Calculator - 1950-1960 - Two calculating machines

Attention to discerning collectors, history enthusiasts of office machinery, and fans of industrial or retro décor. I am offering for sale an inseparable lot consisting of two authentic electromechanical adding and calculating machines, dating from the hinge between the 1960s and 1970s. This duo brings together two giants of engineering of the era: the emblematic American brand Burroughs and the prestigious Swiss manufacturer Precisa.

These two pieces represent a fascinating era, just before the electronic consumer revolution, when precision mechanics ruled in offices, banks, and large administrations.

1. The American machine: BURROUGHS
The first piece in this lot is a machine from the famous American brand Burroughs, a true pioneer in the field of calculating machines since the late nineteenth century.

Aesthetics and design: This specific model features a metallic body in olive green or khaki—a color emblematic and ubiquitous in 1950s-70s office equipment. It is a sturdy piece with timeless design, testifying to the dawning automation of accounting tasks.
Keyboard and features: It is equipped with the era’s modern standard: a compact ten-key keyboard (0 through 9) complemented by function keys for totals, subtotals, and multiplications.

Mechanism: The ribbon ink printer mechanism is located on the upper part. The removable protective cover is present and supplied with the machine, as well as its original power cord.

2. The Swiss machine: PRECISA Model 164-12
The second machine is a superb Precisa model 164-12, manufactured in Switzerland by Precisa A.G. Rechenmaschinenfabrik in Zurich (serial number B 927193). Swiss watchmaking and mechanical prowess are widely renowned, and this machine is dazzling proof of that.

Industrial design: It visually stands out with a very elegant two-tone body, merging a deep pastel blue on the top section with a cream/beige base. Its softened lines are characteristic of 1960s design.
Banking keyboard: Its keyboard is particularly interesting for specialists: in addition to the ten traditional black keys, it includes “00” and “000” keys designed to drastically speed up input of large financial amounts. The operation and erasure keys are in bright red to facilitate fast blind typing.

Technical specifics: Under the removable blue hood lies a fascinating micromechanics, with the printing carriage and supports for double spools. The manufacturer’s plate indicates it is bi-voltage (110-250V) with a power of ninety watts.

Condition and operation
These two machines are sold in their original patina with their patina intact. They naturally bear the marks of years of intensive use in offices: superficial scratches on the paint, light nicks on the edges, and some adhesive residue (especially on the left side of the Precisa housing). They are visually complete with their respective power cords.
However, given their venerable age and the old electrical standards that differ greatly from ours, they have not been plugged in or tested recently. They are sold as-is, unrefurbished. They will be perfect for a skilled mechanical enthusiast looking to embark on a restoration project, or will serve as beautiful static display objects.

Decorative potential and uses
This lot has exceptional decorative potential. These two imposing machines will fit perfectly in the display case of an accounting firm, on the counter of a shop, or at the center of a large solid-wood desk in a loft or industrial-style interior. They are also highly sought-after period accessories by film set designers, theater companies, or escape room designers wishing to recreate the authentic ambiance of Cold War offices or 1960s-70s environments.

Pickup and shipping
Warning, these two devices house substantial engine blocks and solid metal chassis, which makes the entire lot extremely heavy and challenging to handle.
In-person pickup: Because of the considerable weight, in-person pickup is highly preferred to avoid any risk of damage.
Shipping: If postal or private carrier shipment is your only option, I commit to performing ultra-secure, armored, and generously cushioned packaging to protect these historical treasures during transit.

I remain fully available via messaging to answer all your questions or to provide additional photographs.