A limited number of copies of the AMERICAN DIGEST OF BUSINESS MACHINES (1924) is available.  Use the link on the home page to find out how to get your copy.

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Low Keyboard Machines

This group of adding machines is comprised of all low keyboard, visible printing. This family of machines, to include the Class 3, 4, 4 Duplex, and 41, was later designated the Series V machines.

The Class 3 machines were first built by the Pike Adding Machine Company in Orange, New Jersey.  In 1909, Burroughs bought out the Pike Company and the Class 3 went on to become one of the most popular Burroughs machines.  Machines actually made by Pike are very rare today.

The construction of the machines was very reliable, and once again, the number of columns and the type of carriages created an array of styles.

The Class 3 machines were called the “visible model” because, unlike the Burroughs Class 1 and Class 2 machines, the printing could be seen at any time by the operator.  This visible feature corrected a long criticized problem of the older style Burroughs machines.

The Class 4 machines were quite similar to the Class 3, except they featured an optional multiplying keyboard arrangement and designed and featured for distribution and statistical work.

Class 3 – Single counter, low keyboard, visible printing

Date Range -- 1911-192x

Original Price -- $125-$400

Today’s Value -- $75-$250

Normal, small carriage machine

With original shipping box!

Wide carriage machine

Another wide carriage (note red Burroughs style font)

Class 4 – Single counter, low keyboard, visible printing, with special multiplication construction. Early machines had a dip in the case between the keyboard and the total display glass.  Older models eliminated this dip. The class 4 was followed Class 4 duplex (two registers) and by a Class 41 machine in the 1940s.

Date Range -- 1912-1945+

Original Price -- $200-700 depending on options

Today’s Value -- $150-$500

Early Class 4 on a stand

Early Class 4 with a wide carriage (Ledger posting machine)