Evolution of Comptometers 1904-The End (Models A-3D11)

Taking a look at the evolution of the Comptometer from the model A to the end of production

[@bwhog]

Excellent collection! I'm a bit jealous! Because these are mild steel, bent clearing levers are easily fixed with a small rubber or wooden mallet and an anvil surface (and a bit of knowledge of how to move metal.) I have had to fix several of these because people don't know how to package things correctly and I have yet to tear one. I bought a 12 column H which I was really looking forward to get but it got badly damaged in shipment because of such packaging and now its a restoration project. (The seller profusely apologized and duly compensated, so no hard feelings.) Assuming I can epoxy the keytops back together successfully, I expect to be able to get it working again but it will take some time. Interestingly, this one was, at some point way back, refinished into a textured grey. You can still see the copper underneath where the coating has chipped away. What I would like to get, (in addition to the presently absent models A, C, and E, and the supertotalizer) would be one of the British currency units and those sorts of variations.

[@Starwarsfan2099]

That is an awesome Comptometer collection!

[@bss1250]

Thanks, still hoping to find a wood cased model (and that I can afford it if I do)

[@jaapsch2]

Great video! I thought I had a pretty good Comptometer collection, but it is nothing compared to this - I have C, E, F, J, JST, M. I have yet to get the F and M working again.

[@bss1250]

Thanks, the model F was actually one of the first machines in my collection back in 2015. Still hoping to find a wood cased model (and that I can afford it if I do). I wanted to make this video since most people wouldnt have the opportunity to see all these side by side

[@kk4pqr]

Sorry for jumping into this old conversation, but I have to thanks both of you for introducing this wonderful machine to the new generation. After seeing your videos, both of you, I went on a hunt and now am the proud owner of a Model J, s/n J253753 in excellent working conditions. I can not thank you both enough. I think this machine can be used you teach kids math in a very interactive and fun way. Thank you.

[@afa3352]

好棒~~~

[@calcucris]

Very nice. I'm currently in the middle of the restoration of a wood cased model, and just like the comptograph that is quite similar in its mechanical design, it is a bit of a nightmare. It's a small wonder they ever got them to work reliably in the first place, when they were new. Great video!

[@bss1250]

Thanks, Im still hoping to find a wood cased model (and hoping I can afford it if I do), that would really complete the collection

[@GrumpyTim]

Awesome collection - we have a B, E and F - I really fancy a WM having seen your previous video, I like the leading zero suppression, definitely on the look out for one of those. Good luck with the search for a reasonably priced wooden box model.

[@bss1250]

Thanks, model M/WMs are pretty common over here, theres several on ebay currently at varying price points, although Im not sure what the shipping would be if you bought one from the US

[@GrumpyTim]

@@bss1250 Our model E came from the states, the shipping and duty cost more than the machine itself, probably worth it for a model E but maybe not a M or WM - I'm sure one will turn up over here for no money if I keep looking.

[@drfrancintosh]

I received a model B for Christmas and I'm excited to play with it. But the handle on my clearing mechanism is bent. I'm afraid to bend it back for fear of snapping. I wonder if you have any suggestions on how to fix it - or how to find a replacement handle.

[@bss1250]

Yes most likely if you try to bend it back it will break. The model B uses the same crank handle as the model F (also the A and E but those are rare), you might be able to find a poor condition model F and use the crank from it

[@drfrancintosh]

@@bss1250 Thank you for that advice. I was able to source a similar model on eBay for $25 and swapped the handle out. It's on my backlog to try heating the old handle and see if I can bend it back. I appreciate the feedback :)

[@andrewalt6060]

You're like the Thannos of comptometers now. So are you doing these restores as a hobby?

[@bss1250]

Not quite, I still need a wood cased model, but honestly I never expected I would be able to get all of these. And yes just as a hobby, I must admit my home is getting a little full of machines