St. Louis Cash Register Co. mechanical cash register
Estimated Value
$250-$700
This appears to be an early mechanical cash register made by the St. Louis Cash Register Company, identified by the front plaque reading 'ST. LOUIS' and the small maker's plate at the base. The register has a heavy cast-metal body with decorative embossed panels, a curved front number window or indicator band, a side operating lever, and a top handle/frame. The design is utilitarian but ornamented, typical of early 20th-century commercial equipment. The handwritten note visible in the image suggests a date range of 1915–1920, which is plausible based on the styling. The piece shows original aged finish and moderate wear consistent with age.
Era
Early 20th century, approximately 1915–1920
Origin
United States, likely St. Louis, Missouri
Material
Cast metal (likely brass/bronze-toned alloy) with wood base and internal steel components
Condition
Good overall condition with visible age-related patina, surface wear, and dust; appears structurally intact. No obvious major breaks visible in the image, but functionality is unknown and the mechanism may need servicing. Keys are present.
Physical Details
Dimensions
Approximately 18-22 inches tall, 12-16 inches wide, and 12-16 inches deep
Weight
Heavy
Authentication
Authenticity Score
High - The visible maker's name, period construction, and age-consistent design strongly support authenticity, though the exact model and date cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
Provenance
Likely manufactured by The St. Louis Cash Register Co. in St. Louis, Missouri, for retail/commercial use in the United States. The handwritten note suggests it may have been acquired from a private collection or estate, but exact provenance is unknown.
Historical Significance
Mechanical cash registers are important artifacts of early retail history, reflecting the rise of standardized point-of-sale systems in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. St. Louis Cash Register Co. pieces are less commonly encountered than NCR registers and can be of interest to collectors of commercial ephemera and industrial antiques.
Restoration Notes
- •No clear evidence of restoration visible in the image
- •Possible cleaning or polishing may have occurred, but not enough evidence to confirm
- •Wear to finish and patina appear consistent with age
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.
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