Dalton Little Giant Adding Machine

This ten-key printing manual machine has a steel frame painted black, a metal mechanism, and ten white plastic numeral keys in two rows. Complementary digits on the keys are in red. Numbers up to seven digits long may be entered. There are black plastic non-add, multiply, back space, subtract, total, and subtotal keys, and a metal correction bar. Above the number keys is a place indicator. The printing mechanism has a black tape and a non-print key. Behind it is a 6 inch carriage, with paper tape. Results up to seven digits long may be printed. A serrated edge above the platen is for tearing off the paper tape. The handles of the carriage and crank are of a red substance that is corroding. There are four rubber feet.

The machine is marked on the front: Dalton (/) CINCINNATI, OHIO. (/) U.S.A. It is marked under the crank: NO124864. It is marked on the back: DALTON (/) ADDING-CALCULATING MACHINE (/) PATENTED.

According to the accession file, the machine was purchased secondhand in about 1938 for use in the Partello construction business. It was used until the owners retired in 1960.

Reference:

J. H. McCarthy, The American Digest of Business Machines, Chicago: American Exchange Service, 1924, pp. 536.

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