Description

This full-keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has eight columns of black and white color-coded keys. In back of each column of digit keys is a red key, which may be intended for zeroing the column. The machine has a metal case painted black, and is painted green under the keyboard. The total, which may have as many as nine digits, appears in a row of number dials at the front of the machine. Above the keyboard is a dial that records the number of items added. Behind the dial is the printing mechanism and a 30 cm. carriage (dimension without handles). Also present are a total key and various other unmarked levers and function keys. The operating crank is missing from the right side.

The dial above the keyboard reads: PIKE ADDING MACHINE CO. ORANGE, N.J. A brass plaque on the back of the machine reads: MADE BY (/) PIKE ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) ORANGE, N.J., U.S.A. (/) STYLE E No. 2359. A brass plaque in front of the keyboard reads: PIKE ADDING MACHINERY ORANGE N.J. U.S.A. (/) CONCESSIONNAIRE EXCLUSIVE (/) STE. AN. DES APPAREILS DE CONTROLE ET DE COMPTE AUTOMATIQUE (/) AU CAPITAL DE [...] (/) 78 RUE REAUMUR PARIS.

The Pike adding machine was first manufactured in 1904. In 1909 Burroughs Adding Machine Company purchased the company, and developed the machine into the Burroughs Class 3 and then the Class 300. Compare 1986.0192.01.

According to Pike patents of 1903 and early 1904, the company was in St. Louis. Later in 1904, Pike Adding Machine Company is listed as in Orange, New Jersey.

References:

J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, p. 539.

E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), p. 152.

Location

Currently not on view

date made

1905-1909

maker

Pike Adding Machine Company

place made

United States: New Jersey, Orange

Physical Description

brass (overall material)

rubber (overall material)

plastic (overall material)

steel (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 32 cm x 40.5 cm x 49 cm; 12 19/32 in x 15 15/16 in x 19 9/32 in

ID Number

MA.323588

catalog number

323588

accession number

250163

Credit Line

Gift of Victor Comptometer Corporation

subject

Mathematics

See more items in

Medicine and Science: Mathematics

Science & Mathematics

Adding Machines

Data Source

National Museum of American History