operated by moving levers, rotating discs or turning screws with the fingers. At the time, they were required to submit models of their inventions to the U.S. Patent Office. Some of these models survive in the collections shown here. At least one of them, the Lang Sales Register, apparently was manufactured.

Several of these inventors took out other patents for other inventions. The most notable was Frank S. Baldwin, who invented a pinwheel calculating machine and whose ideas were the foundation of the products of the Monroe Calculating Machine Company.

Perhaps the most successful finger-operated machines were those made by the Adding Machine Division of the American Can Company of Chicago, beginning in 1914. Even this product was not entirely successful – in 1922, the printing version of the machine was discontinued and manufacture switched to the American Adding Machine Company, also of Chicago.

Burns Addometer

This U.S. patent model for a lever-set non-printing adding machine has wooden sides and metal covers for the back and the lower front. Four large toothed wheels are used for setting numbers, with five registering wheels in front and below these.
Description
This U.S. patent model for a lever-set non-printing adding machine has wooden sides and metal covers for the back and the lower front. Four large toothed wheels are used for setting numbers, with five registering wheels in front and below these. Between each of the large wheels is a strip of metal; the digits from 0 to 9 are indicated along the edges of these strips. Each of the four right registering wheels is attached to a spur wheel with ten teeth that meshes with a large toothed wheel. Placing a finger in one of the teeth of a large wheel and rotating it forward advances the registering wheel proportionally. The number entered is visible in a row of windows at the front of the model. The four registering wheels to the left have on their left side a ring of ten equidistant pins that are used in carrying.
The patent tag for the machine reads: 21243 (/) J. Burns (/) Addometer (/) Patented Aug 24 (/) 1858 (/) Calculator.
On March 26, 1867, Jabez Burns of New York City took out U.S. Patent 52934 for an improved powder mixer. The model for this patent is in the Medical Sciences collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. It seems likely that this is the same person who invented the addometer and the same Jabez Burns who was born in Ireland in about 1827, came to new York at age 18 in January of 1845, and worked variously as a cartman, peddler, accountant, and inventor. He had a son, also called Jabez Burns.
References:
Jabez Burns, "Addometer," U.S. Patent 21243, August 24, 1858.
U.S. Census records 1850, 1860. Civil War draft regisration records, June, 1863. New York City directories.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1858
maker
Burns, Jabez
ID Number
MA.308911
accession number
89797
catalog number
308911

Ballou Adding Machine

This U.S. patent model for a non-printing lever-set adding machine has a metal casing painted black and a wooden bottom. The curved front of the machine has slots for six movable rings.
Description
This U.S. patent model for a non-printing lever-set adding machine has a metal casing painted black and a wooden bottom. The curved front of the machine has slots for six movable rings. The part of the case to the right of each ring is marked with the digits from 0 at the bottom of the curve to 9 at the top. A crosswise shaft in the machine carries a series of six toothed metal rings that fit between the openings in the case and serve as finger wheels, ratchets, and registers. The rings are sufficiently thick so that digits can be inscribed around their edges, next to the teeth. One digit of each wheel is visible at the top of the machine, showing the result when numbers are entered by turning rings forward. The left side of each ring has a pin every ten places, which drives the adjacent wheel when carrying is required.
The inventor of this device, John Ballou, lived in Cincinnati, Ohio. He apparently did not take out any other patents.
Compare to patent model for Burns Addometer, catalog number MA.308911.
Reference:
U.S. Patent 27,418, March 13, 1860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860
patentee
Ballou, John
maker
Ballou, John
ID Number
MA.309323
accession number
89797
catalog number
309323

