Thales CER mechanical calculator, Germany, 1950s.

This fascinating antique calculator is a Thales CER made in Germany in the 1950s. The calculator is in striking condition and preserves all its original component parts. It works perfectly and provides reliable results, just like when it was originally made. The calculator keeps the original hammered coppery-golden finish, as elegant as attractive. At the front side we can see the Thales logo together with the word PATENT. Thales-Werke was a company founded in 1911 by Emil Schubert, who had been a foreman in the Triumphator-Werke calculator factory. Together with L. Haberer he started his own business, but it was not until Max Mueller (a talented businessman) entered the firm that they succeeded. In 1933, Mueller was found guilty of embezzlement and forced to leave the company. In 1936, the National-Socialist gobernment forced Schubert to leave his own business and his patents, but after World War II, in 1946 Mueller came back to head the Thales-Werke in Rastatt. Thales calculators kept on being very popular until the 1960s. This lovely calculator is one of the most appealing and complete models made by Thales. The digits are engraved and painted in white and ochre-yellow, while the bakelite pieces are white, red and black. Together with the coppery-golden enamel that covers the metal case, the combination is original and stylish. At the back of the machine there is an engraved inscription with the model and the serial number: CER 177552. There is also a golden metal plate with the name of the original distributor, EBSTEIN FRERES. This awesome antique Thales CER calculator is a good example of the best industrial design of the 20th century.