The number-keys of the Dalton 10-key adding-listing machine were a bit damaged. Some keys were 'mangled' as if by being burned (cigarette?) and the legends were worn off. From a local pick-up wreck-machine, a surprisingly clean set of original keys could be taken:
Replacing with clean keys, the cleaned-up woodgrain Dalton's keyboard looks much better - readable numbers:
The worn keys were then put on the 'wreck' machine. Swap.
This dusty-brown donor-machine originally was lacquered black. It's probably the same basic Dalton model 181-4 as my woodgrain specimen, but is a few (~3) years older. (The woodgrain finish probably came in around 1929 or 1930, superseded by a plain dark-green probably around 1932 or 1933. By then, these large 'little giants' of the 'super model' line were obsoleted by the new 'Portable' model derived from the Brennan.) The finish has not aged well; apart from large rust-areas either the paint or a varnish-layer is 'cracking' and drawn-up in spots.
The machine obviously lacks spools and ribbon - otherwise it actually still functions. After a few cycles to overcome some sluggish spot in the input-register, it calculates fine. The only thing noticeable now is that the crank-return is not dampened - internal damper must have lost all its oil. Still impressive.
The serial number places it in late 1926 or early 1927 - so this machine was made right around the time of the merger of Dalton with Remington, Rand Kardex and Baker-Vawter Ledger into the new Remington-Rand company.
Now what to do with a surplus Dalton new "Super Model" machine? - cosmetically terrible, but looks to be functionally perfect. Perhaps first some new spools to be made for it, then see what to do :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment