Antique Thales Windlass Calculator in Working Condition. Germany, 1930's

Fine mechanical calculating machine made in the 1930s. This piece comes from Germany and is a Thales calculator in very good condition. It is a pinwheel machine whose system is based in the mechanism designed by W. T. Odhner in the late 19th century, inspired in its turn in the arithmometer that Leibniz developed in the 17th century. The calculator has a black-enameled metal sheet case with the numbers and lettering engraved and painted white. The enamel is in excellent condition and so are the metal and white bakelite component parts. On the right side of the machine, just under the crank we can see an engraved inscription: MEZ 53281, probably corresponding to the calculators model and serial number. The front side bears another inscription, Thales Patent, engraved and painted white. Thales was the name of a brand of calculating machines produced by Emil Schubert, who developed the first model in 1911. Schubert worked for the famous brand Triumphator for some years and he eventually left the company to found his own firm in the German city of Rastatt. Another popular product by Schubert was the Tasma adding machine, launched in 1924. The calculator that we can see in the images can perform the four basic arithmetic operations with accuracy and precision. Its mobile parts move fluid and softly. The machine stands on its original base, made of solid oak wood and with pigeon-chest edges; the planks that made up the base are assembled with beautiful dovetail joints. This piece stands on four circular legs that provide it with stability. The wood preserves the original satin finish and is in good condition, being the perfect complement for the calculator. As attractive as functional, this classic Thales calculator will be an excellent gift for any lover of mechanical antiques.