Antique Vaucanson Model B Mechanical Calculator. France, 1930

Antique Vaucanson mechanical calculator model B made in France in 1930 and in good condition. This calculator includes a pinwheel system, similar to the one invented by W.T. Odhner in the late 19th century on the basis of Leibnizs arithmometer. The machine is in perfect working order: the levers and cranks show off a fluid and soft operation and make it possible to perform the four arithmetic operations with full reliable results. The calculator stands on a sturdy cast-iron base supported by four circular rubber legs. The mechanism is protected by a black-lacquered metal sheet casing. The black finish is original from the time; though it shows some slight signs of wear (logical for a piece more than 90 years old), it remains in good condition. To the left of the numerals we can see the brand name Vaucanson engraved in the metal. Just over it we find the manufacturing companys name, Ateliers Vaucanson, and the model (B). The silvery-metal component parts are perfectly operational; they show some signs of rust, but these details only enhance the calculators great charm and personality. At the back of the piece we can see an old-time sticker with the name and address of the shop where the calculator was once purchased. Beautiful and functional, this antique Vaucanson B mechanical calculator will delight every lover of turn-of-the-century machines.Ateliers Vaucanson - History Ateliers Vaucanson were founded in 1914 in the French city of Saint-Aubin-le-Cauf. The company name was chosen as homage to Jacques de Vaucanson, a famous engineer and inventor who lived in the 18th century and is considered a pioneer in the robotics and computing fields. The company started out by acquiring other firm, Lamazière et Bunzli, a workshop that manufactured clocks, photographic and cinema equipment and phonographs in Normandy and had a headquarters in Paris. In 1917 Ateliers Vaucanson moves to Saint-Nicolas-dAliermont and builds a modern factory, as well as a city for their employees. In those days France had not a strong machinery industry that could compete with other countries, such as Germany or USA. This might be one of the reasons for the companys success, as they were the only ones who produced a mechanical calculator in the whole country. For almost four decades Ateliers Vaucanson made and sold clocks, photo and cinema equipment, automotive parts and optic material. But the real success came with the Vaucanson mechanical calculator, launched in the 1920s and which evolved to different versions. The production of calculators ended in the 1950s: then, Ericsson bought the company and they started making telecommunication material. The firm was active until the 1990s.