Antique MADAS Calculator, 1913

Exceptional antique MADAS calculator, made in Switzerland around 1913. Its a historical machine, an icon in the history of the arithmometers of the twentieth century. The name MADAS corresponds to the initials of the functions that this calculator can perform: in German, Multiplicier, Automat Dividieren, Addieren, Subtrahieren; In English, Multiplication, Automatic Division, Addition, Substraction. MADAS. The automatic division function was the highest advance that included these models, something totally new for the time. Thanks to this function the user can perform the divisions automatically, simply by turning the crank until he hears the bell indicating the result.The firm that made these calculators was founded in Zurich in 1891 by Hans Walter Egli. The MADAS calculators are derived directly from the Colmar arithmometer, and the first model appeared in 1908 with the great innovation mentioned above. Later, the firm also managed to include an automatic multiplication function, something much more complicated to achieve. The MADAS calculators were reliable and solid. In this case in particular, the calculator has a plaque on the front with the name of the dealer of the firm in Spain, Juan Frey, located in the San Pedro Round, 25 Barcelona. Literally, this mechanical calculator surpasses most electronic calculators, being able to operate with numbers with more digits than most electronic calculators, including the one you have on your Smartphone, at least in the normal, unscientific version.This Madas calculator, comes from a family from Zaragoza, my city, whose ancestor was an official of the Spanish Tax Agency in the early twentieth century. For decades it has been carefully preserved so that it has reached our days in magnificent conditions. It works perfectly and smoothly. It just had to be cleaned.As I say, this beautiful machine is well preserved and in perfect working order. It conserves the great majority of the black lacquering that originally covered its front part, being more worn in the left part where traditionally the hand rested, and being practically impeccable in the rest of the machine. In the lower left corner of the front side we can see the serial number of the calculator: 3988, along with various inscriptions concerning the place of manufacture and the manufacturing company. This MADAS calculator is an article worthy of a museum of technology. In addition, its good operation makes us still enjoy its use, reliable and full of charm.Measurements: Width: 49 cm. (19,3 inches) Height: 14,5 cm. (5,7 inches) Depth, 190 mm (7,5 inches)