Lipsia Calculator, 1920-30

Wonderful Lipsia mechanical calculator, quite ancient and in really good condition. This fascinating machine was manufactured in Germany in the 1920s-30s and it does not only show an amazing look, but it also works fine. The calculator makes it possible to perform the four basic arithmetic operations, so it is an aesthetically and functionally interesting piece. It stands on a black-painted solid wooden base, supported in turn by four small circular legs. The Lipsia decal can be seen at the front side of the calculator, engraved in the metal case and clearly painted in white. Lipsia is the brand of the calculators made by the German firm O. Holzapfel &Co, located in Leipzig; Lipsia is the Latin for Lepzig. Otto Holzapfel had worked for the calculator manufacturing brands Brunsviga and Triumphator, and in 1914 he decided to start his own business. The Lipsia-0 and Lipsia 11R were a real sales success as they provided the high quality of their competitors at a considerably lower prize. After World War II, the East Germany government took over the factory and shortly after the firm disappeared. This lovely calculator is a good example of the quality and good performance of the machines made by Holzapfels company. The black enamel that covers the metal case looks well preserved, shiny, even and deep. The same can be said about the white and red paint that makes the numbers and symbols stand out. At the back of the piece with the crank we can see the calculators serial number, 7452, engraved in the mechanisms brass body. The bakelite knows and pointers are original from the period, just like all the silvery-metal component parts. Its striking performance and beautiful presence turn this Lipsia calculator into a first-class item, worthy of a museum of industrial technology.