American Counting Machine Value Guide

The American Counting Machine, manufactured by the F.B. Redington Company of Chicago, is a quintessential piece of turn-of-the-century industrial history. Patented in 1897, these lever-action devices were essential for tracking output on high-speed printing presses and manufacturing lines.

What affects the value of American Counting Machine?

• Mechanical functionality and the smooth movement of the lever-action counting mechanism.
• The clarity and legibility of the original five-digit numerical display wheels.
• Overall condition of the cast iron housing, including the presence of original paint or patina.
• Completeness of the internal brass components and the integrity of the mounting brackets.

How to Identify American Counting Machine?

• Look for the specific patent date of November 16, 1897, cast into the metal housing.
• Verify the presence of the 'KEEP WELL OILED' instruction cast directly into the faceplate.
• Check for the F.B. Redington Company manufacturer mark, typically located in Chicago, Illinois.
• Confirm the five-digit numerical display and the heavy cast iron, brass, and steel construction.

History of American Counting Machine

Manufactured by the F.B. Redington Company of Chicago, this device was patented on November 16, 1897. These machines were industrial workhorses used on printing presses and production lines to track output accurately. The instruction to KEEP WELL OILED cast into the faceplate highlights the reliance on manual maintenance for mechanical longevity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.