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Adding Machine Model

National Museum of American History

Object Details

Description
This model of a nine-key non-printing adding machine has a wooden base, plastic sides, and a metal mechanism and keys. A bar across the back is moved in differing amounts according to the key pressed (the nine keys across the front are depressed in slots of varying length and hence rotate the bar varying amounts). The bar, in turn, rotates a numeral wheel with the numbers 0 to 99 on it. There is a one-digit carry. Keys are marked with the digits from 1 to 9 (the 5 key is missing). There is no 0 key.
The arrangement of the result wheels is somewhat similar to that on the ten-key machine invented by Peter Lindholm and patented in 1886. However, the number of keys and arrangement of the keyboard is different. The plastic sides also mitigate against a 19th century origin. No patent model was made for this patent, although there were production models.
Reference:
Peter Lindholm, “Adding Machine,” U.S. Patent 343770, June 14, 1886.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of L. Leland Locke
ca 1900
ID Number
1983.3003.057
nonaccession number
1983.3003
catalog number
1983.3003.057
Object Name
adding machine
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 11.1 cm x 23.8 cm x 13.5 cm; 4 3/8 in x 9 3/8 in x 5 5/16 in
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Adding Machines
Science & Mathematics
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Record ID
nmah_689930
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-0f22-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Related Content

  • Adding Machines

    American History Museum
Model of a 10-Key Adding Machine.
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
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IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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