Star Adding Machine

This small lever-set non-printing manually operated adding machine has a black metal case with a lid that opens to reveal nine curved levers. These levers are moved forward to set a number. The nine red plastic keys across the top of the machine are for subtraction. The metal handle may be used to carry the machine when the lid is closed. The machine has four rubber feet. It is marked on the front: STAR ADDING MACHINE (/) MANUFACTURED BY (/) TODD PROTECTOGRAPH CO. (/) ROCHESTER, N.Y., U.S.A. (/) PATENTED NOV. 22 1921. OTHER PATENTS PENDING. It is marked on the bottom with serial number: 21243. This example is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.

According to Typewriter Topics, the lid was added to the Star in 1924. It served both to keep out dust and to allow the machine to be locked. That year, the device sold for $44. The Star had sold previously as the AMCO, and was purchased by the Todd Company and renamed in 1922. It was redesigned and put on the market as the Todd Visible in April 1926.

Compare MA.326517.

References:

E. Martin, The Calculating Machines (Die Rechenmaschinen), trans. P. A. Kidwell and M. R. Williams, Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992, pp. 326-328.

Typewriter Topics, vol. 58, October (?), 1924, p. 77.

Business Machines and Equipment Digest, 1928, sec. 3-1A, p. 4.

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