I heard from Lou Arrington today, (Poultry Historical Society), and have copy/pasted his message below. I've already replied to him and have requested copies of the magazine ads he refers to. As it turns out, Mr. Arrington and my uncle both went to Cal-Davis college. Although my uncle was quite a few years ahead of Mr. Arrington.
I realize this thread is solved, but I will post the magazine ads showing the egg tallying device when they arrive.
P.S. Just in case you're wondering, it's wwace's link that has elongated this page.
SODABOTTLEBOB
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Bob
" The device you found is probably an "improved" version of the patented model. I did find an ad for the one like yours (and the one in Hartman's book) in Poultry Tribune magazine, May, 1955, page 38. I also came across three other versions in poultry magazine ads in the '50s. I would be happy to mail copies of the ads to you if you send your address (no hurry --- I'll be out all of next week).
Just a couple of thoughts about the device. The patent model had 10 numbers. The idea was probably to keep track of 1 week's egg production and decide to keep or cull (dispose of (chicken soup?)) each hen, based on her production. Of course, the birds had to be in individual cages. Your model (with 14 numbers) was more likely used in research or in breeding programs, where it was not unusual to keep records for 2-week periods. Production for each 2-week period would be marked down in the record book. Theoretically, a hen cannot lay more than one egg a day, so 14 numbers was suitable for a 2-week record. However, a few hens are not aware of that theory, and do the impossible of laying more than one egg in a day.
The slot in the panel behind the counter wheel helps ensure that the dial moves only one space when the egg collector picks up and records the egg. Some of the other variations found in ads had other ways to move the counter, but the idea was similar. Chicken houses tend to be somewhat dusty, which might hinder the function of the counter wheel.
So far, I have not found anyone who recognized or used such devices. When I was a graduate student at the University of California-Davis, we had a device which attached under the egg tray, with "fingers" coming up between the wires. When an egg was laid, it rolled down the sloped floor, pushed the "fingers" down, turning a counter wheel, thus recording the egg. It did have its problems, though, because the egg didn't always roll down to the tray, and the hen could reach her foot or head under the feed trough and record an egg than was never laid.
Thanks for sharing the photos and information. The American Poultry Historical Society (APHS) is always looking for information on items used for poultry production in the past.
The Poultry Tribune ad was by the JENSEN MFG. CO., Orange,Calif. While it was changed appreciably from the patent illustration, the patent holder (Frank Distaso) may well have sold his rights to this company.
Some of this response is our "best guess". If other information becomes available, I'll get back to you. Send your address if you would like copies of the ads referred to."
Sincerely,
Lou Arrington
I dont feel the necessity to lock down this post. I think it will eventually fade away. Afterall it was one of the biggest mysteries of TN for years. Looking back on it, I still cant believe so many people could be so wrong. If your tired of deleting, I dont know if you can put a single thread on ignore. I just dont know. 
![:-\](https://www.treasurenet.com/smilies/undecided.gif "Undecided :-\")
Im going to test it to see it it stops reply notifications as well as e-mails. Somebody post to see if I get notified.. .
