eight-wheel pen operated adding machine
Date: circa 1845
Inventory Number: DW0159
Classification: Calculating Machine
Subject:
Maker: David-Didier Roth (1800 - 1885)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
6 × 35.8 × 1.5 cm (2 3/8 × 14 1/8 × 9/16 in.)
Accessories: pointer for operating calculator
DescriptionThe adding machine is mounted on a rectangular mahogany base plate with a rectangular brass faceplate on the front. There are eight half-circle tracks cut out of the brass faceplate, each tilted to the left. The tracks are labeled underneath as follows, from left to right: CENT MILLE, DIX MILLE, MILLE, CENTAINE, DIXAINE, UNITÉ, DECIME, and CENTIME. Above each track, around the outer circumference, are printed the numerals from 0 to 9 in black ink, each separated by a black line. Below each track, around the inner circumference, are printed the numerals from 9 to 0 in red ink, each separated by a red line. Just underneath each track is a small round window through which a number from 0 to 9 is displayed in red print on a white background. Further below each track is a larger round window through which a number from 0 to 9 is displayed in black print on a white background.
Visible through each track is a geared brass tape. A wooden-handled brass tipped stylus accompanies the machine. Users insert the stylus into the geared teeth to rotate the tape to the desired number for each track.
There is an ornamental handle attached to a pole at the top right-hand corner of the machine. Pulling it resets the machine.
Visible through each track is a geared brass tape. A wooden-handled brass tipped stylus accompanies the machine. Users insert the stylus into the geared teeth to rotate the tape to the desired number for each track.
There is an ornamental handle attached to a pole at the top right-hand corner of the machine. Pulling it resets the machine.
Signedengraved on front of dial plate: ROTH, BTÉ
Inscribedpunched on back of dial plate: 71
FunctionAdding machine can mechanically perform addition. If the red numbers underneath each track are used instead of the black above, the machine can perform subtraction as well.
A description of the principles underlying the calculator with images of several similar and preceding models is available here.
A description of the principles underlying the calculator with images of several similar and preceding models is available here.
