Antique Brunsviga Doppel 13Z Calculator. Germany, Circa 1935

Rare antique Brunsviga Doppel 13Z calculator made in Germany circa 1935. This evocative and singular machine remains in very good condition and works perfectly. It can be used to perform the four basic arithmetic operations; moreover, it mounts an E-Pl (Einstell-Plate) system that makes it possible to install data matrices. All the machines component parts and pieces are original from the time except for the knob of one of the cranks located at the left side (instead of being made of bakelite, it is aluminum). Except for this detail, the rest of the calculator is fully original and preserves the great charm of mechanical arithmometers from the first half of the 20th century. The system that makes it possible to install data matrices is composed of two metal levers located on both sides of the numerals. The machine has a double body (therefore the models name, Doppel); both bodies mount their corresponding E-Pl system. The metal case that covers and protects the mechanism preserves the original black-lacquered finish in amazing condition. At the front side of the machine, engraved at the bottom of the metal case we can see inscriptions with information about the calculator: the model, the serial number 218819 and the name and location of the manufacturing company, among others. At the back of the machine there is also a riveted metal plate with the brand name BRUNSVIGA and the name and address of the shop where it was originally sold. This outstanding antique Brunsviga Doppel 13Z is a real museum item for its excellent condition and rare quality.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.