W Calculator, an Adder

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

W Calculator, an Adder
W Calculator, an Adder, with Zeroing Rod Raised

Object Details

Description

After World War II, inexpensive adders were produced in both Europe and Asia. This example has 8 notched bands on the front, with space at the top of each band for carrying and at the bottom for borrowing. Totals of up to 9 digits appear in round openings above the bands.The front is ferrous metal painted gold, black, and white. The back is black plastic. A metal stylus for entering numbers is on the right and a zeroing bar extends across the top.

A mark at the top of the adder reads: W CALCULATOR. A mark below the bands reads: ADD (/) SUBTRACT (/) MULTIPLY. A mark at the bottom of the back reads: MADE IN WEST GERMANY.

The object was collected by the donor.

Compare to adders MA.336448 and 1980.0787.01, which sold as Wizard calculating machines.

Location

Currently not on view

Credit Line

Gift of Michael B. Schiffer

date made

ca 1955

ID Number

2013.0197.01

accession number

2013.0197

catalog number

2013.0197.01

Object Name

adder

Physical Description

metal (stylus material)

metal (bands material)

metal (zeroing bar material)

metal (front material)

plastic (back material)

Measurements

overall: .8 cm x 9.4 cm x 15.2 cm; 5/16 in x 3 11/16 in x 5 31/32 in

place made

Germany

See more items in

Medicine and Science: Mathematics

Adder

Measuring & Mapping

Data Source

National Museum of American History

Subject