Dalton Model 181-4 Adding Machine

This ten-key printing manual adding machine has a brown case and two rows of white plastic keys with digits and complementary numbers for subtraction. Multiply and non-add keys are on the left, and backspace and subtract keys on the right. The place indicator is above the keyboard, with a metal correction key to the left of it. Above and to the right are release, total, and subtotal keys. The printing mechanism and narrow carriage are toward the back; the ribbon prints in both red and black. In addition to entries and totals, the machine prints symbols that indicate totals and subtotals. The non-print key is next to the ribbon. A 2-1/2” paper tape is in place. A serrated edge above the platen is used to tear the paper tape. The metal crank with wooden handle is on the right. The handle is covered with a brown cracking substance. There are four rubber feet. The machine accepts entries of up to eight digits and prints results of up to eight digits.

The machine is marked on the front: Dalton (/) CINCINNATI, OHIO. (/) U.S.A. It is marked below the crank with the serial number: NO209439. It is marked on the place indicator with the model number: 181. It is marked on the inside of the cover: 9-7-64.

This closely resembles the Model 181-4 machine described in The Business Machines and Equipment Digest, ca. 1928, Sec 3-1, pp. 14, 19. This was the “Special $100 Machine.”

Compare to MA.336932 and MA.334402.

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