Melitta Calculator with Original Case and Working Fine. Germany, 1920's

Fine mechanical Melitta calculator made in Germany in the early 20th century. This beautiful machine is a pinwheel model whose mechanism is directly inspired in the system invented by W. T. Odhner in the late 19th century, in its turn based on Leibnizs arithmometer. The calculator stands on a solid oak wooden base and preserves the case that covers and protects it, made of curved wood and with the original lock and key. It is in great condition and working order, having been partially restored. At the front of the calculator we can see the brand name MELITTA engraved in the metal and painted white. Melitta machines were produced and sold by Mercedes Büromaschinen-Werke, Zella-Mehlis, a company that started manufacturing them in 1924. In 1927 Walter Werke (also Zella-Mehlis) started to produce these calculators too. After World War II the factories were destroyed and Walther assumed the production as it was established in West Germany. On the pother hand, Mercedes kept on with its business and made very popular and remarkable models such as the Mercedes Euklid 30, the first electric calculator produced by the company. The calculator that we can see in these images has black-lacquered metal sheet case with white numbers and symbols. It is in perfect working order and can perform the four basic arithmetical operations it is a real pleasure to use it because of its fluid and soft operation. All the chromed-metal component parts are well preserved and show no traces of rust.The wooden case boasts a nice and warm glow and at the front we can see the inscription MERCEDES MELITTA printed in golden lettering, also in very good condition. This striking pinwheel calculator has witnessed the development of mechanical technology in the early 20th century. It is worthy to belong to a museum of history or to a great collector.