Burroughs Series F Bookkeeping Machine

Burroughs Series F Bookkeeping Machine

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Description
This full-keyboard, printing electric bookkeeping machine has a grayish tan metal case with streamlining and 14 columns of keys. It has 11 columns of square plastic color-coded digit keys, with nine keys in each column.
Left of the digit keys are three columns of keys used to denote the date and type of transaction. Each column has 12 rectangular plastic keys. The leftmost column lists abbreviations for months of the year. The next column is for days of the month (the keys are marked 10, 20, and 1 through 9). The next column has nine keys denoting types of transactions and three keys for years. Possible years are 50 (1950), 51 (1951), and 52 (1952).
Right of the number keys is an addition bar and two columns of function keys. The keys in each column are identical except that one has a key marked “E” and the other column has one marked “X”. The ribbon, printing mechanism, and wide carriage are behind the keyboard. The machine has no stand. A paper tray and rubber cover are stored separately in the crate.
A red tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #187. It was model #187 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation. The machine is marked on the front: Burroughs Sensimatic. A white tag attached to the front reads: C-3402 (/) Case No. 3402 (/) MULTIPLE REGISTER “FOUR”.
According to the Burroughs Corporation papers, versions of the series F were introduced in 1949, 1951, 1952,and 1954.
Compare 1982.0794.22 and 1984.0794.33.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
bookkeeping machine
date made
1950
maker
Burroughs
place made
United States: Michigan, Detroit
Physical Description
rubber (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 33 cm x 61 cm x 53 cm; 13 in x 24 1/32 in x 20 7/8 in
ID Number
1982.0794.35
catalog number
1982.0794.35
accession number
1982.0794
Credit Line
Gift of Burroughs Corporation
subject
Mathematics
Business
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Bookkeeping Machines
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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