The PLUS Model A nameplate
The illustrations following show some of the labels and logos that have been found on Bell Punch machines in Australia. The serial numbers and patent lists on the nameplates are useful for dating the machines. Click on the images for larger versions.
The PLUS Model A nameplate
The nameplate on the underside of an early PLUS Model A gives only the serial number and a list of British and foreign patents.
The three US patents listed were filed by Guy Petter of Yeovil between 1923 and 1931, with the last being issued in December 1934. Although it is not listed on the label, the machine also contains Petter's duplexing mechanism, which did not receive its US Patent (2142286) until January 1939. These two patents put the date of manufacture between the start of 1935 and the end of 1938.
The London Computator Corporation nameplate
The London Computator Corporation (LCC) was set up in 1940 to handle the Bell Punch calculator products.
This brass nameplate (7" x 3" approx) is screwed to the underside of an early PLUS adder. It gives the name and address of the manufacturer, the addresses and phone numbers of the branches throughout Britain, a list of patent dates, and a 1-year written guarantee.
The four US patents listed are for the Petter mechanism (including the duplex lever), although the machine actually contains the improved Webb mechanism. The US patent for Webb's 1938 improvements was not issued until 1942.
The serial number (3774) is stamped into the nameplate, and also into the right-hand side plate of the mechanism.
The London Computator Limited nameplate
This nameplate from an early 12-column PLUS machine gives the maker's name as London Computator Limited. The patent list is the same as in the LCC version above.
Early Bell Punch Company nameplate
This hand-lettered steel nameplate from an early post-war PLUS machine gives the manufacturer as The Bell Punch Company Linited. The patent list still includes three of Petter's US patents, along with two of Christopher Webb's. The last (US 2356714) was issued in 1944.
The Bell Punch Company nameplate
A typeset version of the nameplate above, probably from around 1950. The serial number has advanced from 55,000 to 68,000.
Later Bell Punch Company nameplate
Following the introduction of the motor-driven Sumlock machines in the early 1950s, the nameplate was revised to include voltage and current ratings and a reference to British Standard BS 1909 for electrical safety requirements. The same label design was used into the 1960s, with gradually increasing lists of patents. The label illustrated is from a PLUS machine from the late 1950s, with a serial number just over 200,000. The last US patent listed (2662691) was filed in 1948 and issued in 1953, and relates to improvements to the actuating mechanism of the manually-operated Sumlock machine.
The Sumlock Anita Electronics nameplate
The "Sumlock Anita Electronics Company" was set up in 1966 to handle the Bell Punch range of mechanical and electronic calculators.
This self-adhesive aluminium nameplate is from a late-model PLUS machine that was originally built to add hours, minutes, and seconds. The serial number has advanced to almost 900,000. The last US patent (2956741) was issued in 1960 and relates to the multiplier mechanism of the Sumlomatic.
The Sumlock - Comptometer Corporation nameplate
This nameplate was used on the Sumlock machines produced for export to the Comptometer Corporation in America.
A bolt-on "Comptometer" badge was used on the front and rear panels of the machine, in the same size and style as the standard "Sumlock" badge. The nameplate underneath has had the manufacturer's name and the British patent details removed, perhaps to disguise its origins, although the standard Sumlock baseplate is still stamped "Made in Great Britain".
Anita 1011 nameplate
Although the Sumlock Anita Electronics Company was set up in 1966, this nameplate from a 1970 Anita 1011 still gives the manuafacturer as the Bell Punch Company. The model and serial numbers are on a separate label.
PLUS Model A roundel
An embossed paper roundel about 1-1/4" diameter is set into the back panel of the PLUS Model A. The text gives the machine name and the maker's details.
London Computator Corporation Roundel
The London Computator Corporation machines have a larger 1-1/2" roundel finished in gold and blue.
The text on this early version reads:
Guaranteed
Wholly made in England
for the
London Computator Corp'n. Ltd
39, St James's St. London
Bell Punch Company Roundel
This version from a 1950s machine has the Bell Punch Company at the same address. England has since become Great Britain.
Bell Punch A/sia Ltd
A distributor's transfer on the back of a PLUS adder from the 1940s. Bell Punch A/sia Ltd was presumably a subsidiary of The Bell Punch Company, itself a part of (Cash) Control Systems.
"A/sia" is an abbreviation for "Australasia", a fictitious region of the British Empire consisting primarily of Australia and New Zealand. It has nothing to do with Asia.
Control Systems A/sia Pty Ltd
A transfer from Control Systems A/sia Pty Ltd, from a later PLUS adder.
PLUS Training Manual
This training manual for the "PLUS Rapid Adder" was printed in Sydney by the Australian distributors (Control Systems) for use in their operator training schools.
The 12-page booklet has instructions and practice examples for addition and multiplication, covering both general calculations in the decimal system, and currency calculations in Sterling.