Alexander Calculating Machine

This is the U.S. Patent Office model for a lever-set non-printing adding machine. It has a wooden case with a curved metal front and back, and somewhat resembles an early cash register. It contains eight cogged wheels that rotate vertically on a common crosswise shaft.
Description
This is the U.S. Patent Office model for a lever-set non-printing adding machine. It has a wooden case with a curved metal front and back, and somewhat resembles an early cash register. It contains eight cogged wheels that rotate vertically on a common crosswise shaft. Each wheel is linked to a lever that extends from the front of the machine and is rotated upward to enter a number. The digits from 1 to 9 are stamped on the front of the case next to the opening for each lever, to indicate the digit being entered. Each large cogged wheel is linked to two smaller wheels. One turns forward, and gives the total entered. The second rotates in the opposite direction, and indicates differences. Each of the small wheels has the digits from 0 to 9 indicated around the edge.
The results recorded by these wheels are visible through two rows of windows at the top of the case. Each of these windows has a hinged cover. Every tenth tooth on a large wheel has a spring cog that drives the adjacent wheel, causing carrying and borrowing as needed. Multiplication is carried out by repeated addition. A row of keys at the front of the machine is used in division. There is a crank on the left side for zeroing the wheels associated with these keys. There is supposed to be a zeroing crank for the upper wheels, but none is on the model.
The machine is marked on the front at the base: IMPROVED CALCULATING MACHINE (/) INVENTED BY DR. J.B. ALEXANDER. It is marked on a paper tag attached to the left side: J.B. Alexander (/) Calculating (/) Machine (/) Received (/) 17th Decr (/) ‘63.
The physician Joseph Bell Alexander was born in North Carolina in about 1823. When he patented this adding machine, he was living in Baltimore. Alexander then moved to Washington, D.C., where he took out several other patents before his death in about 1872.
Reference:
Joseph B. Alexander, “Improvement in Calculating Machines,” U.S. Patent 41898, March 15, 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864
patentee
Alexander, Joseph B.
maker
Alexander, Joseph B.
ID Number
MA.309340
accession number
89797
catalog number
309340

Jeffers Adding Machine

This U.S. patent model for a lever-set non-printing adding machine has a frame of two brown round end pieces joined by a central shaft and by two pieces of brass at the outside. The shaft carries six toothed wheels that may be rotated with the fingers.
Description
This U.S. patent model for a lever-set non-printing adding machine has a frame of two brown round end pieces joined by a central shaft and by two pieces of brass at the outside. The shaft carries six toothed wheels that may be rotated with the fingers. Each wheel has 30 teeth and is joined to a brass ring on its right. Around the rim of each ring is a slip of paper with the digits from 0 to 9 printed on it three times. One third of each ring is covered by a metal piece which has a window at the bottom and the digits from 1 to 9 engraved on it. To enter digits, wheels are rotated forward the distance indicated by these digits. Through the action of a carry mechanism, the total appears in the windows.
Milton C. Jeffers, who took out this patent in 1863, was a resident of New York, N.Y. He is probably the Milton C. Jeffers who lived from about 1823 until dying in New York City in 1896, and who took out two further patents for agricultural machinery. A Milton C. Jeffers is listed in New York City directories of the period as an agent and as a broker.
References:
U.S. Patent 40,105, September 29, 1863.
U.S. Patent 74,379, February 11, 1868.
U.S. Patent 108,484, October 18, 1870.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864
patentee
Jeffers, Milton C.
maker
Jeffers, Milton C.
ID Number
MA.309322
accession number
89797
catalog number
309322

