Full-Keyboard – Burroughs

William Seward Burroughs (ca 1855-1898), the son of a machinist in upstate New York, spent some years working as a clerk before moving to St. Louis and taking up invention. From 1884, he attracted investors to aid in his development of a printing adding machine. By 1890, he had patented a machine and sent it out on trial. By the mid-1890s, the American Arithmometer Company of St. Louis was actively selling the Burroughs Registering Accountant, as they called the machine. As early as 1898 it established a factory in Britain to produce for the European market.

In 1904, American Arithmometer Company moved to Detroit. The next year, it took the name Burroughs Adding Machine Company. In the course of the early 20th century, the company made and sold a wide range of adding machines. It vigorously defended its own patent rights, and purchased those of such rival companies as Pike, Universal, and Moon-Hopkins. Burroughs also hired inventors who successfully modified its products over the years. The Patent Department maintained a collection of models, both of Burroughs inventions and of rival machines. A handful of Burroughs machines also were exhibited at the Smithsonian.

In the 1950s, Burroughs abandoned manufacture of full keyboard adding machines in favor of ten-key devices built on patents of the British Summit adding machine. Burroughs Corporation inventors devoted attention to electronic computers, but did not attempt to design electronic calculators. In 1963 it gave many of the models and machines from its Patent Department collection to the Smithsonian. The company merged with Sperry Rand Corporation in 1986 to form Unisys Corporation.

This is a very early example of the printing full-keyboard adding machine invented by William Seward Burroughs. It was manufactured in St. Louis by the American Arithmometer Company.
Description
This is a very early example of the printing full-keyboard adding machine invented by William Seward Burroughs. It was manufactured in St. Louis by the American Arithmometer Company. This firm later moved to Detroit and changed its name to the Burroughs Adding Machine Company.
The machine has a ferrous metal case, painted black, with maple sides and front. A burled maple veneer covers part of the sides and front. The portion of the case under the keyboard is covered with green cloth. The nine columns of black plastic keys have nine keys apiece. Extended springs serve as decimal markers between columns. Another key stem is at the middle of the base of the keyboard and a lever is to the left. The mechanism is largely ferrous metal, with some brass parts. It includes a dashpot, which is inside the machine. Numbers added are registered on wheels at the front which are not visible. The metal operating crank is on the right. The printing mechanism at the back of the machine has nine star-shaped type wheels that are linked to the register at the front. Numbers print from a black cloth ribbon inside the case onto a paper tape at the back. The output is not visible to the operator. Once the handle and cover are removed, reassembly requires that the handle be disassembled.
The machine is marked on a metal tag screwed to the front: REGISTERING ACCOUNTANT (/) AMERICAN ARITHMOMETER (/) ST. LOUIS, U.S.A. It is also marked there: No. 54. It is also marked there: PATENTED (/) AUG.21.1888 (/) Jan.15.1889. The machine was lent to the Smithsonian by the Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1916, and more recently donated by Unisys Corporation.
Reference:
P. A. Kidwell, "The Adding Machine Fraternity at St. Louis: Creating a Center of Invention, 1880-1920," Annals of the History of Computing, 2000, 22: pp. 4-21.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
maker
American Arithmometer Company
ID Number
MA.292398
maker number
54
catalog number
292398
accession number
2011.0143
This is a relatively early product of a company that would (under the name of Burroughs Adding Machine Company) come to dominate the market for adding machines in the United States.A heavy full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine, it has a metal frame painted black
Description
This is a relatively early product of a company that would (under the name of Burroughs Adding Machine Company) come to dominate the market for adding machines in the United States.
A heavy full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine, it has a metal frame painted black, and glass sides that reveal the metal mechanism. The dashpot is on the inside on the left. There are nine columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys. That is to say, the two leftmost columns are black for cents, the next column white for dollars, the next two columns black for tens and hundreds of dollars, the next column white for thousands of dollars, and so forth. The unlabeled metal key at the left front is used both to correct errors and in totaling. Another unlabeled metal key, on the right side, is used to repeat entries, as in multiplication by repeated addition. The keyboard is covered with green felt.
