BriCal Working Money Calculator. Great Britain, Circa 1910

Curious Money calculating machine in its original case and in excellent working order. This piece is a BriCal machine, abbreviation of British Calculator: a device designed to add money quantities in pounds, shilling and pennies but that can be used to calculate money sums in any fraction currency. The calculator is in good condition and the numbers and logo are clearly engraved in the metal case. The protecting box is also quite well preserved. This design was patented in 1905 by the engineer Herbert Dickinson and his wide Mabel, with the British patent number GB190412088A. The calculators were manufactured by the company British Calculators Ltd of London between 1905 and 1920 in different variants. The most popular was the one that we can see in these images.The calculator has three concentric disks which are drawn clockwise (with the accompanying stylus). Each disk corresponds to a fraction, in this case to pennies, shillings and pounds (inside out). The user must just rotate the chain with the stylus so the wanted sums show in the window. The case where this lovely machine comes in is inside lined with dark blue velvet, with a compartment for the calculator and another one for the stylus. Outside it is covered b a dark red faux-leather fabric. The name The BriCal Money Calculating Machine is embroidered in silvery lettering, both inside and outside the case. This magnificent BriCal calculator is a charming and historic machine that anyone fond of technical and curious antiques will long to own. Measurements (Case): Width: 6.8 in/15.5 cm. Depth: 6.2 in/16 cm.