National Cash Register Co. ornate mechanical cash register

Commercial Equipment / Antique Store Fixture

Uncommon

Identified on October 31, 2026

Estimated Value

$500-$1,500

An ornate early National Cash Register (NCR) mechanical cash register with highly decorative embossed metal panels, a glass top display area, and rows of numbered keys. The front panel is marked 'National' and the base plaque reads 'The National Cash Register Co., Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A.' A handwritten tag appears to indicate 'NCR Model 347' and a serial number, with a note referencing shipment from the Dayton factory and the year 1911. The register features a classic early 20th-century design with elaborate floral and scroll ornamentation typical of premium commercial fixtures from the period. The key layout and construction suggest a manual/mechanical register used in retail settings before electronic cash registers.

Era

Early 20th century, likely 1900s-1910s (Edwardian era)

Origin

United States, Dayton, Ohio

Material

Cast metal (likely nickel-plated brass/steel), glass top, wood base, painted/enamel number keys

Condition

Good overall for age; exterior appears largely intact with attractive original finish and decorative detail. Visible age-related wear, tarnish, and surface grime. No obvious major structural damage seen in the image, though internal function cannot be confirmed from photo.

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Physical Details

Dimensions

Approximately 18-24 inches wide, 16-20 inches tall, and 14-18 inches deep (estimate based on visible scale)

Weight

Heavy

Authentication

Authenticity Score

High - The visible NCR maker's plaque, period-appropriate construction, and styling strongly support authenticity; the handwritten tag may provide additional identification but is not independently verified from the image.

Provenance

Likely manufactured by The National Cash Register Company in Dayton, Ohio, and originally used in a retail business. The handwritten tag suggests a documented factory shipment and may indicate a specific model and serial number, but this should be independently verified against NCR records if available.

Historical Significance

National Cash Register machines are significant artifacts of American commercial history and the evolution of retail technology. Early ornate NCR registers are especially valued for their craftsmanship and as symbols of the modernization of point-of-sale systems in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Learn more about this type of antique

This identification and value range are AI-generated research aids, not authentication, certification, or a formal appraisal. Learn about the limitations and when to consult a qualified professional appraiser.