Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2006.08.01
- Made by: Brunsviga Maschinenwerte A.G. Braunschwei
- Model: 13Z (See commentary)
- Serial Number: Unknown
- Date Made: Circa 1934 to 1947
- Approximate size: The metal case: 50 cm width, 30 cm height
- Accessories: Metal case comprising a base and cover, a plastic cover, two manuals (in German), Waybill (in German), and a hand written note (see commentary). .
- Condition: Good
Commentary:
The full name for this calculator is Brunsviga-Rechmaschine Doppel 13Z. Rechmaschine Doppel translated from German to English is “Double Calculator” meaning it can preform two calculations at the same time. 13Z may be the model number. The number 13 refers to the number of digits that could be entered at the bottom of the calculator.The letter Z refers to “Zehner” which translated from German to English is “tens” which refers to tens in the revolutions counter.
It was ideal for calculating coordinates. The trigonometric functions are put in at the bottom of the calculator – the sine of the bearing on one side and the cosine on the other. The large crank on the right side is used to put in the distance which concurrently multiplies both the sine and cosine functions giving the x and y coordinates.
A handwriiten note with the calculator states: “Siegfried bought (it) in 1954 from lecturer at the Hamburg Institute of Technology before coming to Canada. – 750 marks, 1 1/2 months salary. Used in work at home (for) part time work for C H Weir 1955-57. Employed by Weir from 1957-67 full time. Probably manufactored during or prior to WW11. Lecturer bought it in 1947 (new). S.O. was trained on this type of calculator in school (Hamburg Institute).”
Source of Object: Donated by Siegfried Osterwoldt
Notes:
References: Visit the article Too Cumbersome for the Field – Mechanical Calculators for additional information.
Description by: Lou Breton in 2006 and Ed Titanich, September 27, 2024.