Object Details
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
Description
This billing machine is an example of the type introduced by Burroughs Adding Machine Company in 1922. The large, printing, electric machine has a metal frame painted black and dark green. Two rows of keys, which have two sets of digit keys on them, are at the front, and control the computing mechanism. One set is used to set up amounts entered into the registers and the other to actuate the multiplier.
Behind these rows of keys are four rows of typewriter keys, used to type text. The letters are arranged as on a QWERTY keyboard, but all letters are typed in uppercase and the second symbols indicated on some keys are quite different from a conventional keyboard. All of the keys are covered with what appears to be rubber. A lever on the right above the keyboard can be set for any of three registers. The wide carriage is above and behind the keyboards, and further mechanism behind it.
The red and black ribbon would be enclosed if the case had all its side panels. The machine lacks a stand, but has a motor below. Loose in the case is a flat metal piece and two pieces that fit across the carriage, as well as six smaller pieces – one is a plastic button and five others are metal screws and tacks.
A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #202. The case of the machine is marked above the keyboard: Burroughs. A white tag attached to the machine reads: A213160 (/) TRADE (/) IN. This object was model 202 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
Compare Burroughs Moon-Hopkins billing machine (MA.308347) and 1982.0794.01.
Reference:
J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 427–432.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Burroughs Corporation
date made
1937
ID Number
1982.0794.37
catalog number
1982.0794.37
accession number
1982.0794
Object Name
bookkeeping machine
Physical Description
rubber (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 34 cm x 50 cm x 60 cm; 13 3/8 in x 19 11/16 in x 23 5/8 in
place made
United States: Michigan, Detroit
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Bookkeeping Machines
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Business
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_690652