Old Calculator Guide Appraisal

Orton's Lightning Calculator, and Accountant's Assistant by Hoy D. Orton

This item is an antique hardbound book titled 'Orton's Lightning Calculator, and Accountant's Assistant', authored by Hoy D. Orton. The title page indicates it was published or distributed by S.S. Bloom in Shelby, Ohio. Judging by the typography and known publication history of this specific work, it likely dates from the late 19th century, approximately 1866 to the 1880s. The physical construction features a hand-stitched binding visible along the internal gutter, showing individual thread knots that suggest a utilitarian yet durable Victorian-era assembly. The paper is an off-white or cream-colored pulp stock typical of the period. Notable condition issues include significant water staining (tidelines) visible along the top and bottom margins of the title page and the inside of the front cover. There is also general foxing and age-toning across the leaves. The spine and outer boards appear to be covered in a reddish-brown cloth or paper, which shows fraying at the edges and corners. The book's content serves as a mathematical shortcut guide for rapid business and accounting calculations, a popular genre for late 19th-century professionals. The typography uses a mix of serif and blackletter-style fonts for the title, emphasizing the authoritative nature of the text.