Antique Thales CER Calculator with Wooden Cover and Working. Germany, 1930's

Fine antique Thales CER calculator, a mechanical pinwheel machine in good condition and working order. This fascinating piece dates from the 1930s-40s and was made in Germany. It works really well and can be used to perform the four basic arithmetical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) with fully reliable results. The calculator stands on its original wooden base and preserves the cover too, made of the same material. Both parts can be connected by means of the original lock and key in perfect working order. The calculator shows off a classic old-time design with black-enameled metal casing and numbers painted red and white. The enameled finish is original and remains in good condition, and so does the numbers paint. To the left of the digit levers we can see the Thales logo, a fine diagonal signature painted white. Moreover, at the right bottom corner of the machine there is an inscription with the machines model and serial number: CER 40971. On the other hand, the cover and the base are made of solid oak wood in amazing condition and with a lovely golden color. The silvery-metal handle is original too. Every collector of mechanical antiques will recognize an exclusive piece in this antique Thales CER calculator, a first-class article.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 1960s.