Super Totalizer Comptometer

This full-keyboard non-printing adding machine has a steel case painted tan. The eight columns of key stems have nine key stems in each column. The green and white color-coded plastic keys deteriorated badly and have been removed. A row of nine numeral wheels is in front of the keys, and a second row of nine wheels in front of the first. A metal handle with plastic knob is on the right side of the machine and an all-metal handle is on the left side. Behind each result window is a rotating decimal marker; behind each marker for the numeral wheels in the front row is a button that can be depressed to move a cover over the result wheel. An opaque white plastic cover came with the machine although it does not fit it.

The serial number stamped near the keys is: J339163. The machine is marked on the front: Comptometer. A mark on the case reads: S2620. A red paper tag attached to the object reads: PATENT DEPT. (/) #313. A white paper tag attached to the object reads: COMPTOMETER - SUPER TOTALIZER (/) #339183. The machine is marked on the side: R S. A metal tag screwed to the case at the back reads: Felt & Tarrant Mfg. Co. (/) CHICAGO (/) PATS. 1,886,883. . . (/) 366,945. Only the last and first patents have been recorded. A metal tag attached to the object reads: DONATED TO (/) The Smithsonian Institution (/) by (/) Burroughs Corporation.

This was model number 313 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.

The model J Comptometer was produced from 1926 until 1934. Patent 1,886,883 was issued in November of 1932. Hence this object is given a rough date of 1933.

References:

"Accession Journal," 1991.3107.06.

U.S. Patent 1,886,883, November 8, 1932.

Currently not on view