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Comptograph Model 3A

National Museum of American History

Object Details

Comptograph Company
Description
This full keyboard printing manually operated adding machine has a metal case painted black, and nine columns of black and white plastic keys, colored to represent cents, dollars up to 999 dollars, thousands of dollars up to 999,0000 dollars, and millions of dollars. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. A red button is at the base of each column of keys. In front of the keyboard is a row of nine number dials, covered with glass. At the front of the machine is a row of eight metal levers that may relate to subtraction. The total/error/normal, subtotal, and carriage lock levers are along the right of the machine, somewhat below the keyboard. A crank on the right operates the machine. The printing mechanism, wide black metal carriage, and serrated edge for tearing a paper tape are at the back. The machine is extremely heavy.
The machine is marked on the front: Comptograph (/) Co. (/) CHICAGO, U.S.A. It is marked on the back: MODEL 3A (/) PATENTED (/) NOV. 25. 1890. It is also marked there: NOV. 2. 1909. These are the first and last patent dates listed. It also is marked there: OTHER PATENTS PENDING. It is also marked there: PATTERN NO 16.
This model is from the collection of Felt & Tarrant Manufacturing Company.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Victor Comptometer Corporation
1910
ID Number
MA.323635
catalog number
323635
accession number
250163
Object Name
adding machine
Physical Description
iron (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
steel (overall material)
glass (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 34 cm x 49 cm x 47.5 cm; 13 3/8 in x 19 9/32 in x 18 11/16 in
place made
United States: Illinois, Chicago
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Adding Machines
Science & Mathematics
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Record ID
nmah_690644
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-28ba-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Related Content

  • Adding Machines

    American History Museum
Adding Machine, Comptograph Model 3A.
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
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IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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