Description: Description: antique Thacher's / Thatcher's calculating instrument desktop slide rule in a mahogany case. It has a cylindrical brass drum covered with paper printed with forty A scales. A wooden handle is fastened to each end of the drum. The drum fits in an open rotating brass frame; twenty brass slats span the frame. The right side of the paper on the drum is printed in italics: "Patented by Edwin Thatcher [sic], C.E. Nov. 1st 1881. Made by Keuffel & Esser Co. N.Y. ' The case is has a tag on the front with "Keuffel & Esser New York Hoboken NJ St. Louis Chicago San Francisco Montreal'. The frame is screwed to a mahogany base. A paper with instructions is adhered to the top front of the base. The top back of the base is engraved: KEUFFEL & ESSER Co (encircling N.Y.); 4012 / 5783; TRADE MARK (below the K&E logo). The User Manual from 1920 is intact without dog ears or writing, albeit with signs of use. The cover pages have tape at the spine. 73 pages, the last page blank. Measurements: the cylinder excl. handles measures 20.75 in. long. The case measures 24.75 x 7 x 6.75t in.Weight 13.2 lb. Condition: the paper scales are in good condition with light wear from use, light foxing from age, not peeling / flaking. The instructions are complete and legible as well, albeit with toning. The mahogany box is in good condition and closes securely. Dovetail corners. Piano hinges in the back. Surface wear consistent with age. ***Please look closely at the pictures and feel free to ask questions prior to bidding*** Courstesy of Houston Museum of Natural Science blog: "The Thatcher calculator, known as a drum calculator, was invented by Edwin Thatcher as an improvement to George Fuller’s 1879 model. Also known as a “Squirrel Cage,” and is an evolved form of the slide ruler. First patented in 1881 it is capable of complex calculations up to four digits, and was widely used in the scientific and engineering communities. The inner drum spins within the outer cylinder as well as slides out. The varied markings are graduated logarithmic scales which allow for several different types of calculations. The calculator was produced by Hoboken, New Jersey instruments company, Keuffel & Esser. On an odd note, the company misspelled Mr. Thatcher's name as "Thacher" for the entire life of the instrument's production." Shipping and payment: buyer pays for shipping. Buyer should contact me within 3 days of auction close and I expect payment within 7 days as well. International and combined shipping: please request an invoice or wait for us to issue an invoice before paying for your item(s). This will help ensure that shipping is calculated correctly. Track Page Views With Auctiva's Counter
Price: 1200 USD
Location: Dallas, Texas
End Time: 2024-10-15T22:45:46.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Original/Reproduction: Original
Time Period Manufactured: Pre-1930
Maker: Keuffel & Esser Co. N.Y.
