Rare Antique Jion Calculator with Blue Enameled Case. Mexico, 1940's

Amazing Jion mechanical calculator, quite well preserved and in working order. This curious calculating machine was made in Mexico for the French market in the 1940s and has survived to our days in a remarkably good condition. The calculator makes it possible to perform the four basic arithmetic operations with reliable results. The outside finish is wonderfully preserved and looks shiny and even, with fully legible numbers and symbols. The metal case that covers and protects the pinwheel mechanism is covered by a hammered blue-enameled finish. To the left of the digit levers, the case bears an engraved inscription with the manufacturing companys name and location: JION CALCULADORAS, S.A. GUADALAJARA, JAL. This calculator is similar to the one invented by W.T. Odhner in 1874, inspired in its turn in Leibnizs arithmometer (16th century). These machines work wonderfully and today they are as reliable as when they were originally produced. Other similar brands that became very popular were Brunsviga, Triumphator and Thales. The hammered blue finish is well preserved and only shows slight and punctual signs of the trace of time. The red and white numbers and symbols also remain in great condition. The chrome-plated pieces look shiny and goof, and so do the remarkable bakelite pointers and knobs. At the back of the calculator we can see the engraved inscription HECHA EN MÉXICO (made in Mexico), accompanied by a sticker with the name of a French business. This detail suggests that the machine was probably made for the French market. This calculator is a good example of good Mexican Engineering osf the 40s of the 20th century quite rare to find in good conditions