Victor Adding Machine

This full-keyboard, printing adding machine has a steel frame painted black and green There are eight columns of color-coded black and white metal keys with digits written on paper and covered with clear plastic (the keys resemble those on early typewriters). Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. The total appears in eight glass-covered metal windows over number dials at the front of the machine. There are total and non-add keys left of the number keys and a repeat key on the right. The total key also clears the machine. A metal crank with a wooden handle on the right of the machine operates it. Behind the keyboard is a two-colored ribbon, printing mechanism, and fixed narrow carriage. There are nine type bars, eight for digits and one for special characters. There is a serrated edge for tearing off the paper tape.

The machine is marked on the front and behind the keyboard: VICTOR. It is marked on the back: PATENTED (/) JUNE 20,1919 - APRIL 13th,1920 (/) MFD. BY (/) VICTOR ADDING MACHINE CO. (/) CHICAGO, U.S.A. (/) OTHER PATENTS PENDING. The serial number, on a metal tag attached to the bottom of the machine, is 24843.

This adding machine was purchased in 1922 and used until 1982 by Samuel Bernstein in his capacity as Secretary-Treasurer of Wilner Branch 367 of Workmen’s Circle. Workmen’s Circle was a fraternal organization organized about 1900 to promote self-help among Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Mr. Bernstein was 95 years old when he relinquished his position.

This model sold for $100 in 1924.

References:

J. H. McCarthy, American Digest of Business Machines, 1924, p. 59, 543.

Accession file.

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