Object Details
Description
Some simple adding machines were designed for consumers seeking to track their purchases. This small red plastic device has three white keys on top for entering dollars, dimes, and cents. The dollar wheel is numbered from 0 to 19. Pushing a key advances a wheel below one digit. Results appear in three windows on the front of the instrument. There is a carry. The instrument is held together by metal rivets. The mechanism is encased.
The machine is marked: QUICK-ADDER. It is also marked: NO.6319 MADE IN HONG KONG. It is also marked: DESIGN REGD.
In 1950, Theodore C. Romanchek (1897-1985) of Los Angeles took out a United States copyright for the term “quick adder.” From this date, and the general style of the object, it seems likely that it dates from the 1950s. It came to the Museum from the collection of John White.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John White
date made
1950s
ID Number
1981.0922.17
accession number
1981.0922
catalog number
1981.0922.17
Object Name
adding machine
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 5.1 cm x 9.2 cm x 2 cm; 2 in x 3 5/8 in x 25/32 in
place made
China: Hong Kong
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_690279