Antique Thales C1 Calculator in Working Condition. Germany, 1920s

Beautiful Thales C1 pinwheel calculator in very good condition, antique and working perfectly. This calculator was manufactured in Germany in the 1920s and is quite well preserved, with all its original component parts fully operative. The machine can perform the four basic arithmetic operations quickly and with exact results. It is a real pleasure to operate: the pieces move fluidly and softly. It stands on its original solid wooden base, supported by four small circular rubber legs that provide it with stability. The calculator bears a black enameled finish, in wonderful condition and boasting a deep and bright look. The numbers and decals are engraved in the metal and painted white, remaining perfectly legible. To the left of the digit levers we can see the Thales decal and the word PATENT. Last but not least, at the right bottom corner there is a silvery metal part with the serial number 7515 engraved in its surface. The calculator includes some pieces and knobs made of black bakelite, very well preserved and original from the period too. Any lover of old-time machines and industrial design will see a real find in this Thales calculator, an icon in the field of office antiques. Thales Calculators History The history of Thales started with mr. Emil Schubert. In 1906 he was a foreman at the Triumphator-Werke, and was involved with the development of pinwheel calculators from the beginning on. In 1911 he decided to form a company (together with a businessman called L. Haberer) to produce calculators of his own. The later success of the Thales was due to Max Mueller, a talented businessman who had also good connections. In 193 Mueller was found guilty of embezzlement and was forced to leave the company. In 1936 the National Socialists forced E. Schubert to leave his company without taking his patents. He then found a new company to produce calculators under his own name, Schubert. After WWII, Max Mueller came back to head the Thales-Werke in Rastatt. Their pinwheel calculators were successful on the world market until the late 60th.