Adix Addix Adder, 1940s-50s

This curious device is an Adix adding machine, a real classic among the utensils designed to perform arithmetical operations made in the first half of the 20th century. It is in very good condition, looking almost new and with a shiny and polished original black-lacquered finish. The brand name printed on the case is also very well preserved; it is printed in the shape of an elegant golden signature. The machine comes in a cardboard box with a nice hand-written German inscription on one side: SPALTEN ADIER MACHINE (column adding machine; the word ADIER is actually ADDIER).This adding machine is Model 5, a design that the Adix Company started producing in 1925 and kept on manufacturing until the middle of the 1950s. In this case there is no serial number so we cannot tell precisely when this item was manufactured, but we can think that is was made between the 1940s and 50s. The Adix Company was founded by Pallweber and Bordt and started its career making the Adix Model 1 in 1903. All the models were pinwheel adding machines with nine keys.Model 5, the machine we can see in these photographs, shows some innovations compared to former models. For example, the exposed mechanism is now covered by a solid enameled case that protects it and enhances the machines look. At the top left corner we can see a red lever designed to reset the results. The machine does not permit addition of whole amounts but merely additions of columns of individual digits to the extent to which they do not exceed a total sum of 999. So when calculation in one column is completed, the operator has to make a note of the last digit and register the carryover by means of the keys.This vintage adding machines great charm and excellent working order turn it into a great gift for any lover of curious antique machines.Measurements: Width: 195 mm. Depth: 95 mm. Height: 40 mm.