Mystery Gadget 52

Maybe this one is too easy? Purpose of this office machine?

The answer is here.

And after the jump.

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Posted By: Paul - Fri Sep 08, 2017
Category: Business | Technology | 1930s

Comments

I knew this, but only because I used one in the early 60's at one of my first jobs. Plus I do believe my dog tags were made using a similar machine.

Posted by Steve E. on 09/08/17 at 11:40 AM

I knew but mostly because I almost bought one at an auction (I want to say it was school surplus property, but it might have been a business bankruptcy). I really, really wanted it, but it would have meant driving home (about 60 miles) and coming back with my pickup. I think I bid it up to $4.50 and someone got it for $5 (this was in 1968 or 1969 when $5 was more than $30 today). Besides the neat mechanism, there was a beautiful rack holding maybe twenty cassettes full of plates.

Posted by Phideaux on 09/08/17 at 02:26 PM

I had no idea what it was, but I really did enjoy the old ads in that link. I'm also really surprised at how raunchy old magazines were. I counted at least two generous portions of side-boob in addition to that highly inappropriate upskirt photospread. Bizarro.

Posted by Kate on 09/08/17 at 08:31 PM

Yeah, there's an ad for Hammond organs (you can have one in your living room) for $1250 and up. In current dollars, that's over $21,000.

Posted by ges on 09/09/17 at 11:11 PM

Kate - Plus, back then, cigarettes were good for you, recommended by medical professionals.

Posted by RobK on 09/14/17 at 11:45 AM

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