very cool relic

[jeffmrgan]

i found this a few months back, but havent had time to post it. This was found while detecting near an old sidewalk in town at about 6 inches. When i first saw it in the hole i thought it was trash but figured i'd take it home to throw away so i didnt dig it again next time. While washing my other finds off i ran a quick brush across the back of it and saw some writing and noticed this wasnt just some junk metal it was brass. So i finished cleaning it and still had no idea what it was, so it was off to the internet for some research. What i found stunned me, this thing is basically a 120 year old calculator.........".This early pocket adder with "automatic carry" function was patented by Archibald Stephenson, of Manteno, Illinois, March 25, 1873 (U.S. Patent No. 137107, Improvement in Adding Machines). The adders were made by Stephenson, in Joliet, Illinois. This example is marked on the back, "A.M. Stephenson, Mfr, Joliet, Ill. - Agents Wanted". Only 3 1/2 inches long, the adder is constructed entirely of brass. The two sides of the case are secured with rivets. "
...the first 2 shots are of mine and the 3rd is a picture of what it should look like...Not real sure how it works but the dials turn with the use of a stylus, and this one actually still works..........very cool

 

[deathhare]

Pretty cool.

 

[worldtalker]

jeff, they are geared together,and believe they work on ratio principle. Neat find, first one I ever see,but, I have a mechanical way of thinking! God Bless HH Chris

 

[baywalker]

That is what makes mding fun,

Jonnie

 

[jeffmrgan]

they dont seem to be geared together, they spin independent of each other?

 

[Damon64]

Neat!

 

[steelheadwill]

Exceptionally cool when it still functions

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

This is what makes this hobby so cool, you just never know what you will dig up next. History is all around us and we walk right over it every day.
Great find there jeffmrgan.
ZDD