The machine is operated by bringing forward a metal crank with a wood handle. The register at the front of the machine toward the bottom has no number wheels. The printing mechanism at the back of the machine prints totals up to nine digits long. The carriage behind it is hinged at the bottom so that it can be swung open when the operator wishes to see the result (the machine is, to use the language of the day, blind printing). The carriage is 3 1/2” (8.7 cm.) wide. This machine lacks a ribbon and a paper tape. The object has four rubber feet. A metal key unlocks the cover.
The machine is marked on the front glass side: BURROUGHS’ (/) REGISTERING (/) ACCOUNTANT. It is marked on a metal plate screwed to the front of the machine below the keyboard: AMERICAN ARITHMOMETER CO. ST. LOUIS U.S.A. (/) OWNER OF PATENTS (/) PAT’D. A serial number tag is at the base of the machine, but no serial number is visible.
The machine appears to be earlier than MA.323592, which is from 1903. It is from the collections of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company, and was donated by the successor firm of Victor Comptometer Corporation.
Reference:
Instructions for Operating the Burroughs Registering Accountant, pp. 5-6.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1903
maker
American Arithmometer Company
ID Number
MA.323590
accession number
250163
catalog number
323590
This relatively early example of a Burroughs full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine was collected by the rival firm of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.The machine has a ferrous metal frame painted black, with glass sides that reveal the metal mechanism.
Description
This relatively early example of a Burroughs full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine was collected by the rival firm of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
The machine has a ferrous metal frame painted black, with glass sides that reveal the metal mechanism. This mechanism includes a dashpot, a device for cushioning a movement to avoid shock.. There are nine columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys, with two black keys for cents, three white keys for dollars to 999 dollars, three black keys for thousands through 999,000 dollars, and a ninth, leftmost column for millions of dollars. The metal total key is left of the keyboard, and metal error and repeat keys are right of the number keys. The keyboard is covered with green felt. The machine is operated by bringing forward a metal crank with a wooden handle that is on the right side.
The printing mechanism is at the back of the machine. The carriage is 10 1/4" (26 cm.) wide, and the results printed are not visible to the operator. This carriage can be set in six different positions. It has a pinch roller release to adjust a single sheet of paper, as well as adjustable paper guides. An adjustable release is on the left side at the back. A smaller carriage for rolls of paper 3 1/2” wide. A saw-toothed edge allows one to tear off part of the roll of paper. A row of nine number dials at the front of the machine, inside the case, shows the running total. This machine lacks a paper tape, apparently has no ribbon, and is missing a portion of the glass on the right side.
The Class 1, Style 3 differs from the other Burroughs Registering Accountant received from the collections of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company in having a wide movable carriage, separate error and repeat keys, and a register showing running totals at the bottom front of the machine. Compare MA.323592.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 523.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1903
maker
American Arithmometer Company
ID Number
MA.323592
accession number
250163
maker number
20167
catalog number
323592
This manually operated full keyboard printing adding machine has a metal mechanism. The metal case is painted black and has glass sides. In addition to nine columns of black and white plastic keys, the machine has a repeat key on the right and a total key on the left.
Description
This manually operated full keyboard printing adding machine has a metal mechanism. The metal case is painted black and has glass sides. In addition to nine columns of black and white plastic keys, the machine has a repeat key on the right and a total key on the left. Nine numeral wheels are in front. The narrow carriage with paper tape is not visible from the front (e.g. not visible printing). The glass plate is missing from the front of the machine.
The machine is marked at the top: Style No 1. It is marked at the front: BURROUGHS ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) DETROIT, U.S.A. Below this a list of seven patents with dates ranging from August 21, 1888, to December 13, 1898. It is marked on a metal tag attached to the front: No. 798-S. It was model #89 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
The Burroughs Style No. 1 adding machine (later called the Model No. 1) was manufactured with serial numbers less than 2254 from 1895 to 1908. In January 1905, the American Arithmometer Company took the name Burroughs Adding Machine Company. Hence this machine appears to date from about 1905.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1905
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.17
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.17
This is a full- keyboard printing manual adding machine. It has a black metal frame, a metal mechanism, glass sides, and a metal handle with a wooden knob. Each of the six columns of black and white plastic number keys has a red key at the top.
