BRUNSVIGA 18 R, 1920

According to the manufacturer: “the double Brunsviga calculating machines are models specifically designed for geodesic calculations, mathematical work, establishment of amortization tables and many other complex or diverse issues of science and technology.”

This instrument was made by coupling of two machines. Each result mechanism has 18 digits, and each setting mechanism 9 digits. The setting mechanism of the two machines can be disconnected by a clutch mechanism. The two result mechanisms remain coupled. With this instrument, one can perform operations with a large number of digits (maximum 18) and optimize calculations by involving each machine in complementary ways.

It has two lap counters that can be reset separately, and a reversing mechanism.

Brunsviga, a significant name in the history of mechanical calculators, was established under the firm Grimme, Natalis & Co. in Braunschweig, Germany. Initially focused on sewing machines, the company transitioned to calculator manufacturing in the late 19th century, marking a pivotal shift in its business direction.

The origins of Brunsviga date back to 1871 when Carl Grimme and Kaufmann A. Natalis, previously independent sewing machine producers, joined forces. Their early focus was on domestic appliances, but by the 1890s, they recognized the growing demand for computational tools and diversified into producing calculating machines, which proved extremely successful.

Engineer Franz Trinks played a crucial role in this transition. In 1892, he secured the German manufacturing rights for the Odhner pinwheel calculators and began producing machines under the Brunsviga brand. The first Brunsviga calculators were based on W.T. Odhner's 1890 design. Trinks' contributions were significant; he developed and refined the Brunsviga calculator over almost 30 years, receiving over 40 U.S. patents and an Honorary Doctorate from the Braunschweig university for his work.

In 1921, Grimme, Natalis & Co. transitioned into a corporation (Aktiengesellschaft), and in 1927, the company name was changed to "Brunsviga Maschinenwerke Grimme, Natalis & Co AG", later simplified to "Brunsviga Maschinenwerke AG". This period saw the release of innovative models like the "New Brunsviga" in 1925 and the "13-series" in 1927.

The advent of electronic calculators in the mid-20th century posed significant challenges for Brunsviga. In 1957, the company entered into an agreement with Olympia Werke AG of Wilhelmshaven, part of the AEG group, leading to its absorption into Olympia in 1959. Production continued for a time under the Brunsviga Division of Olympia, but eventually ceased in the late 1960s. Throughout its existence, Brunsviga produced about half a million machines over almost eighty years.

Brunsviga's journey from a sewing machine manufacturer to a leader in mechanical calculators illustrates the dynamic nature of industrial innovation and adaptation. Their calculators, known for complexity, ingenuity, and function, left a significant mark in the history of computational devices.