Baldwin Arithmometer

This is the United States Patent Office model for a machine for adding a column of digits patented by Frank S. Baldwin, who is listed on the patent as a resident of Philadelphia.
Description
This is the United States Patent Office model for a machine for adding a column of digits patented by Frank S. Baldwin, who is listed on the patent as a resident of Philadelphia. It is the second of several patents Baldwin filed relating to adding and calculating machines.
The machine's back is roughly a half-disc, with the digits from 0 to 9 engraved across the top. A steel arrow rotates to point to any one of these digits. Rotating a brass knob returns the arrow to place. The knob is linked by gears to a small movable carriage at the base of the device. Returning the knob to its original position rotates two small register wheels. One of the wheels records the sum of the number entered and the number already set in the wheels. The other records the complement of this number. There are four sets of register wheels, linked to one another so that the machine carries, hence the machine may add numbers up to 9999.
A committee of J. W Nystrom, John Groesbeck, and Pliney E. Chase commented favorably on this machine before the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. It received the Scott Medal of the Franklin Institute in 1874, and was produced in small numbers.
References:
U.S. Patent 153,522, July 28, 1874.
Thomas A. Russo Sr., and Conrad Schure, “The Calculating Engines of Frank S. Baldwin,” Rittenhouse, 11 #3 (May 1997), pp. 93-96.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patentee
Baldwin, Frank S.
maker
Baldwin, Frank S.
ID Number
MA.308935
accession number
89797
catalog number
308935

Automatic Arithmotor

This U.S. Patent Office model for an adding machine has eight counting wheels that rotate on a common crosswise shaft. Around the edge of each wheel, the digits from 0 to 9 are printed repeatedly. Attached to each cylinder is a toothed revolving disc.
Description
This U.S. Patent Office model for an adding machine has eight counting wheels that rotate on a common crosswise shaft. Around the edge of each wheel, the digits from 0 to 9 are printed repeatedly. Attached to each cylinder is a toothed revolving disc. The machine has a wooden case with a tin cover over the wheels. On the cover, next to each wheel, is a slip of paper labeled with the numbers from 1 to 9. To enter a number, one places one's finger at the tooth next to the digit on the appropriate paper slip, and rotates forward. The sum appears in slots in the metal cover, near the top of the machine. Each wheel has four cams linked to a weighted pawl-lever, which is responsible for carrying.
The inventor was Reuben [sic] R. James, an Indiana native born in August, 1826. According to Census records, he was a farmer (1850, 1860) and then the proprietor of a woolen mill (1870) in Rising Sun, Indiana. He took out this patent in 1878. James and fellow Rising Sun resident Mirabeau N. Lynn took out a patent for a grain meter in 1881.
References:
U.S. Patent 209690, November 5, 1878.
U.S. Patent 238122, February 22, 1881.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patentee
James, Reuben R.
maker
James, Reuben R.
ID Number
MA.309321
accession number
89797
catalog number
309321

Lang Sales Register

This small device has a tin case painted yellow and green on top and red around the edge. The top of the case has four wheels drawn on it, each of which has the digits from 1 to 9 drawn around the edge.
Description
This small device has a tin case painted yellow and green on top and red around the edge. The top of the case has four wheels drawn on it, each of which has the digits from 1 to 9 drawn around the edge. The digits go clockwise for the first and third circles (marked “Cents” and “Dollars” and counterclockwise for the second and fourth circles (marked “Dimes” and “Dollars”). At the top of each circle, at the zero position, is a window that reveals a rotating disc below. The discs are rotated using thumbscrews that protrude from the back of the instrument. An arm on top of each circle points to a digit on the wheel. The discs advance when they are rotated in the direction of increasing digits and remain fixed when the arrows are moved back to zero.
The machine is marked on the front: SALES REGISTER. It is also marked there: E.J. HOADLEY (/) MANUFACTURER OF SPECIALTIES IN CONFECTIONERY. HARTFORD, CONN, U.S.A..
The Brooklyn City directory for the year ending May 1, 1890 lists ten men named William Lang. It seems likely that the William Lang who took out this patent was the William Lang who founded William Lang Company of Brooklyn and who patented a wide range of goods, including a speed-indicator, a curtain-pole ring, a box fastener, a watch case, coin-controlled vending apparatus, a pocket lighter and, with his son William A. Lang, a tuning-peg.
Reference:
U.S. Patent 431365, July 1, 1890. The patent indicates that a model was submitted.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
patentee
Lang, William
ID Number
MA.309335
accession number
89797
catalog number
309335

