Other Calculating Machines

An image featuring several calculating machines from the collection.

Several mechanisms other than stepped drums or pinwheels were used in calculating machines, both in early prototypes and in successful products.

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Marchant Calculating Machine Model

This is a model designed to demonstrate “simplified multiplication” on a Marchant calculating machine. It has a rectangular wooden base and a metal frame. The single bank of keys has nine square gray keys on it. The operating handle is on the right side.
Description
This is a model designed to demonstrate “simplified multiplication” on a Marchant calculating machine. It has a rectangular wooden base and a metal frame. The single bank of keys has nine square gray keys on it. The operating handle is on the right side. The shape of the keys suggests that this model is from the mid-1960s, when multiplication keys on SCM Marchant models such as the CFA were square. However, the rest of the mechanism, particularly the wooden base, suggest an earlier date.
A metal tag attached to the base reads: SIMPLIFIED (/) MULTIPLICATION. It also reads: M. A final mark reads: U.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960s
maker
Marchant
ID Number
MA.335382
catalog number
335382
accession number
318944
maker number
none

SCM Marchant Model 10CM Calculating Machine, Figurematic

This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculation machine has a metal frame painted two shades of gray, and ten columns of color-coded gray and light gray round plastic digit keys.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculation machine has a metal frame painted two shades of gray, and ten columns of color-coded gray and light gray round plastic digit keys. To the right of the keyboard are a variety of charcoal-colored function keys. Right of these is a column of square plastic keys used in multiplication. Right of these keys is an on-off switch. Behind the digit keys is a row of ten dials showing the number entered.
The movable carriage behind the entry register has a 20-window result register and a 10-window revolution counting register. Under the windows of both of these registers is a row of metal flaps used as decimal markers. Under the decimal markers for the revolution register are ten rectangular buttons.
A mark on the left of the carriage reads: SCM MARCHANT. A metal tag attached to the bottom gives the serial number 10CM-671351. A paper tag on the bottom has a list of United States patent numbers, the most recent of which is 2973981. A mark on the back reads: FICA (/) 63180. A nearby mark reads: SCM.
The donor, a certified public accountant, had a collection of calculating machines. He indicated that the machine was manufactured in 1963 and originally cost $755.
Reference:
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1963
ID Number
MA.335418
accession number
319049
maker number
671351
catalog number
335418

Friden Adding Machine Cover

This tan plastic cover for a ten-key Friden adding machine was found with machine MA.335423, which is by Marchant. It does not fit the machine.Friden was making a ten-key adding machine (as opposed to a calculating machine) in about 1960.
Description
This tan plastic cover for a ten-key Friden adding machine was found with machine MA.335423, which is by Marchant. It does not fit the machine.
Friden was making a ten-key adding machine (as opposed to a calculating machine) in about 1960. In 1964, the company began manufacture of electronic calculators.
References:
Newsweek, November 14, 1960, p. 56.
Accession file 313935.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Friden Calculating Machine Company
ID Number
1997.3040.01
catalog number
1997.3040.01
nonaccession number
1997.3040

SCM Marchant Model 8CD Calculating Machine

This full-keyboard, non-printing proportional gear electric calculating machine has a gray and tan frame with eight columns of color-coded gray and tan keys. Above the keyboard, a row of eight dials indicates the number entered.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing proportional gear electric calculating machine has a gray and tan frame with eight columns of color-coded gray and tan keys. Above the keyboard, a row of eight dials indicates the number entered. To the right of the number keys are division, stop, subtraction, short cut multiplication, addition, and multiplication bars. Also included are two carriage shift keys and three clearance keys.
Behind the entry register is a movable carriage with a 16-digit result register and an eight-digit revolution register. To set decimal places, one uses sliding decimal markers. A mark on the carriage reads: SCM MARCHANT. The serial number, indicated on the bottom of the machine, is 8CD - 705041.
The donor was a certified public accountant who had a collection of calculating machines. The date of manufacture (1964) and original cost ($475) are provided by him.
Reference:
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964
maker
SCM Corporation
ID Number
MA.335426
accession number
319049
maker number
8CD - 705041
catalog number
335426

SCM Marchant Model 10-CMA Calculating Machine

This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculating machine has a metal frame painted gray and ten columns of white and gray color-coded plastic digit keys, Each column has nine keys. To the right of the digit keys are diverse function keys.
Description
This full-keyboard, non-printing electric proportional gear calculating machine has a metal frame painted gray and ten columns of white and gray color-coded plastic digit keys, Each column has nine keys. To the right of the digit keys are diverse function keys. To the right of these are ten white keys for setting the multiplier. Right of these are two levers. Under the digit keys are a non-lock key and a carriage return key. Under the function keys is a lever. Over the function keys is another lever. Behind the digit keys are ten windows that show the number set up.
A movable carriage behind the entry register has a 20-digit result register, a row of ten buttons numbered from 1 to 10, and an 11-digit revolution register. The band of vinyl trim around the center of the frame is called a “vinyl channel” in documentation for the machine. There are four cork feet.
A mark on the front of the machine reads: SCM MARCHANT. A metal tag on the bottom reads: 10CMA 759928. A paper tag on the bottom lists several patents, the most recent of which is: 3017088. The machine is marked on the back SCM (/) MARCHANT.
Reference:
See 1979.3084.71.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1965
maker
SCM Corporation
ID Number
MA.335378
accession number
318944
maker number
759928
catalog number
335378

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