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Burroughs Class 4 Adding Machine

Object Details

Description
This full keyboard printing electric adding machine has a metal frame painted black and ten columns of color-coded black, white, and red plastic keys. It has function keys left of the number keys and an addition bar and other function keys to the right. The keyboard is covered with green felt. There is a row of number dials at the front of the machine, as well as a row of five small dials between the keyboard and the lower dials on the left. The machine has a motor underneath it, and a wide carriage.
The printing mechanism is at the back. It has 11 type bars (one of these is probably for symbols). Part of the back cover is missing and there is no stand. The machine is marked on a red tag attached to the object: PATENT DEPT. (/) #34. Thus it is model #34 in the collection of the Patent Division of Burroughs Corporation.
The Burroughs Class 4 was introduced in 1912. This model demonstrates improvements in the double ribbon mechanism invented by John H. Magnus, a Burroughs inventor.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
maker
Burroughs Adding Machine Company
date made
1912
Credit Line
Gift of Burroughs Corporation
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
metal (overall material)
rubber (overall material)
glass (overall material)
felt (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 40 cm x 38 cm x 45 cm; 15 3/4 in x 14 31/32 in x 17 23/32 in
Object Name
adding machine
Adding Machine, Burroughs Class 4.
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