1901 Tabulating Machine Co Key Operated Card Punch Early Computer (6/2025)

Object/Artifact

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VintageComputer.Gallery

Name/Title

1901 Tabulating Machine Co Key Operated Card Punch Early Computer (6/2025)

Tags

IBM

Description

Card Punch Machine- Mounted on the side is the original brass tag, which reads “The Tabulating Machine Co. Washington DC Patented Sept 10, 1901 Frederick Hart & Co. Inc makers Poughkeepsie NY.” This is an early key-operated punch, based on patents of the computer inventor Herman Hollerith, which was made by Frederick Hart. From the early 20th century into the 1970s, Americans used punched cards to enter data into tabulating equipment and then into electronic computers. … This machine is original, including all its hard rubber buttons; however the top button is heavily worn and the other buttons have wear to the white letters and numbers. This rare machine is in working condition, and all the buttons press smoothly and easily. We put a piece of paper in and pressed down, and each button made a clean round hole. This early Tabulating Machine has a serial number 15665, and it still retains its original black paint; however, the unfinished iron surface has a light, removable, rusted surface. There are no other problems or any restorations

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

EBay

Date

Jun 2025