Portable Adders
While all adding machines could be transported, this group consists of a much lighter machine type released in the 1920's. This group of adding machines of the portable design were called "full keyboard" machines (9 number keys in each column, number of columns varied by style). These machines could be electric motor powered or manually powered by a hand crank.
The Class 8, 9, 10, and Series P were the mainstay of the adding machine business for many years. Burroughs built a tremendous number of configurations over the years, all designed around the same basis invention of the first “Portable” machine.
Early machines were black in color, while later models were most often brown. During the war years, most production was designated for military use and all machines were painted army green.
A significant change in the Burroughs product line from the early Class 1, 2, and 3 machines, with their heavy construction, the Burroughs Portable was the answer to competition from Victor, American, Barrett, Standard, Universal, Wales, and many other portable machines of the time.
The Class 10 machines were specifically built for receipting applications such as bank teller use, or for cash register use. These machines had special keyboard capabilities and unique carriage construction. While very common in banks for years, these models are more difficult to locate today.
While all adding machines could be transported, this group consists of a much lighter machine type released in the 1920's. This group of adding machines of the portable design were called "full keyboard" machines (9 number keys in each column, number of columns varied by style). These machines could be electric motor powered or manually powered by a hand crank.
The Class 8, 9, 10, and Series P were the mainstay of the adding machine business for many years. Burroughs built a tremendous number of configurations over the years, all designed around the same basis invention of the first “Portable” machine.
Early machines were black in color, while later models were most often brown. During the war years, most production was designated for military use and all machines were painted army green.
A significant change in the Burroughs product line from the early Class 1, 2, and 3 machines, with their heavy construction, the Burroughs Portable was the answer to competition from Victor, American, Barrett, Standard, Universal, Wales, and many other portable machines of the time.
The Class 10 machines were specifically built for receipting applications such as bank teller use, or for cash register use. These machines had special keyboard capabilities and unique carriage construction. While very common in banks for years, these models are more difficult to locate today.
Class 8 - Full keyboard machines with adding capability only.
Date Range -- 1925-196x
Original Price -- $100
Today’s Value -- $50-$150
Style 80801 (Class 8 adder, 8 columns, standard carriage, hand operated). This is an early example that can be identified by the single screw in the lower front of the case.
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Class 9 - Full keyboard machines with adding and subtracting capability. Can be electric or manual.
Date Range -- 1926-196x
Original Price -- $200
Today’s Value -- $50-$150
The early Class 9 machines had a subtract lever in the lower right side of the keyboard.
Electric model with black add and subtract motor bars - look close, right side of keyboard. Very popular wide carriage model (91053W)
Class 10 - Full keyboard style machines with features for bank teller and receipting functions
Date Range -- 1947-197x
Original Price -- $500
Today’s Value -- $75-$200
Series P – Later model (note the switch to brown) full keyboard machines in many styles with many features.
Date Range -- 1948-197x
Original Price -- $200-$400
Today’s Value -- $50-$125
Later model - note the square keytops and a complete cover over the ribbon area.
Later model P200 style machine.
Much later machine with plastic case (P1323) These machines were made at the Burroughs plant in France.
P1300 with wide carraige.