Description
This is a full- keyboard printing manual adding machine. It has a black metal frame, a metal mechanism, glass sides, and a metal handle with a wooden knob. Each of the six columns of black and white plastic number keys has a red key at the top. The repeat and error keys are right of the number keys. The subtotal and total keys are to the left. There is no paper tape. The printing mechanism and paper tape are not visible to the operator. A collapsible metal stand is attached to the left side of the machine. The overall dimensions with the stand up are: 49 cm. w. x 37 cm. d. x 32.9 cm. h.
The machine is marked at the bottom of the front: STYLE No. 7. It is marked on a metal tag below this: No 7-66878. According to the donor, this machine was used in a grocery store in Hopewell, Virginia, in 1917 or earlier.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1907
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1987.0670.01
catalog number
1987.0670.01
accession number
1987.0670
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a black metal body with a glass front. The mechanism is metal, as is the collapsible stand attached to the left side, the crank on the right side, and the stand. The knob on the crank is wooden.
Description
This full-keyboard printing manual adding machine has a black metal body with a glass front. The mechanism is metal, as is the collapsible stand attached to the left side, the crank on the right side, and the stand. The knob on the crank is wooden. There are 13 columns of plastic-topped keys, each with nine keys. The leftmost column of keys is black, the next three columns white, the next column red, the next three columns black, the next three columns white, and the two rightmost columns are black. Once one key in a column is depressed, a second key in that column cannot be depressed. Above these is a tenth row, 12 columns wide, of red correction keys. One can read up to nine-digit entries on a display visible through the glass front. The 12-1/4”-wide carriage and the paper tape are at the back and not visible to the operator. The error and repeat keys are to the right of the keyboard with a non add key and two other interconnected keys on the left. The portion of the frame immediately below the keys is covered with green felt.
The machine is marked at the base of the front: STYLE No. 13. It is marked on a metal tag below this: No 13 71235. The Burroughs Style 13 was manufactured from 1906 until 1912.
African American civil servant and inventor Shelby Davidson (1868-1931) hoped to introduce a modified version of this machine for work at the U.S. Post Office. For details, see the work of Rayvon Fouché cited.
Reference:
Rayvon Fouché, Black Inventors in the Age of Segregation: Granville T. Woods, Lewis H. Latimer, and Shelby J. Davidson. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003, esp. pp. 125-168.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906-1908
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1988.0457.01
accession number
1988.0457
catalog number
330833
This full-keyboard printing adding machine is manually operated. It has a metal case painted black with glass sides and green felt covering the keyboard. There are nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys.
Description
This full-keyboard printing adding machine is manually operated. It has a metal case painted black with glass sides and green felt covering the keyboard. There are nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. At the top of each column of keys is a red button for clearing the column. To the right of the number keys are repeat and error keys. To the left are non-add, subtotal, and total keys. The crank for operating the machine is on the right side and has a metal handle. At the front of the machine are nine number wheels that show the accumulated total. The wide carriage and printing mechanism are at the back of the machine, with printing invisible to the operator. The carriage can be set at several different positions. Either a roll of paper tape or single sheets of paper may be used. Changing the ribbon requires that the operator remove the case. Extensions on the right side of the case can hold a stand, but there is no stand.
The machine is marked in the glass at the front: Burroughs (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS. It is marked on a metal tag at the base of the front: No 9 - 177887. The Burroughs Style 9 was introduced in 1905.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1911-1913
maker
Burroughs
ID Number
1986.0092.01
catalog number
1986.0092.01
accession number
1986.0092
This full-keyboard manually operated printing adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal mechanism and handle, a green felt keyboard, and a glass front. There are six columns of number keys, with nine keys in each column. Some plastic key covers are missing.
Description
This full-keyboard manually operated printing adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal mechanism and handle, a green felt keyboard, and a glass front. There are six columns of number keys, with nine keys in each column. Some plastic key covers are missing. There are non-add, subtotal, and total keys. The sum appears on number wheels visible through the glass front of the machine and prints on a 2-1/2 inch paper tape at the back which is not visible. The machine is marked on the front: BURROUGHS (/) DETROIT, MICHIGAN. It is also marked there: No.6-157907.
