Argy58
Sumlock Operator c1950s/60s
Before the digital age, mathematical calculations for commerce and industry were performed on manual, gear driven, table top calculator machines as showcased on this Sumlock badge. The 'comptometer' calculator shown above is in all probability a 912/S British model (9 rows,12 columns, S for sterling, hence the 912/S). Sumlock comptometers were made by the Bell Punch Company and distributed by Sumlock Comptometer Ltd. The model shown here was active in the 1950s and up to the mid-1960s. Trained operators would have received a badge similar to the one shown here; working hours were long and repetitive pressure on the keys required considerable stamina and focus.
The majority of operators were women and training, at various centres in Britain and across the globe, was rigorous. The Sumlock training school moto was 'Accuracy First, Speed Later'' and a British trained operator on a 912/S machine would have memorised, for example, every decimal in 16ths, 12ths, 8ths and 6ths. Operators were taught subtraction, multiplication and square roots as well as receiving a thorough understanding of the various calculations used by various companies and specialist industries.
However, with the dawn of the digital age taking a grip, Sumlock Comptometer machines became redundant and eventually superseded by digital computer technology.
Photography, layout and design: Argy58
(This image also exists as a high resolution jpeg and tiff - ideal for a
variety of print sizes e.g. A4, A3, A2 and A1. The current uploaded
format is for screen based viewing only: 72pi)
Sumlock Operator c1950s/60s
Before the digital age, mathematical calculations for commerce and industry were performed on manual, gear driven, table top calculator machines as showcased on this Sumlock badge. The 'comptometer' calculator shown above is in all probability a 912/S British model (9 rows,12 columns, S for sterling, hence the 912/S). Sumlock comptometers were made by the Bell Punch Company and distributed by Sumlock Comptometer Ltd. The model shown here was active in the 1950s and up to the mid-1960s. Trained operators would have received a badge similar to the one shown here; working hours were long and repetitive pressure on the keys required considerable stamina and focus.
The majority of operators were women and training, at various centres in Britain and across the globe, was rigorous. The Sumlock training school moto was 'Accuracy First, Speed Later'' and a British trained operator on a 912/S machine would have memorised, for example, every decimal in 16ths, 12ths, 8ths and 6ths. Operators were taught subtraction, multiplication and square roots as well as receiving a thorough understanding of the various calculations used by various companies and specialist industries.
However, with the dawn of the digital age taking a grip, Sumlock Comptometer machines became redundant and eventually superseded by digital computer technology.
Photography, layout and design: Argy58
(This image also exists as a high resolution jpeg and tiff - ideal for a
variety of print sizes e.g. A4, A3, A2 and A1. The current uploaded
format is for screen based viewing only: 72pi)