Star Adding Machine Value Guide

The Star Adding Machine is a significant piece of 1920s office history, manufactured by the Todd Protectograph Company in Rochester, New York. It is highly collectible for its unique nine-column lever system, which offered a compact and affordable alternative to the massive Burroughs calculators of the era.

What affects the value of Star Adding Machine?

• Mechanical functionality and the smooth operation of the finger-levers and clearing mechanism.
• The condition of the original paint and the clarity of the numerical markings on the columns.
• Presence of the original wooden mounting base, which is often damaged or missing.
• Overall cosmetic state, specifically looking for rust on the steel components or cracks in the Bakelite parts.

How to Identify Star Adding Machine?

• Look for the 'Star' branding and the Todd Protectograph Company manufacturer name on the metal housing.
• Verify the presence of the nine distinct red finger-lever inputs used for numerical entry.
• Check for the original wooden base and the heavy steel or cast iron body construction.
• Confirm the mechanical gear system is visible or accessible through the internal chassis.

History of Star Adding Machine

Manufactured by the Todd Protectograph Company of Rochester, New York, the Star was a popular mechanical adder in the 1920s. It utilized a system of levers and gears rather than a complex keyboard to allow for a more compact and affordable desk calculator compared to the massive Burroughs machines of the era.