Odhner "Arithmos"
Yet another very peculiar machine, this one. It is a bog standard Original Odhner 27, with serial number 229167, apart from one strange twist: it has no "Original Odhner" on the top, but a decal similar to what was used in the 1920's, with a winged helmet and compass, just reading "Arithmos, Sverige". The normal "Original Odhner, Göteborg" on the top left of the setting plate is missing completely.
Since the serial number on this machine dates it back to 1945, I suspect that this may be a kind of "special anniversary edition" for the 100th anniversary of Willgodt T. Odhner, where they harked back to the start of the firm in Göteborg after the move from Russia, and to their first models named "Arithmos".
The firm also commissioned a promotional book for the 100th anniversary of W.T. Odhner, in which the Arithmos brand features.
The machine appeared on a second-hand site in the Netherlands, and was scooped up within hours by a reseller of mechanical calculators. I bought it from him at probably 500% profit, despite the somewhat derelict condition. This is the machine as it was on the website, including the fruit sticker at the back.
It had some other issues - broken crank handle grip, very dirty and dusty, and when it arrived here, it had a deformed top plate, which had sheared off one of the screws and made the setting pins drag. The carriage was completely immovable. Odhner used a zinc alloy for the carriage base, and they tend to not stand up to time well - it had deformed slightly, completely blocking the carriage in place. A bit of careful lubrication and hammering later, I managed to get it out, and sanded away the tight spots. Luckily the deformation wasn't too bad in this one.
So then work started in earnest to restore this special little machine. Top plate loose and clearing bar removed:
Broken screw - carefully tapped out with a drift and a brass hammer.
Some grime and dust on the pinwheel cylinder ...
Back taken off for cleaning
...much better
Carriage out (and handle grip off), cleaning up the paint
The handle had been brazed back in place rather crookedly after having been broken at some point - I've left the repair as it was, as it didn't disturb me much when I didn't yet know about it.
Some platework ...
Carriage cleaned up
...and back in place
And that's the machine finished - if anyone knows of another one, let me know!
Serial number:
Decal:
Dealer decal, mostly gone
Just to be sure, yes, it is made in Sweden!