Alfred Harrell, the donor of the machine, was a Smithsonian photographer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1912
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1981.0368.01
accession number
1981.0368
catalog number
1981.0368.01
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a black metal frame and ten columns of round black and white color-coded plastic keys. No complementary digits are indicated.
Description
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a black metal frame and ten columns of round black and white color-coded plastic keys. No complementary digits are indicated. Function keys are to the left of the number keys, with an addition bar and further function keys to the right. A row of number dials is at the front of the machine, and a row of five smaller dials on the left between the keyboard and these dials. This may be a revolution counter.
The machine has a motor beneath it, and a wide carriage and printing mechanism at the back. The printer ribbon has spools between the keyboard and the carriage and also extends from the right side. A metal plug on the right blocks the hole where the handle would go. The machine has a black rubber cord. The Burroughs Class 4 was introduced in 1912. According to McCarthy, it was intended to be used in multiplication, and the carriage could be shifted to the right or to the left to accomplish this. This object does not correspond precisely to the Burroughs Class 4 as described in McCarthy.
This is model # 195 from the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. It is marked on the front: Burroughs. It has a red paper tag that reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #195. There is presently no stand.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 34.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.36
catalog number
1982.0794.36
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard non-printing key-driven adding machine has twelve columns of plastic keys numbered from 1 to 9. The rightmost column has 10 and 11 keys at the top and 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 keys below. Fourteen result wheels are at the front.
Description
This full-keyboard non-printing key-driven adding machine has twelve columns of plastic keys numbered from 1 to 9. The rightmost column has 10 and 11 keys at the top and 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 keys below. Fourteen result wheels are at the front. A black cloth cover and numerous spare parts are present.
A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #232. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs (/) DETROIT, U.S.A.. A metal tag below the keys reads: 209662. A white paper tag attached to the machine reads: Reference Machine (/) 9 Columns (/) Style 520 - 1/4 Pence Const. (/) Style 13. A mark on the cover reads: BURROUGHS.
This was model 232 from the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. There are numerous associated parts.
The shape of the front of this instrument is that of an early Burroughs calculator. The number of columns would be that of a Burroughs model 550, although the tag refers to a Burroughs 520. From 1915, the shape of the front of the Burroughs calculator was quite different.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1913
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.50
catalog number
1982.0794.50
accession number
1982.0794
This full keyboard printing adding machine is manually operated. It has a metal frame painted black, with a metal keyboard painted green. There are five columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. The non-add, total, and subtotal keys are on the left.
Description
This full keyboard printing adding machine is manually operated. It has a metal frame painted black, with a metal keyboard painted green. There are five columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. The non-add, total, and subtotal keys are on the left. The repeat key is on the right. In front of the keys is a row of six number dials, under glass. These indicate the sum of numbers added. The crank on the right side operates the machine.
Behind the keyboard is the black ribbon, printing mechanism, narrow carriage, and paper tape. The tape is visible to the operator, unlike that on earlier Burroughs machines. There are six digit type bars with an additional type bar right of these that prints symbols.
The machine is marked on the back of the keyboard, with a line drawn through the letter “O”: BURROUGHS. It is marked on a metal tag at the base of the front: 3-283826. It is marked on the back (partly obscured): BURROUGHS ADDING MACHINE CO.
Compare 323588. Burroughs acquired the Pike Adding Machine Company of Orange, New Jersey, in 1909. This machine is very similar to the Pike.
date made
1915
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1986.0192.01
catalog number
1986.0192.01
accession number
1986.0192
maker number
3-283826
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and seven columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and seven columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. A row of eight number wheels is visible at the front of the machine through a glass window. An operating handle that fits on the right side, and three function key stems are on the left. The printing mechanism, with space for ribbon and paper tape, is behind the keyboard. The carriage is 10 cm. (4”) wide, with a serrated edge for tearing the paper tape and a knob on the right to advance the paper. The machine is not entirely assembled and is incomplete. Several spare pieces are present, including a row of red plastic keys like the clearance keys on a Monroe.
The machine is marked on a tag at the front: 3-37428. It is marked behind the keyboard, with a “g” in an unusual font: Burroughs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335030
accession number
312145
maker number
3-37428
catalog number
335030
This full keyboard printing manual adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. A glass window at the front of the machine reveals nine number dials.
