Description

FIRST FORM OF WEBB’S ADDER, American, c.1875, signed “C.H. Webb, N.Y., ‘The Adder,’ Patd. March 10th, 1868,” #C671. Made of sheet brass on mahogany, 6-3/4″ (17 cm) overall, this is the uncommonly found early form of Webb’s “two-wheeled velocipede of figures.” Described in detail by Kidwell in Rittenhouse (1, 12), it was succeeded by Webb’s popular all-metal version. This is a good example of this American calculating instrument, in fine condition, with photocopies of Webb’s instructions and glorious testimonials. The New York Times of 2 Jan. 1869 headlines “‘The Adder’ — Arithmetical Not Zoological.” And from Inventors and Manufacturers’Gazette of the same month, “This ‘Adder’ can easily be worked in a room where a dozen persons are engaged in conversation, and the operator himself can talk during the adding process without fear of blunders.” Webb himself seems to have been a man of many talents. Under the pen name “John Paul” he was the “wise and witty New York correspondent” to the Springfield, Massachusetts Republican; he authored Wickedest Woman in New York, and was the playwright for numerous burlesque performances.