Adix adding machine, three places
Date: circa 1905
Inventory Number: DW0325
Classification: Calculating Machine
Dimensions:closed: 9.9 × 15.6 × 2.6 cm (3 7/8 × 6 1/8 × 1 in.)
Accessories: imitation leather covered, velvet and satin lined case
DescriptionAdding machine is stored inside a rectangular, imitation leather case that opens with hinges on one long edge. There is a brass clasp and snap attached to the lid and bottom of the case respectively to keep it closed. The inside panel of the lid is lined with royal blue satin that extends to cover the hinges. The bottom panel is lined with black velvet. The calculator sits on the bottom panel and can be used either inside the box or outside.
The calculator is mounted on a rectangular nickel plate. A round steel rod runs horizontally across the center of the plate. There are nine, thin flat metal strips that are attached at one end to the horizontal rod. The strips split into two prongs. The top level extends further (beyond the front edge of the base plate) and expands outwards slightly at the end. These top strips are the calculator's buttons. The lower prong of each strip is shorter, and proceeds downward to the base plate where each attaches to a small metal post. The posts connect the top and bottom prongs and depress along with the buttons on top. A flat, imitation ivory strip is mounted on the base plate such that it sits just above the buttons. The numbers from 1 to 9 are printed on that strip, increasing from left to right, one number above each button.
Behind the central horizontal pole is a raised steel plate with three imitation ivory number wheels attached at the top edge. The number wheels are flat discs with the numbers from 0 to 9 printed around the circumference. Three small grooves are cut out of the topmost edge of the steel plate such that one number from each disc is displayed. There is a large steel gear on either side of the raised plate. There are seven small brass gears, and two flat brass discs underneath the raised plate. The largest gear, on the right hand side of the plate, rotates the rightmost number wheel. When the wheel reaches 9, the remaining gears and discs are geared together such that the central number disc increases by one, and the same for the leftmost disc. The largest gear on the right is attached to the leftmost end of the buttons by a long, curving, flattened metal bar.