Description
This full keyboard printing manual adding machine has a metal frame painted black, a metal keyboard painted green, and nine columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. A glass window at the front of the machine reveals nine number dials. A crank fits into the right side. Behind the keyboard is a 12” carriage with a narrow paper tape and a bell. The key tops for the five function keys are loose or missing.
The machine is marked on a metal tag attached to the front: #3-674863. It is marked behind the keyboard: Burroughs. There is a line through the “o” in this mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.335029
accession number
312145
maker number
#3-674863
catalog number
335029
In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll.
Description
In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll. This device, invented by John Magnus of Burroughs, was designed to carry out such calculations.
The metal machine is painted black and green and has seven columns of round black and white color-coded plastic keys. The keys in each column are numbered from 1 to 9. The front of the machine has ten sets of numeral wheels labeled with denominations of money from 1 cent to $20. The key stems of the machine extend to the underside, and are covered on that end by round red plastic keys with no numbers on them. This form of the device could be placed atop the keys of an adding machine, which would record both the individual coins needed and totals. There are zeroing knobs on the right side. The machine has a black cover and a loose rod.
A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #46. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs (/) PAY ROLL (/) SEGREGATOR. A tag on the machine reads: NO 25. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Compare to 1982.0794.11. A letter in the accession file reports that “The Segregator machines were of extremely low volume production.”
It was model #46 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Reference:
John Magnus, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 1,699,540, filed January 21, 1921, issued January 22, 1929.
Accession file 1982.0794.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.12
catalog number
1982.0794.12
accession number
1982.0794
In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll. This device, invented by John Magnus of Burroughs, was designed to carry out such calculations.
Description
In the first half of the 20th century, many workers were paid in cash. Businessmen needed to know the coins and bills they would need to meet their payroll. This device, invented by John Magnus of Burroughs, was designed to carry out such calculations. It has seven columns of black and white color-coded plastic keys. The keys in each column are numbered from 1 to 9. The front of the machine has ten sets of numeral wheels labeled with denominations of money from 1 cent to $10. Knobs on the right zero the wheels.
A red paper tag attached to the object is marked: PATENT DEPT. (/) #45. The machine is marked on the front: BURROUGHS (/) PAY ROLL (/) SEGREGATOR. A metal tag attached to the base of the keyboard reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 401.
Compare to 1982.0194.12.
According to the accession file, “This is the original model of Payroll Segregator from which the patent drawings were prepared . . .” The object was model #45 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Reference:
John Magnus, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 1,699,540, filed January 21, 1921, issued January 22, 1929.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.11
catalog number
1982.0794.11
accession number
1982.0794
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic.
Description
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic. Burroughs inventors soon designed special versions of the calculator to solve other problems. This is the model for one of them.
This machine has a green metal plate under the keys and a black metal bottom, but no sides or cover for the numeral wheels. The five columns of octagonal plastic keys have concave keys for odd digits, flat ones for even ones. The rightmost and the middle columns have two keys, for 11 and 12. The other three columns have nine keys, numbered from 1 to 9. The complements of numbers on the keys are also given, with the numbers totaling 11 on the four right columns and 9 on the leftmost. There are four numeral wheels at the front. Two to the right have numbers from 0 to 11, the other two digits from 0 to 9. There is no handle. The numbers in the two rightmost columns add, and carry when the total passes 12. The middle two columns don’t seem to function. and the machine does not function. There are four rubber feet and as a rubber piece around three sides at the base.
A red tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT (/) #231. A white tag attached to the machine reads: Reference Machine (/) 5 Columns (/) Double 1/12 Fraction (/) DO NOT REMOVE THIS TAG - REFER TO (/) LETTER 12/5/40 - JAS to GWL. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Objects 1982.0794.47, 1982.0794.48, 1987.0794.49, and 1982.0794.89 are all from Burroughs Patent Department Model 231.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.47
catalog number
1982.0794.47
accession number
1982.0794
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic.
Description
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic. Burroughs inventors soon designed special versions of the calculator to solve other problems. This is the model or sample for one of them, designed to measure elapsed days and months.
