Huge Antique Dactyle Calculator. Early Model. France, Circa 1910

Huge Dactyle mechanical calculator or calculating machine, an early model made in France circa 1910 and amazingly preserved. This is a big-sized mechanical calculator which preserves its original wooden base and cover, as well as its lock-and-key set in working order. We do not know the model, but the serial number printed at the front left corner (over the nameplate) indicates that it the calculator was made circa 1910. So we are looking at one of the first calculating machines made under the Dactyle name. The machine shows a classic design, typical of the arithmometers made in the early 20th century following the design by Odhner. It mounts a black-enameled metal casing and chrome-plated mobile component parts. The enameled finish is quite well preserved, showing only some signs of wear at the numerals zone. To the left we can see a fine brass nameplate with the DACTYLE brand name and address clearly engraved. The calculator sits on a shiny solid mahogany wooden plank and is protected by is wooden casing, covered by a shiny black lacquer and with a leather handle. Every lover of old-time calculators will find a jewel in this huge Dactyle calculator, an early model which will delight any collector. Dimensions: Base: Width: 19.6 in / Depth: 20 cm. Calculator: Bodys Width: 14.37 in / 24.5 cm. Height: 4.53 in / 11.5 cm. Dactyle Calculators History Dactyle calculators started being produced circa 1905 in the traditional clockmaker district of Jura, located in the French Alps. They were distributed by Chateau Freres of Paris, a company which distributed mainly clocks and watches. Abroad they were sold by Muldivo (England) and the Marchant Brothers (USA). The Dactyle name was used for some years, but later versions were sold under the Chateau name. The first models were quite similar to the Brunsviga B calculating machine; in fact, the German firm supplied component parts to the French company. In some machines we can see the Subt abbreviation (subtraction) instead of the French Sous, and there are models which preserve the Brunviga logo under a Dactyle nameplate. The production of Dactyle calculating machines ended around 1929, with about 13.000 units sold.