ORIGINAL ODHNER #2, 1878

This machine has a 10-digit setting mechanism, a 13-digit result mechanism on a movable carriage and a lap counter allowing for a multiplier of 8 digits maximum.

The procedure for the multiplication is simple: you set the multiplicand on the setting mechanism and turn the crank to make as many additions as necessary.

This operation benefits from the lap counter located at the bottom of the movable carriage.

Simply stop the rotation of the crank when the number of the multiplier appears in the lap counter, then shift the movable carriage, and repeat this sequence until full treatment of all digits of the multiplier.

These machines had reliability problems in their first version due to their intensive use, which resulted in blocking the result mechanism.

Willgodt Theophil Odhner (1845-1905), a Swedish engineer and inventor, is best known for his invention of the "Original Odhner," one of the most iconic mechanical calculators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Odhner's life story is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the pursuit of practical solutions to complex problems.

Born in Dalby, Sweden, Odhner showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering. His journey as an inventor began in earnest after moving to Russia, where he settled in St. Petersburg. This vibrant city, brimming with industrial activity, provided the ideal backdrop for Odhner's inventive aspirations.

In St. Petersburg, Odhner took up employment in a machine shop, where he was able to apply and expand his mechanical skills. It was during this period that he began to conceptualize a new design for a mechanical calculator. Odhner's vision was to create a device that was simpler, more reliable, and more affordable than the existing calculators of that time, which were often cumbersome and expensive.

The culmination of Odhner's efforts was the "Original Odhner" calculator. Introduced in the late 19th century, this device was revolutionary for its simplicity and efficiency. It featured a novel pinwheel design, which Odhner patented in 1890. This design allowed for easier and more accurate calculations, making it a valuable tool for businesses, scientists, and educators.

Beyond the technical brilliance of the Original Odhner, what stood out was Odhner's dedication to making calculating machines more accessible to a wider audience. His design significantly reduced the cost of production, enabling more people to benefit from this technological advancement.

Odhner's impact on the field of mechanical calculating devices was profound. His invention not only changed the landscape of computational tools but also inspired a multitude of similar devices, making the pinwheel mechanism a standard in mechanical calculator design for decades to come.

Odhner passed away in 1905, but his legacy lived on through the continued production and evolution of the Original Odhner calculators. His invention remained popular well into the 20th century, a testament to the enduring nature of his innovative design.