mechanical business machine, auction lot # 833.

[duccio]

This antique adding machine could calculate up to $9,999,999.99, an optimistic figure not quite a full 10M. I wonder if the operator ever dreamed about reaching the highest limits while working their adding machine job. The totals are displayed right above the buttons in a little window opening that the operator could watch, the sum total growing as they worked. There is a correct button and a repeat button; the mechanical inner workings must be ingenious and very complex. (You wouldn't have to understand that though, that was someone else's job.) I think there was a paper record printed for the file cabinet that came out of the back too, but I don't remember now - I didn't examine the thing too closely. Hovering above, it reminds me of a cemetery with your dark and light key buttons arranged with mathematical precision on a lawn. The bidding opened at $10. There were no takers, so the auctioneer must have asked for an offer... $1.00 determined the winner.

Comments

[bellakara]

Interesting what turns up in auctions. I used to attend local auctions many years ago, though I haven't been to one in ages.

[duccio]

They're fun. If you have one nearby, you should go in to the preview and browse around. You never know what kinds of interesting stuff you will see or the thoughts that will trigger in your head. Bring your camera (and leave your wallet at home).