This machine has a black metal cover and five columns of plastic keys. The leftmost column has black keys numbered from 1 to 9. The second column has nine red keys on which months are indicated. The adjacent middle column has two additional months noted (there is no “JAN” key). There also are three numeral keys in this column. The two rightmost columns have numeral keys running from 1 to 9. Complementary numbers and months are indicated. Six windows at the front of the machine display results. The a metal and wooden handle is on the right side. The cloth cover is painted black.
A red paper tag attached to the machine reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #231. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs. A white tag attached to the machine is marked in part: Elapsed day & month. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Objects 1982.0794.47, 1982.0794.48,1987.0794.49, and 1982.0794.89 are all from Burroughs Patent Department Model 231.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.48
catalog number
1982.0794.48
accession number
1982.0794
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic.
Description
In 1911 the Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced a key-driven adding machine much like the Comptometer made by Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company. The Burroughs calculator, as the new machine was called, performed ordinary decimal arithmetic. Burroughs inventors soon designed special versions of the calculator to solve other problems. This is the model or sample for one of them.
The machine has a black metal case with a green metal plate below five columns of plastic keys. The two right columns are for adding eighths. Both have seven keys marked off from 1/4 to 7/8 (several of these red key tops are missing). Three other columns have nine black keys, numbered from 1 to 9. Complementary numbers are indicated. Totals appear in six windows at the front of the machine. The two rightmost numeral wheels are red and indicate fractions. One of four rubber feet is missing. The cloth cover was taken from one received with 1982.0794.50.
A red tag attached to the machine is marked: PATENT DEPT. (/) #231. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs. A yellow paper tag attached to the machine reads: Double (/) 1/8 Fraction. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.
Objects 1982.0794.47, 1982.0794.48, 1987.0794.49, and 1982.0794.89 are all from Burroughs Patent Department Model 231.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.49
catalog number
1982.0794.49
accession number
1982.0794
This full-keyboard printing manual machine has a metal case painted black with a green keyboard. It has nine columns of black and white plastic keys, with nine keys in each column. The odd-numbered keys are concave and the even-numbered keys are flat.
Description
This full-keyboard printing manual machine has a metal case painted black with a green keyboard. It has nine columns of black and white plastic keys, with nine keys in each column. The odd-numbered keys are concave and the even-numbered keys are flat. Complementary digits are indicated. Ten windows at the front show the sum of numbers entered. A crank at the left zeros the digits in these windows. A single key in the upper left corner controls the numeral wheel seen through the tenth window.
The machine is marked on the front, underlined: Burroughs Calculator. The serial number, on a plate on the bottom, is: 5-660768. It is marked on the back: Burroughs (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS.
Burroughs Adding Machine Company introduced the Burroughs Calculator in about 1911 to compete with the Comptometer. It sold as the Burroughs Class 5 from 1918.
Compare MA.308344 and 1986.3039.01..
Reference:
American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, pp. 70, 71. This suggests that the machine is a Burroughs model 5205.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1990.0316.04
accession number
1990.0316
catalog number
333873
This full-keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has nine columns of keys with nine keys in each column. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat.
Description
This full-keyboard key-driven non-printing adding machine has nine columns of keys with nine keys in each column. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. Keys for odd digits are concave, and those for even digits are flat. The machine has a metal case painted black, with the keyboard painted green. Ten windows at the front of the machine show wheels giving the result. Three decimal markers that slide above these. The zeroing lever is on the right side. There also is a key on the upper left.
A mark on the front reads: Burroughs Calculator. One on the back reads: Burroughs (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS. A metal tag on the bottom reads: 5-898901. This is a Burroughs Class 5.
Compare 1990.0316.04.
This object was lent to the Smithsonian Institution in 1924 as an example of a current product of Burroughs Adding Machine Company. More recently Unisys Corporation transformed that loan into a gift.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308344
maker number
5-898901
catalog number
308344
accession number
2011.0264
This full keyboard printing manually operated machine has a metal frame painted black, with the area under the keyboard green. Each of the nine columns of color-coded plastic keys has nine keys. On the left of the number keys are subtotal and total keys.
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated machine has a metal frame painted black, with the area under the keyboard green. Each of the nine columns of color-coded plastic keys has nine keys. On the left of the number keys are subtotal and total keys. Above these are non-add, non-print, and repeat keys. A crank for operating the machine is on the right side. The sum appears in a row of nine windows at the front of the machine.
