Antique Brunsviga Doppel DK13 R-1 Calculator. 1958

Impressive antique Brunsviga Dopple calculator, model DK13 R-1. This fascinating machine was made in Germany in 1958 and remains in great condition. The calculator works fine, making it possible to perform the four basic arithmetical operations with fully reliable outcomes. All the parts move fluidly so it is a real pleasure to use the calculator. The word Doppel (German for double) indicates that this machine is composed of two calculators in one; each calculator can be operated independently or join forces with the other so the user can perform bigger operations. The calculator bears a metal casing with a hammered-grey finish in good condition. The chromed-metal component parts and the dark-red bakelite accessories are also wonderfully preserved. To the left of the machine there is a metal plate with the BRUNSVIGA logo printed in black. At the back of the calculator there is a red-lacquered metal plate with engraved information and data about the machine; it shows the serial number 14-05716, the year of making (1958) and the number of contract (Auftrags in German). Every lover of antique calculators will appreciate the beauty and functionality of this amazing Brunsviga Doppel, made in the half of the 20th century. Brunsviga Calculators History The firm Grimme, Natalis & Co (GNC) was established in 1871 to build sewing machines and domestic appliances at Braunschweig, Germany. In 1892 engineer Franz Trinks was instrumental in securing the manufacturing rights to the Odhner calculator patents. The first machines were built according to W.T. Odhner's 1890 design and were distributed under the brand name "Brunsviga" (Latin for Braunschweig). Trinks continued to develop and refine the Brunsviga calculator over a period of almost 30 years. The "new Brunsviga" range appeared in 1925, and the "13-series" in 1927. Production resumed after the 1939-45 war with a new range of 13-series machines, a motorised version of the stepped-drum machine, and a range of small adding machines. Grimme, Natalis & Co was originally established as a "Commanditgesellschaft auf Aktien". On its fiftieth anniversary in 1921 it became Grimme, Natalis & Co AG. In 1927 the name was changed to "Brunsviga Maschinenwerke Grimme, Natalis & Co AG", and later to just "Brunsviga Maschinenwerke AG" In 1957 Brunsviga entered into an agreement with Olympia Werke AG, which led ultimately to the company being absorbed into Olympia in 1959. Production continued for a time as the Brunsviga Division of Olympia, before coming to an end in the late 1960s. About half a million Brunsviga machines were produced over a period of almost eighty years. The Trinks-Brunsviga calculators work with the pinwheel system developed by W.T. Odhner in the 1870s. It was inspired in turn by the arithmometer designed by Leibniz in the 16th century.