Burroughs Calculator Appraisal

Vintage Burroughs Full-Key Adding Machine

This is a vintage mechanical adding machine, likely manufactured by the Burroughs Adding Machine Company, dating approximately to the mid-20th century (circa 1940s-1950s). The device features a robust cast metal chassis with a characteristic grey-toned wrinkle-finish (crackle paint) housing. It employs a full-keyboard design with seven columns of numbered keys ranging from 1 to 9, allowing for large numerical entries. The keys are color-coded in alternating black and green/teal columns to facilitate visual grouping of decimals and whole numbers. Above the keyboard is an integrated printer mechanism with paper roll attachment, used for generating physical audit trails on paper tape. To the right, a mechanical crank or motorized lever is visible, which would be used to cycle the internal gears and perform calculations. The condition appears well-used with visible dust accumulation and minor surface wear consistent with age, though the keys and basic housing remain intact. The craftsmanship reflects the industrial durability of mid-century office equipment, characterized by heavy-duty steel internals and tactile plastic keycaps. Such machines were the standard for accounting and banking before the advent of electronic calculators, representing a significant era in office automation history.