Striking Thales Patent Calculator, 1913. Excellent working order.

Eye-catching Thales Patent Calculator, 1913. This is a terrific calculating machine with original black lacquered case with different numbering registers neatly distributed on the front. It has some rust marks that testify to the passage of time, but do not detract from the beauty of this magnificent piece. Technically it works perfectly. Crank or windlass mechanism with wooden lever in stark contrast to the case, located on the right side. The white and red enamel numerals are perfectly visible. The contrast of the markers and the numbers in red make this model a very beautiful machine aesthetically. On the upper front it has the logo with the name of the brand: THALES PATENT, with a decorative white lettering. On one side you can see the model engraved on the case: ER60256. This fantastic calculator has on the front a small silver plaque with the number 5203, which probably corresponded to a specific person, or to a particular position in an office or warehouse. This type of machines are objects for science lovers. They have their origin in the XVII century, when the first adding machines were built, characterized by using a gear-based operation, which arose to alleviate the work activity of those people dedicated to accounting work. This type of machines were already much admired at the time, based on a system devised by Willigodt Odhner, the variant of the one developed by Leibniz in the 18th century. Emil Schubert started working for Triumphator in Leipzig before establishing his own company in Rastatt (Germany). He built the Thales pinwheel calculator in several versions since 1911. It is a basic machine, one of the first windlass machines to use a spring-loaded car, which automatically makes steps to the left when the token at the front is pressed. The Thales mechanism is very similar to that of the Brunsviga Model A, but scaled to about 2/3 the size. This brand was very successful in Germany due to its most outstanding features: solidity, precision and quality. The house Thales would manufacture calculating machines until 1965, 54 years after its foundation. A magnificent piece. With a little refinishing it will become a favorite in a good collection.