The Itemizer
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The Itemizer is simple adder which was marketed at women shoppers. It is looks like a disc-shaped combination lock, as it has a knob on the front with 100 tickmarks around its edge. In the centre of that knob is a button that you can push down, and you can pop it up by pushing it up from the back. To the right of the knob is a window which shows part of an inner disc, displaying a number from 00 to 99, and to the left of the knob is a second window displaying the hundreds digit.
To add a number: Push in the button, rotate the knob to the required number,
pop up the button, and allow the knob to return to the zero position.
To subtract a number: Rotate the knob to the required number, push in the button,
rotate the knob to the zero position, and pop up the button.
To reset: Lift the reset key on the back of the machine and turn it
until both display windows show zero.
The Itemizer's box beares the following text:
Itemizer - For the calculatong woman
Itemizer - You can count on it ... to add ... to subtract
Itemizer - The handy purse size calculator
Clemens-Joyce, Merchandise Mart, Chicago 54, Illinois
I do not have the instruction leaflet, but its text is as follows:
Take your Itemizer along next time you go supermarketing. Use the adjustable strap to fasten it around your fingers or to the handle of the shopping cart. Each time you select an item from the shelf, dial its price on the Itemizer. You'll have a running total of your expenditures as you shop along. It's a simple way to avoid the embarrassment of running up a bill for more money than you have in your purse. It's an inconspicuous way to immediately verify the cash register receipt.
The Itemizer is handy, too, for fast figuring in an office... checking restaurant tabs... totaling household expenses... demonstrating simple addition and subtraction to school children.
Remember... if it's a problem of adding or subtracting, use the Itemizer... it's handy in a hundred ways.
It's as simple as adding one and one to get your totals on the Itemizer. Here's all you do...
TO ADD: Lift reset key in back and turn until "0's" in right and left hand windows are opposite arrows. Depress push button and turn white nylon dial clockwise until the number you wish to register is lined up with the large gold arrow. Release button by depressing from the rear. Repeat with each number to be added. (If number to be added is larger than 100 - $1 - make one complete turn of the dial until it stops. Release push button and repeat process for each additional 100 or dollar, after which add remaining digits or cents.)
TO SUBTRACT: Without depressing the center button, turn the white knob until the number to be subtracted is on line with the large arrow. Then depress the button and turn the knob counterclockwise until the 0 is even with the arrow. Release the button. The answer will appear in the windows. Remember, the Itemaizer had memory. A tital will remain in place until the calculator is cleared.
A handy plastic strap is uncluded with you Itemizer. It has an adjustable, snap buckle. Adjust the strap to fit the first three fingers of your hand, or snap around shopping cart handle or through belt loop.
The Itemizer is designed to give you uninterrupted, guaranteed, accurate service as long as you use it. Manufactured of high impact polystyrene plastic, the Itemizer includes precision steel parts and a dial and gear made of long wearing nylon. The Itemizer never needs oiling - requires only ordinary care in use. It's accurately and permanently calibrated.
The Greatest Gift Idea in Years
The Itemizer is ia "smart" gift for "smart" people. It's novel - it's elegant and modern - it's functional.
For the Bridal Shower... as a "bread and butter" present... for wife or mother... for "the girl in the office"... club prize... teacher gift... the Itemizer is perfect to give- wonderful to receive.
When the occasion demands a gift, the Itemizer is a thoughtful selection.
The patent for the Itemizer was filed by George S. Clemens in 1954, and presumably it was produced around that time. I have not found any advertisements or contemporary articles for it.
Here is a video where I demonstrate the Itemizer.
The Itemizer was patented by George S. Clemens, who presumably gave his name to Clemens-Joyce, the company selling the Itemizer. He has several other patents but they are all for toothbrushes.
| Patent | Filing date | Publish date | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US 2,719,006 | 15-03-1954 | 27-09-1955 | George S. Clemens | Hand Adding Machine |
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