Object Details
maker
Friden Calculating Machine Company
Description
Friden Calculating Machine Company produced its “Supermatic Tabulating” model from about 1940 through 1949. This full-keyboard, non-printing electric stepped drum calculating machine has a metal frame painted gray and ten columns of light green and blue-green plastic number keys. A blank green plastic zeroing key is at the bottom of each column. Metal rods between the columns of keys turn to indicate decimal places. On the right are two columns of function keys.
On the left is a ten-digit register that indicates numbers entered for multiplication. Below it is a block of nine light green digit keys, with a 0 bar below. These are surrounded by four function keys.
Behind the number keys is a movable carriage with an 11-digit revolution register and a 21-digit result register. The result register has dark green plastic buttons above it that rotate to set up numbers. Ten numbered buttons are under the revolution register, spaced between the digits. Zeroing knobs for these registers are on the top right of the carriage. Decimal markers slide on bars between the two registers on the carriage.
A mark on the sides and back of the machine reads: FRIDEN. A paper tag on the bottom of the machine, which also includes address and patent numbers, reads: MODEL-ST. A window at the front of the bottom shows the serial number: ST10-157950.
The machine has a rubber-covered cord
The date was given by the donor, who said that the initial price was $550.
Compare 1984.3079.01, 1984.3079.02, 1984.3079.03, and MA.335427.
References:
Accession File.
Date also given in Ernie Jorgenson, Friden Age List, Office Machine Americana, p. 2.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of William L. Jackson
date made
1945
ID Number
MA.335421
catalog number
335421
accession number
319049
maker number
ST 10 157950
Object Name
calculating machine
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
rubber (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 20.6 cm x 45.5 cm x 34 cm; 8 1/8 in x 17 29/32 in x 13 3/8 in
place made
United States: California, San Leandro
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Calculating Machines
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_692273