Monroe Model K-121 Calculating Machine

Monroe Model K-121 Calculating Machine

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description
This manual, full-keyboard non-printing modified stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted black and a steel keyboard painted green. In the six columns of black and white color-coded keys, keys for odd digits are concave and those for even digits are relatively flat. At the bottom of each column is a red clearance key. Metal rods between the rows of keys serve as decimal markers.
Three key stems are in a column to the right of the number keys. One clears the entire keyboard. The other two are set to determine whether or not the keyboard clears after each calculation. The keys for these key stems are missing. A metal lever is to the right of the keyboard and a metal knob to the left. The operating crank on the right side rotates clockwise for addition and counterclockwise for subtraction.
The carriage in back of the keyboard has a row of 12 white numeral dials for recording results and a row of six numeral dials behind these in the revolution register. The revolution register has black digits for addition and red ones for subtraction. There is no carry in the revolution register. Two thin metal rods between the windows of these registers carry decimal markers. The carriage shift lever is at the front of the machine. To the right of the result register is a knob for lifting the carriage. A zeroing crank for dials on the carriage is on its right side. A bell rings when the result passes through zero (as in over-division). The machine has four rubber feet.
A mark on the front reads: MONROE. A mark on the back reads: MONROE (/) Calculating Machine Company (/) New York, U.S.A.. Stamped on the edge of the carriage on the back left is the serial number: 77811.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, pp. 9-29 to 9-33.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
calculating machine
date made
1926
maker
Monroe Calculating Machine Company
place made
United States: New Jersey, Orange
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
wood (overall material)
aluminum (overall material)
steel (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 19.5 cm x 39 cm x 40 cm; 7 11/16 in x 15 11/32 in x 15 3/4 in
ID Number
1984.0682.04
catalog number
1984.0682.04
maker number
77811
accession number
1984.0682
Credit Line
Gift of Walton G. Banks, Inc.
subject
Mathematics
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Calculating Machines
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.