Brunsviga Calculating Machine

Fantastic Brunsviga Calculating Machine, early 20th century. In Perfect Aesthetic and Functional Condition. The shiny black metal casing is in virtually flawless condition. It sits on a rectangular wooden base that fits perfectly with the black lid and protects the piece, as well as making it easy to transport. The chest attaches the original key and a handle on the front for transporting this incredible piece. The machine has been overhauled and is in perfect working order, so you can use it from day one if desired. The white and red enamel numerals are neatly arranged on the front of the piece, and are clearly visible. Crank mechanism or molinete with crank in perfect condition located on the right side of the device, lacquered in black color. In the upper part it had lacquered the BRUNSVIGA mark in white color, with some signs of wear that testify that it is a completely original machine. Also on the right side there is a logo of the brand from the early years, and the number 3571. It is overhauled and in perfect working order. This type of machines are objects for science lovers. They have their origin in the XVII century, when the first adding machines were built, characterized by using a gear-based operation, which arose to alleviate the work activity of those people engaged in accounting work. This type of machines were already much admired at the time, based on a system devised by Willigodt Odhner, the variant of the one developed by Leibniz in the 18th century. The German engineer Franz Trinks was the technical director of the Grimme, Natalis & Co factory in Brunswick (Germany). In 1892 he was granted a patent for the well-known Odhner machines to be marketed in Germany, Belgium and Switzerland under the brand name Brunsviga. In a short period of time, more than 500 machines were sold, mainly due to their reliability and low price. More than 500,000 machines were manufactured in various models. Without a doubt, the Brunsviga brand became the leader in the sale of calculating machines in Germany, without stopping production even during the two world wars. In the post-war period, industrial design was applied to these machines for the first time, developing technologically advanced models at high prices. In 1957 the Olympia factory of calculating machines bought 35% of the shares of the Brunsviga company, finally acquiring all of them in 1958. Machines of the Brunsviga brand were manufactured until 1964, when the entry into the market of electronic machines finally put an end to this prosperous factory. Very beautiful machine, genuine and... perfect to use from day one!