GEM Adding Machine, Mechanical Calculator
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:9335 | Maker: Automatic Adding Machine Mfrs. |
The Gem Adding Machine was produced starting in 1906 and ending sometime after the 1930s. It was initially called the Gem, like this one, then in 1912 it was rebranded the “Golden Gem”. Operation is very simple; to add a number simply insert the stylus in the chain next to the number and pull down to the stop. The Gem carries when needed. Subtraction is possible using the 9’s complement method, but this early model does not have the complementary dig...its shown on the face as the later ones do.
As you can see from the pictures, this Gem looks beautiful, and it works beautifully as well. This is the smoothest operating Gem I have ever used, and that’s true on all 7 columns. Carry works especially well, even across two columns at once! The clearing mechanism also works perfectly. The chrome finish has many fine scratches that show up in some pictures but not others, but is entirely intact with no rust at all. There is no stylus or instructions (if you need instructions, contact me after the auction ends) but there is a guarantee card in the bottom of the box. The guarantee card is dated and appears to show that this Gem was sold on April 15, 1938. I have my doubts about that, as the “Golden Gem” model should have superseded this one 26 years earlier than that. The box and guarantee card may be from a different model.
This adding machine is from the collection of Robert K. (“Bob”) Otnes, PhD, one of the founding members of the Oughtred Society and the original editor of the Journal of the Oughtred Society. It is being sold by the Oughtred Society on his behalf.
The Oughtred Society was founded in 1991 by a group of slide rule collectors and is dedicated to the preservation and history of slide rules and other calculating instruments. Membership is open to anyone. Further information about the Oughtred Society can be found at: http://www.oughtred.org/.
PayPal is the only accepted form of payment. Buyers within California will be charged 7.25% sales tax.
Shipping will be by USPS Priority Mail. Shipping charges will be somewhat higher for destinations outside the USA.
As you can see from the pictures, this Gem looks beautiful, and it works beautifully as well. This is the smoothest operating Gem I have ever used, and that’s true on all 7 columns. Carry works especially well, even across two columns at once! The clearing mechanism also works perfectly. The chrome finish has many fine scratches that show up in some pictures but not others, but is entirely intact with no rust at all. There is no stylus or instructions (if you need instructions, contact me after the auction ends) but there is a guarantee card in the bottom of the box. The guarantee card is dated and appears to show that this Gem was sold on April 15, 1938. I have my doubts about that, as the “Golden Gem” model should have superseded this one 26 years earlier than that. The box and guarantee card may be from a different model.
This adding machine is from the collection of Robert K. (“Bob”) Otnes, PhD, one of the founding members of the Oughtred Society and the original editor of the Journal of the Oughtred Society. It is being sold by the Oughtred Society on his behalf.
The Oughtred Society was founded in 1991 by a group of slide rule collectors and is dedicated to the preservation and history of slide rules and other calculating instruments. Membership is open to anyone. Further information about the Oughtred Society can be found at: http://www.oughtred.org/.
PayPal is the only accepted form of payment. Buyers within California will be charged 7.25% sales tax.
Shipping will be by USPS Priority Mail. Shipping charges will be somewhat higher for destinations outside the USA.
