Object Details
maker
Egli, Hans W.
Description
This key-set direct multiplication calculating machine has a brass mechanism, a metal case with lid, and color-coded plastic keys. The lid and the flat plates that cover the mechanism are painted black. The carriage fits entirely within the case.
There are ten columns of color-coded black and white plastic keys, with nine keys in each column. Painted rods between columns of keys turn to serve as decimal markers. The zero key is left of the keyboard. Left of these is a crank that may be set anywhere between 0 and 9 for direct multiplication and division. Immediately to the right of the digit keys is an operating bar. Right of this is a lever that may be set at addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction. Right of it is the operating crank. Ten glass-covered windows in a row in front of the keyboard show the number entered.
Further forward is the carriage, with two other rows of windows. The row closest to the levers (further from the front) indicates the multiplier or quotient, and the other row shows the result or the dividend. The result registers may be set with a dividend using thumbscrews. Both registers on the carriage have zeroing knobs and sliding decimal markers. The carriage shift button is between these registers, at the left. Both the paper sheet and the brush are missing from inside the lid.
A metal tag screwed to the middle of the front of the machine reads: THE MILLIONAIRE. A metal tag on the right reads: H.W. EGLI SteAmg. (/) Calculating Machines (/) ZURICH (Switzerland). A metal tag on the left reads: W.A. Morschhauser (/) SOLE AGENT (/) 1 Madison Avenue (/) NEW YORK CITY. The serial number, stamped on the top left under this tag, is 14382.
Compare MA.333941.
The United States Naval Observatory transferred this machine to the Smithsonian in 1955.
The key-driven Millionaire was introduced in 1913. In 1927, keys were also introduced on some models for use in direct multiplication (these keys are not found on this machine). Egli manufactured Millionaire calculating machines until about 1935, and Morschhauser retired in 1935. The serial number of this machine suggests a late date of manufacture.
References:
“W.A. Morschhauser Ex-Official of the Calculating Business Machines Corp.” New York Times, December 5, 1940, p. 25.
MADAS 50 Jahre Arbeit, NMAH Files.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Transfer from US Naval Observatory
date made
ca 1935
ID Number
MA.314579
accession number
204773
catalog number
314579
Object Name
calculating machine
Physical Description
brass (overall material)
glass (overall material)
steel (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 86 cm x 85 cm x 61 cm; 33 27/32 in x 33 15/32 in x 24 1/32 in
place made
Switzerland: Zürich, Zurich
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_1279161