Beach Calculating Machine

This small black machine sits on an iron base with four short legs. Seven toothed semicircular discs, mounted on a single shaft, are used to enter numbers. Between the toothed discs are full discs with the digits from 0 to 9 marked around the edge of each disc 3 times.
Description
This small black machine sits on an iron base with four short legs. Seven toothed semicircular discs, mounted on a single shaft, are used to enter numbers. Between the toothed discs are full discs with the digits from 0 to 9 marked around the edge of each disc 3 times. The face of the machine is a steeply sloped curve with a rounded top. The toothed discs protrude from slots in the face, and one digit on each disc is visible through a window. The handle is on the right side. Several parts of the machine are missing.
The machine is marked on the front: THE (/) BEACH (/) CALCULATING (/) MACHINE. It is stamped on the bottom: 2151. A mark scratched on the bottom reads: Geo. J.
The Beach calculating machine was manufactured, at least initially, by the Book-Keeper Publishing Company of Detroit, Michigan. The firm had previously manufactured a two-wheeled stylus-operated adding machine on the design of Lester C. Smith (a modification of the Webb adder), but discontinued this product after a patent dispute.
References:
Seal et al v. Bookkeeper Pub. Co., May 3, 1904, Case No. 1258, "Circuit Court of Appeals Reports", 64, Rochester: Lawyers’ Cooperative Publishing, 1905, pp. 651-657.
Elmer Henry Beach, Tools of Business, an Encyclopedia of Office Equipment and Labor Saving Devices, Detroit: Book-Keeper Publishing Co., Ltd., 1905, pp. 10-11.
The Thomas’ Register for 1907-1908 through 1912 list under Machinery - Adding, Calculating, etc. the Beach-Kauffman Mfg. Co. of Detroit, Michigan as the manufacturer of an adding machine.
Advertisement in Business, a Magazine for Office Store and Factory, vol 19 #1, (August 1906), p. 4, 63. The magazine was edited by Elmer Henry Beach. The advertisement indicates that the Beach-Kauffman Manufacturing Company was selling the machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
maker
Beach-Kauffman Manufacturing Company
ID Number
MA.311945
accession number
155183
maker number
2151
catalog number
311945

American Adding Machine, Model 0

This lever set non-printing manually operated adding machine has an etched steel case painted black. Seven levers move in circular arcs between slots in the case.
Description
This lever set non-printing manually operated adding machine has an etched steel case painted black. Seven levers move in circular arcs between slots in the case. The case is painted along the edges of the slots with the digits from 0 to 9 (large and in black and white) and 9 to 0 (small and in red). The large digits are used for addition, the small ones for subtraction. A corrugation or depression in the cover is found at the place of each digit. Digits are set by placing the index finger in the corresponding depression and raising the lever by the thumb until it is stopped by the finger. They are entered by moving down a metal handle with a wooden knob on the right side. The result appears in seven windows above the levers. Rotating a knob on the left side of the machine transforms the action of the handle from addition to zeroing. Another handle on the right side zeros digits set incorrectly. The machine has four rubber feet.
The machine is marked on a plaque attached to the front: AMERICAN (/) ADDING MACHINE (/) AMERICAN CAN COMPANY (/) ADDING MACHINE DIVISION (/) CHICAGO, ILL. No 1153. It is also marked there: PAT. AUG. 27, 1912 (/) OTHER PATS. PEND.
By mid-1922, American Adding Machines were made by the American Adding Machine Company of Chicago. Compare MA.333921.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 27, 518.
Jervis R. Harbeck, "Adding-Machine," U.S. Patent 1,036,614, August 27, 1912.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914
maker
American Can Company Adding Machine Division
ID Number
MA.323606
accession number
250163
maker number
1153
catalog number
323606

