The Webb Adder - 1868 Antique Adding Machine W/ Paperwork And Box
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:25135 | Maker: C. H. Webb N.Y. |
| Featured Refinements: Antique Adding Machine | Year: 1868 |
The Webb Adder - "The Adder" Produced by C.H. Webb N.Y and sold by agents E. P. Dutton & Co Booksellers
Release: 1868, original releaseVariation: $8 variation in brass, steel stop and cam (with clasps)1343 stamped into the wood on the backIncludes: Machine, Instructions, Advertisement Bill, and Original Box. Missing stylus mechanism.Full condition notes at bottom, don't be scared, by length of list. It's old and I try to note everything I find so there are no surprises. It ...was definite signs of use from the original owners.
This a wonderful display piece for people that enjoy antique mechanical instruments and I'd love to see it get into the hands of a restoration expert to return it to excellent condition. All serious offers will be considered. This particular model has a high collectible interest and a strong retail value potential. Former owner kept it in a smoke-free environment and kept it out of sunlight on a bookshelf full of first edition books, ancient sculptures, and mechanical beauties like antique chronometers, sextants, and astrolabes. The value of just the decorative pieces on on that bookshelf alone was in the tens of thousands.
Historical SignificanceItem for sale is the original Webb Adder (1868) in its mid-range variation that was originally priced at $8. To put that value in context $8 could be more than a laborer's entire week's wages at the time. Invented by true American Renaissance man Charles Henry Webb whom is known more as a poet, author, and humorist friend of Mark Twain than an inventor. This calculator offers a very unique historical glimpse into the decade just after the Civil War as America's inventors were taking root and becoming the figures that would ultimately shape the country and world into what we know it today. The calculator itself is a populist milestone piece between Pascal's Calculator and Burroughs Adding Machine.
Full Condition:Good antique condition for a device that was obviously used. Adder Machine:Structurally concrete with varying cosmetic imperfectionsCosmetic Issues:Metal facade is tarnishedSurface scratches all over from everyday usageSurface imperfections along stylus holes from everyday usageA few scratches in wood on backA few pencil/Ink marks on wood on backFunction:Missing original pin and stylus mechanismLarge wheel turns with an occasional clicking sound producedSmall wheel turns with constant clicking sound producedBoth wheels require some force to turn, unsure how much is design vs maintenance needInstruction Cut-sheet:Acceptable condition by modern standards, amazing that its still intact based on ageFolded into fourths (design)Incidental large fold center vertical centerSmall folds and creases throughoutMinor tear along bottomSeparation at folds occurring in center and on bottomColor: Generally WhiteWriting on back in pencils and drawing of snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?Advertisement Billing:Acceptable condition by modern standards, amazing that its still intact based on ageFolded into fourths (design)Significant tear on left side and on back pageSeparation at folds occurring on all sides.Color: Moderately Aged YellowOne stray pencil check mark found in billingOriginal Box:Poor conditionHeld together with tapePortions torn or missingDiscolorations over entiretySotheby's auction advertisement was stapled onto it to provide structure at some point
Release: 1868, original releaseVariation: $8 variation in brass, steel stop and cam (with clasps)1343 stamped into the wood on the backIncludes: Machine, Instructions, Advertisement Bill, and Original Box. Missing stylus mechanism.Full condition notes at bottom, don't be scared, by length of list. It's old and I try to note everything I find so there are no surprises. It ...was definite signs of use from the original owners.
This a wonderful display piece for people that enjoy antique mechanical instruments and I'd love to see it get into the hands of a restoration expert to return it to excellent condition. All serious offers will be considered. This particular model has a high collectible interest and a strong retail value potential. Former owner kept it in a smoke-free environment and kept it out of sunlight on a bookshelf full of first edition books, ancient sculptures, and mechanical beauties like antique chronometers, sextants, and astrolabes. The value of just the decorative pieces on on that bookshelf alone was in the tens of thousands.
Historical SignificanceItem for sale is the original Webb Adder (1868) in its mid-range variation that was originally priced at $8. To put that value in context $8 could be more than a laborer's entire week's wages at the time. Invented by true American Renaissance man Charles Henry Webb whom is known more as a poet, author, and humorist friend of Mark Twain than an inventor. This calculator offers a very unique historical glimpse into the decade just after the Civil War as America's inventors were taking root and becoming the figures that would ultimately shape the country and world into what we know it today. The calculator itself is a populist milestone piece between Pascal's Calculator and Burroughs Adding Machine.
Full Condition:Good antique condition for a device that was obviously used. Adder Machine:Structurally concrete with varying cosmetic imperfectionsCosmetic Issues:Metal facade is tarnishedSurface scratches all over from everyday usageSurface imperfections along stylus holes from everyday usageA few scratches in wood on backA few pencil/Ink marks on wood on backFunction:Missing original pin and stylus mechanismLarge wheel turns with an occasional clicking sound producedSmall wheel turns with constant clicking sound producedBoth wheels require some force to turn, unsure how much is design vs maintenance needInstruction Cut-sheet:Acceptable condition by modern standards, amazing that its still intact based on ageFolded into fourths (design)Incidental large fold center vertical centerSmall folds and creases throughoutMinor tear along bottomSeparation at folds occurring in center and on bottomColor: Generally WhiteWriting on back in pencils and drawing of snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?Advertisement Billing:Acceptable condition by modern standards, amazing that its still intact based on ageFolded into fourths (design)Significant tear on left side and on back pageSeparation at folds occurring on all sides.Color: Moderately Aged YellowOne stray pencil check mark found in billingOriginal Box:Poor conditionHeld together with tapePortions torn or missingDiscolorations over entiretySotheby's auction advertisement was stapled onto it to provide structure at some point
