National Cash Register (NCR) Model 52/14 cash register

Mechanical Register / Store Equipment

Uncommon

Identified on October 31, 2026

Estimated Value

$400-$1,200 as displayed decorative/collectible condition; potentially higher if fully functional, original, and properly documented

This is an ornate early National Cash Register Co. mechanical cash register, identified by the NCR branding on the base and the handwritten tag noting Model 52/14 and a 1905 shipment from the Dayton, Ohio factory. The register features highly decorative repoussé-style floral and scrollwork panels, a glass upper display area, and a row of denomination keys including a $1 key and multiple cent values. The design is typical of the elaborate late Victorian to Edwardian NCR registers made for retail counters, combining utility with substantial ornamental casting. The piece appears to retain its original architectural form and much of its decorative surface, though the exact working status cannot be confirmed from the image.

Era

Early 20th century, circa 1905–1910 (Edwardian / turn-of-the-century)

Origin

United States (Dayton, Ohio)

Material

Cast metal (likely brass/bronze finish over iron or steel), glass, painted/enameled number buttons, wood base

Condition

Good to Fair; appears cosmetically presentable with attractive original decorative finish, but shows age-related wear, tarnish, surface oxidation, and likely mechanical unknowns. Key is present; no obvious major breaks visible from the front.

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Physical Details

Dimensions

Approximately 18-22 inches tall, 14-18 inches wide, and 16-20 inches deep (estimate based on visible scale)

Weight

Heavy

Authentication

Authenticity Score

High; the NCR branding, construction style, key layout, and period ornamentation are consistent with an authentic early National Cash Register. The handwritten note supports the identification, though the exact model number should be verified against serial markings.

Provenance

Likely manufactured by The National Cash Register Company in Dayton, Ohio, and originally used in a retail business in the United States. The handwritten note suggests it was shipped from the Dayton factory in 1905, which is plausible for this model family.

Historical Significance

Early NCR registers are historically significant as icons of American retail modernization and industrial design. They represent the transition to standardized cash control in stores and are prized for their elaborate decorative casting and mechanical ingenuity. Early 1900s NCR models are especially collectible when original and complete.

Restoration Notes

•No obvious restoration is visible from the front image.
•Possible surface polishing or cleaning may have occurred, but this cannot be confirmed.
•Mechanical restoration status unknown.

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.