Antique Thales Calculator. Germany, Circa 1950

Gorgeous antique Thales made in Germany circa 1950, in good working order and entirely original from the time. This fascinating piece is in fine condition: although showing some slights signs of wear, it is a beautiful and decorative item. The calculator mounts a hammered-grey-enameled casing, a fine finish that provides it with an interesting industrial feel. The silvery-metal mobile component parts move fluidly; it is a real pleasure to use them to perform different operations. The pointers and knobs are made of white plastic and stand out strongly over the discreet grey-enameled finish. The numbers beside the levers are painted in white and yellow enamel. The finish is wonderfully preserved and makes it easier to find the numerals in order to perform the operations. To the left of the numerals we can see the brand decal THALES, engraved and painted in white over the word PATENT. The combination of colors, materials and finishes makes up a really fine design, full of charm and typical of those ancient calculating machines made in the first half of the 20th century. Fully functional and with a long history behind, this antique Thales calculator will keep on performing basic arithmetic operations and providing a fine touch to any room.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.