American Adding Machine, Model 1 or 3

This lever-set printing manual adding machine has an etched steel case painted black. Seven levers that move in circular arcs between slots in the front of the case.
Description
This lever-set printing manual adding machine has an etched steel case painted black. Seven levers that move in circular arcs between slots in the front of the case. The case is painted along the edges of the slots with the digits from 0 to 9 (large and in black and white) and 9 to 0 (small and in red). The large digits are used in addition, the small ones in subtraction. Corresponding to each digit is a corrugation or depression in the cover. Digits are set by placing the index finger in the corresponding depression and raising the lever by the thumb until it is stopped by the finger. They are entered by moving down a metal handle with a wooden knob on the right side. If the red clear key to the left of the levers is pressed down, moving the knob zeros the machine.
The result appears in eight windows above the levers. Another handle, on the left side, zeros digits set incorrectly. The printing mechanism at the back top of the machine prints up to eight digits. This example has no paper tape. There are four rubber feet.
Compare 1986.0894.01. The American adding machine was introduced in 1914, and models 1 and 3 were made previous to October, 1917. By 1924, American adding machines were made by the American Adding Machine Company of Chicago.
The machine is marked on a plaque attached to the front: AMERICAN (/) ADDING MACHINE (/) AMERICAN CAN COMPANY (/) ADDING MACHINE DIVISION (/) CHICAGO, ILL. No. It is also marked there: PAT. AUG. 27, 1912 (/) OTHER PATS. PEND. It is marked under the levers: PAY ROLL DISTRIBUTION - SEE INSTRUCTIONS.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 27, 518.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915
maker
American Can Company Adding Machine Division
ID Number
MA.316199
accession number
224213
catalog number
316199

American Adding Machine, Model 0

This lever-set non-printing adding machine has an etched steel case, painted black and resting on four rubber feet. Seven levers move in circular arcs between slots in the case.
Description
This lever-set non-printing adding machine has an etched steel case, painted black and resting on four rubber feet. Seven levers move in circular arcs between slots in the case. The case is painted along the edges of the slots with digits from 0 to 9 (large and in black and white) and 9 to 0 (small and in red). The large digits are used in addition, the small ones in subtraction. The cover has a corrugation or depression for each digit. Digits are set by placing the index finger in the corresponding depression and raising the lever by the thumb until it is stopped by the finger. They are entered by moving down a metal handle with a wooden knob on the right side. If no number has been entered, moving the knob zeros the machine. The result appears in seven windows above the levers. Another handle on the right side zeros digits set incorrectly.
The machine is marked on a plaque attached to the front: AMERICAN (/) ADDING MACHINE (/) AMERICAN CAN COMPANY (/) ADDING MACHINE DIVISION (/) CHICAGO, ILL. No 23096. It is also marked there: PAT. AUG. 27, 1912 (/) OTHER PATS. PEND.
Compare MA.323606.
By 1924, American adding machines were made by the American Adding Machine Company of Chicago.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 27, 518.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1916
maker
American Can Company Adding Machine Division
ID Number
MA.333921
accession number
304369
maker number
23096
catalog number
333921

American Adding Machine, Model 5

This lever set non-printing adding machine has an plain steel case painted black. Seven steel levers painted red move in circular arcs between slots in the case.
Description
This lever set non-printing adding machine has an plain steel case painted black. Seven steel levers painted red move in circular arcs between slots in the case. The case is painted along the edges of the slots with the digits from 0 to 9 (large and in black and white) and 9 to 0 (small and in red). The large digits are used in addition, the small ones in subtraction. There is a corrugation or depression in the cover for each digit. Digits are set by placing the index finger in the corresponding depression and raising the lever by the thumb until it is stopped by the finger. They are entered by moving down a metal handle with a wooden knob on the top right. The result appears in nine windows above the levers. If no number is set, moving down the handle zeros the machine. Another handle on the right side zeros digits set incorrectly. A silver-colored repeat lever on the left front is used in multiplication. Moving it down increases the number shown on a number wheel at the front of the machine by one digit each time the entering lever is depressed. The machine has four rubber feet as well as a paper tag.
The serial number tag on the bottom reads: MODEL FIVE (/) NO. 57251. The machine is marked on the front: AMERICAN (/) ADDING MACHINE (/) MODEL 5 (/) AMERICAN CAN COMPANY (/) PAT. AUGUST 27, 1912 (/) OTHER PATS. PEND. It is also marked there: CHICAGO, ILL. It is also marked there: PAY ROLL DISTRIBUTION - SEE INSTRUCTIONS.
Compare MA.333921.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
maker
American Can Company
ID Number
1983.0290.01
accession number
1983.0290
maker number
57251
catalog number
1983.0290.01

