Object Details
maker
Todd Protectograph Company
Description
This small lever-set non-printing manually operated adding machine has a dark green metal case. Thelid opens to reveal 9 curved levers which are moved forward to set a number. Large digits beside the levers are for addition, small ones for subtraction. The nine red plastic keys across the top of the machine are for use in subtraction. A metal handle can be used to carry the machine when the lid is closed. A key locks the lid.
The machine 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 has serial number on the bottom: 23341.
Compare to MA.323595.
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. In April 1926, it was redesigned and put on the market as the Todd Visible.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Dale C. Price
date made
1925
ID Number
MA.326517
accession number
260030
maker number
23341
catalog number
326517
Object Name
adding machine
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
rubber (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 14.6 cm x 16.8 cm x 16.2 cm; 5 3/4 in x 6 5/8 in x 6 3/8 in
place made
United States: New York, Rochester
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_690302