Object Details
maker
Automatic Adding Machine Company
Description
This small, stylus-operated non-printing adding machine has a black steel frame and seven metal chains. A stylus is placed in the link next to a digit and pulled down to the bottom of the column to enter the digit. Sums appear in seven windows above the chains. There is a clearance knob on the right side and a bent metal piece that can be used to prop up the instrument. The green leather case is stored with the instrument. The stylus is missing.
The instrument is marked on a tag on the right edge of the top: GOLDEN GEM (/) ADDING MACHINE. It is marked on a tag on the left edge of the top: AUTOMATIC ADDING MACHINE MFRS. (/) NEW YORK, U.S.A.. It is marked on the bottom edge of the top: PAT. MAR.1-04-MAR.27-06-MAR.19-07 (/) UNITED STATES AND FOREIGN PATENTS PENDING. The serial number, stamped on the right side, is 400805.
Compare to MA.323621.
This example of the Golden Gem formerly belonged to John L. Newbold, father-in-law of the donor, who had owned Merchants Moving and Transfer Company.
References:
Ads in Scientific American, vol. 110, Jan. 17, 1914 (according to this ad, the machine cost $10 and over 80,000 in use); vol. 112, April, 1915, p. 370 (according to this ad, the machine still cost $10 and over 100,000 were in use).
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Mary L. Newbold
date made
1910
ID Number
1981.0935.01
accession number
1981.0935
catalog number
1981.0935.01
maker number
400805
Object Name
adding machine
Physical Description
steel (overall material)
leather (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 3 cm x 11.7 cm x 8 cm; 1 3/16 in x 4 19/32 in x 3 5/32 in
place made
United States: New York, New York City
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Adding Machines
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_690293