American Adding Machine Model 4

This lever-set printing adding machine is manually operated. It has a plain steel case painted black. Seven levers that move in circular arcs between slots in the front of the case.
Description
This lever-set printing adding machine is manually operated. It has a plain steel case painted black. Seven levers that move in circular arcs between slots in the front of the case. The case is painted along the edges of the slots with the digits from 0 to 9 (large and in black and white) and 9 to 0 (small and in red). The large digits are used in addition, and the small ones in subtraction. A corrugation or depression in the cover marks each digit. Digits are set by placing the index finger in the corresponding depression and raising the lever by the thumb until it is stopped by the finger. They are entered by moving down a metal handle with a wooden knob on the right side. If the red clear key to the left of the levers is pressed down, moving this knob zeros the machine.
The result appears in eight windows above the levers. Another handle, on the left side, zeros digits set incorrectly (this handle is not screwed in). The printing mechanism at the back top of the machine prints up to eight digits by striking a black and red ribbon. There is no paper tape. A loose metal piece is painted black. There are four rubber feet.
The machine is marked on the front: AMERICAN (/) ADDING MACHINE (/) MODEL 4 (/) AMERICAN CAN COMPANY (/) PAT. AUGUST 27, 1912 (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING CHICAGO, ILL. It is marked below the levers: PAY ROLL DISTRIBUTION - SEE INSTRUCTIONS. It is marked below the windows, at the top of the machine; AMERICAN. It is marked on the bottom: MODEL FOUR (/) NO-43021.
Compare 1986.0894.01. The American adding machine model 4 was made from September 1917 to May 1922, with serials numbers between 22,000 and 75,200.
According to donor Homer A. Walkup, this machine was used by his father, also named Homer A. Walkup, when he was a physician in Mt. Hope, West Virginia. Dr. Walkup acquired it in about 1920 for use in a cooperative grocery store intended as an alternative to the coal company’s store. The store lasted only about six to eight months. Formation of the store came at a time of labor trouble in West Virginia, in the era of the Battle of Blair Mountain. Dr. Walkup was enjoined by court order from going on company property, including company-owned housing. He successfully fought the court order and resumed house calls.
References:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 27, 518. By 1924, American adding machines were made by the American Adding Machine Company of Chicago.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
maker
American Can Company
ID Number
1986.0894.01
accession number
1986.0894
catalog number
1986.0894.01

Star Adding Machine

This small lever-set non-printing manually operated adding machine has a black metal case with a lid that opens to reveal nine curved levers. These levers are moved forward to set a number. The nine red plastic keys across the top of the machine are for subtraction.
Description
This small lever-set non-printing manually operated adding machine has a black metal case with a lid that opens to reveal nine curved levers. These levers are moved forward to set a number. The nine red plastic keys across the top of the machine are for subtraction. The metal handle may be used to carry the machine when the lid is closed. The machine has four rubber feet. It 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 is marked on the bottom with serial number: 21243. This example is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
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. The Star had sold previously as the AMCO, and was purchased by the Todd Company and renamed in 1922. It was redesigned and put on the market as the Todd Visible in April 1926.
Compare MA.326517.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
maker
Todd Protectograph Company
ID Number
MA.323595
accession number
250163
catalog number
323595

Star Adding Machine

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.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
maker
Todd Protectograph Company
ID Number
MA.326517
accession number
260030
maker number
23341
catalog number
326517

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