At the back is the visible printing mechanism and a 30.8 cm. carriage (this dimension does not include the carriage handles). The carriage can be shifted, is wide enough for single sheets stationery, and has a counter that rings a bell at zero. A serrated edge tears the paper tape. The paper holder presently has no paper. The ribbon is stored in separate canisters.
The machine is marked behind the keyboard: Burroughs. It is marked at the front: 3-899304. It is marked on the back: Burroughs (/) THIS MACHINE PROTECTED BY U.S. AND FOREIGN PATENTS. The date was given by the lender when the machine came to the Smithsonian Institution in 1924, and agrees with other listings. The object recently was donated to the Institution by Unisys Corporation.
Compare MA.335029, MA.335030, and 1986.0192.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
MA.308346
catalog number
308346
maker number
3-899304
accession number
2011.0264
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel mechanism, a carriage, a keyboard with red, black and white plastic keys, a handle, and a paper tape holder.
Description
This full-keyboard printing electric adding machine has a steel mechanism, a carriage, a keyboard with red, black and white plastic keys, a handle, and a paper tape holder. It is the model for a machine used to enter dates and numbers into a bank passbook.
There is no outer casing. There are nine columns of round, color-coded black and white keys numbered from 1 up to 9 in each column. Right of the number keys is a column of keys for subtotal, total, number, repeat, and error. Left of the number keys is a column of red keys that indicates the type of transaction. The machine has a wide carriage (12 inches) and 11 type bars in a printing mechanism. Four type wheels which can be set to a month, day, and year. The ribbon is black.
A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #70. A metal tag attached to the object reads: B.A.M.CO. (/) MODEL (/) N0899. The machine was model #70 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1982.0794.15
accession number
1982.0794
catalog number
1982.0794.15
This full keyboard non-printing manual adding machine is painted black with a green keyboard. It has black and white octagonal plastic keys. The nine columns of keys have nine keys in each column. Odd-numbered keys are concave, even-numbered ones flat.
Description
This full keyboard non-printing manual adding machine is painted black with a green keyboard. It has black and white octagonal plastic keys. The nine columns of keys have nine keys in each column. Odd-numbered keys are concave, even-numbered ones flat. Complementary digits are indicated as well as numbers. Ten windows at the front show the sum of numbers as the numbers are entered. A single key in the upper left corner controls the numeral wheel seen through the tenth window. The machine has two legs at the back which hold it up at an angle. There is a black plastic cover. Compare to Burroughs calculator.
The Burroughs calculator was sold as the Burroughs Class 5 from 1918 into the 1960s.
Reference:
American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, pp. 70-71.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1986.3039.01
catalog number
1986.3039.01
nonaccession number
1986.3039
This full-keyboard manually operated printing adding machine has seven columns of color-coded number keys, with nine keys in each column. To the left of these are three rows of black keys with a key for each month and additional red number keys for days.
Description
This full-keyboard manually operated printing adding machine has seven columns of color-coded number keys, with nine keys in each column. To the left of these are three rows of black keys with a key for each month and additional red number keys for days. To the right of the central number keys is a column of five keys for subtotal, total, non-add, repeat, and error. There is a lever below these marked “-” at the top and “+” at the bottom. The crank on the right has a wooden handle.
At the top is a wide adjustable carriage with a ribbon and printing mechanism in front of it. The rightmost type bar is for symbols. The next seven type bars are for totals, subtotals, etc. The three leftmost type bars are for days of the week and months. The machine has a serrated edge above the platen for tearing the end of the paper tape, an adjustable paper guide behind the platen, and a dowel mounted at the back to hold a roll of paper. The ribbon and its spools are covered, with screws holding the spool containers in place. The serial number, stamped on the keyboard below the keys, is: 9A67626.
The machine was used at the Freda Fish Corporation, a family-owned wholesale and retail fish business in New York City. The motto of the business was “We handle anything that swims, clings, or crawls.”
References:
Office Machines Research, Inc., section 3.21.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
ID Number
1981.0058.01
accession number
1981.0058
catalog number
1981.0058.01

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