Antique French Vaucanson AVA 13 Calculator. France, Circa 1930

Antique French Vaucanson AVA 13 calculator, made in France circa 1930 and in amazing condition. This machine preserves all its original component parts and pieces and remains in amazing working order, being able to perform the four basic arithmetical operations with perfect results. The levers and springs move fluidly; this feature turns the user experience into a real pleasure. On the other hand, aesthetically this is a very special piece for its black-enameled metal casing and light-ochre and white numerals and inscriptions. The enameled finish is in great condition and looks shiny and even, while the symbols are clearly legible. At the front of the base we can see a rectangular metal plate with the name of the original distributor in Paris. At the back side of the calculator, though, there is another riveted plate with the engraved model and serial number: 26889. Nostalgic and entirely original from the time, this antique Vaucanson AVA 13 is an exclusive piece worthy to belong to the best collector of turn-of-the-century mechanical devices. Vaucanson Ateliers History Vaucanson Ateliers started out in Paris in 1914, when the founders buy the firm Lamazière et Bunzli. This company manufactured clocks, phonographs and photography and cinematography devices, and had a workshop in Paris. For four decades, Vaucanson was acknowledged as a successful business which was able to diversify their production in order to fulfill the markets demands. Among other products, one of the most popular ones was the Vaucanson mechanical calculator. The firm produced just one model which passed through different versions: A, AVA13, AVA20, AVB13, B, B1, BZ, BZ1 y D. At the height of their success the company had a capital of 150 million francs, a feature which shows their business strength. In the 1950s Vaucanson was acquired by Ericsonn and started producing electronic components. It remained active until the 1990s.