Standard Model B Adding Machine

Description:

This ten-key printing adding machine has a cast-iron frame painted black, with ten black plastic numeral keys across the front (two of these keys are missing) and nine red and white plastic unmarked order keys behind these. There is a large metal key on the left side, and a key stem (without cover) below. The paper tape holder is behind the keys (there is no paper tape), the printing mechanism behind it, and the adding mechanism behind this. Missing front and two sides, crank, three key covers, ribbon. The machine has serial number 6044. It was transferred to the Smithsonian from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The machine is marked on a tag screwed to the top: No. 6044 (/) STANDARD ADDING MACHINE Co (/)] ST LOUIS, Mo U.S.A. (/) PATENTED MAR. 3’ 1891 (/) MAR. 27’ 1894 (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. It is marked on the back: ACCURACY (/) SUPREMACY; PATENTED (/) MARCH 3rd 1891 (/) MARCH 27th 1894 (/) OCTOBER 8th 1901 (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. Patantee William W. Hopkins had a considerable career as a minister in the Christian Church.

References:

E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 143,144; Brunsviga catalog Zaz 1903-1 (No. 5828).

A. C. Ludlam, “Adding and Writing Machine,” U.S. Patent 384372, June 12, 1888 - reissue March 3, 1891.) and 517383 William W. Hopkins, “Adding, Subtracting, and Recording Machine,” U.S. Patent 517383, March 27, 1894 - assigned to Standard Adding Machine Co. of St. Louis at time of issue.

P.A. Kidwell, "The Adding Machine Fraternity at St. Louis: Creating a Center of Invention, 1880-1920" IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, 22 #2, Apr-Jun 2000, pp. 4-21.

Date Made: 1907

Maker: Standard Adding Machine Company

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Missouri, St. Louis

Subject: Mathematics

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Adding Machines, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Transfer from US Department of Commerce

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1979.0806.01Maker Number: 6044Accession Number: 1979.0806Catalog Number: 1979.0806.01

Object Name: adding machine

Physical Description: steel (overall material)iron (overall material)plastic (overall material)Measurements: overall: 20.6 cm x 22 cm x 34.5 cm; 8 1/8 in x 8 21/32 in x 13 19/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-12c3-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_690095

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