Thales C Calculator, Ca. 1919

Vintage calculating machine from the early 1900s, made in Germany and in perfect working order. It is a Thales Model C calculator, an item that is part of the history of mechanical calculators from the early 20th century. Just like most calculators manufactured in those times, this model works thanks to the pinwheel system developed by Odhner. The machine is quite well preserved and comes with its original oak wooden case, with the original lock and key. As well as being in good condition, this calculator works perfectly and can be used to add, subtract, multiply and divide just like the first day.Thales started as a project by Emil Schubert. In 1906 Schubert was a foreman at the Triumphator-Werke, a renowned manufacturer of calculating machines. He was directly involved with the development of the pinwheel calculator from the beginning on, and in 1911 he decided to start his own company together with the businessman L. Haberer. The success of Thales was due mainly to Max Mueller, a well related and talented man; but Mueller was found guilty of embezzlement in 1933 and had to abandon the company. Things did not get better for Schubert: in 1936 the National Socialists forced him to leave his company without taking his patents. Later he started a new company that produced Schubert calculators. After WWII Mueller came back and took control of the Thales-Werke. The company produced excellent calculators until the late 1960s.This particular model dates back to the first times of Thales and keeps all its nostalgic charm. The calculator, black-enameled and with a fairly well preserved finish, rests on a solid oak wooden plank. The case designed to protect it is made of the same kind of wood and can be attached to the base thanks to the original lock and key. It also keeps the silvery metal handle designed to carry the calculator. At the front of the case we can see the remains of an old inscription depicting the Thales logo in golden color.This vintage calculators beauty and its interesting past turn it into a collectors piece, worthy of a technologic museum.