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The cash register was invented in 1879 by James Ritty, a saloon owner in Dayton, Ohio. He produced the Incorruptible Cashier by modeling its inner workings after a device that was used to count the spins of an ocean liner's propeller in the engine room. The first cash register had metal keys that were embossed with denominations to mark the amount of sale and a bell to indicate that the register was ready to receive the cash.

The rights to Ritty's invention were purchased by Jacob H. Eckert, and then again by John H. Patterson. Patterson, who was a partner in the National Manufacturing Company, bought out his fellow investors and renamed the company the National Cash Register Company. His business became one of the leading manufacturers of cash registers of the 20th century. Today, the National Cash Register Company is known as NCR Corporation. They continue to manufacture modern electronic cash registers and computerized financial systems for businesses.

NCR antique cash registers are highly desirable to collectors today. They were manufactured with ornate designs on the outsides in brass, bronze, and nickel plate. These registers were also clearly marked with serial numbers, making them easy to date. Only two other cash register companies survived to manufacture registers in the 20th century: Ideal and Michigan.


Quick Facts

  • One method John H. Patterson used to grow his business was to buy up smaller cash register companies to eliminate the competition. He was convicted of violating anti-trust laws in the 1910s. This is one of the main reasons other cash register companies did not survive
  • The most collectible NCR registers include series 500 machines which were used by department stores and registers with a DR key, or dining room key, that were used by hotels
  • NCR cash registers in excellent working condition usually sell for over $2,000. The oldest models from the 1880s can sell for as high as $15,000

Recommended Items at Auction

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Modern Replica National Cash Register Brass Model 313 Special Edition
Aug 02, 10:00 AM EDT
Modern Replica National Cash Register Brass Model 313 Special Edition
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$504 Bids
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National Cash Register Receipt Box with Original Key, 7 x 7 x 6 in. (17.8 x 17.8 x 15.2 cm.)
Jul 27, 4:00 PM CDT
National Cash Register Receipt Box with Original Key, 7 x 7 x 6 in. (17.8 x 17.8 x 15.2 cm.)
by Asselmeier May Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$301 Bid
Early 1900s National Cash Register Model No.855
Aug 23, 10:00 AM MDT
Early 1900s National Cash Register Model No.855
by Kraft Auction Service
Est: $0- $0
$250 Bids
Antique National Brass Cash Register
Aug 14, 11:00 AM EDT
Antique National Brass Cash Register
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $300- $500
$100 Bids
Antique Brandt Automatic Cashier
Jul 31, 10:00 AM EDT
Antique Brandt Automatic Cashier
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
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Tombstone F.N. Wolcott National Cash Register
Jul 26, 9:00 AM MDT
Tombstone F.N. Wolcott National Cash Register
by North American Auction Company
Est: $1,500- $3,000
$5000 Bids
Antique National Cash Register Brass Model 313 Candy Store Model
Aug 02, 10:00 AM EDT
Antique National Cash Register Brass Model 313 Candy Store Model
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
Circa 1910 National Cash Register Double Drawers
Jul 27, 12:00 PM EDT
Circa 1910 National Cash Register Double Drawers
by Main Auction Galleries
Est: $500- $800
$2500 Bids
Antique National Cash Register Brass Model 332 Durham N.C.
Aug 02, 10:00 AM EDT
Antique National Cash Register Brass Model 332 Durham N.C.
by Mebane Antique Auction
Est: $100- $10,000
$500 Bids
AMERICAN BRANDT AUTOMATIC CASHIER.
Jul 26, 10:00 AM EDT
AMERICAN BRANDT AUTOMATIC CASHIER.
by Amelia Jeffers
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
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Brass National Cash Register, Model 337, Circa 1908-1912, 19 x 16 x 17 in. (48.3 x 40.6 x 43.2 cm.)
Jul 27, 4:00 PM CDT
Brass National Cash Register, Model 337, Circa 1908-1912, 19 x 16 x 17 in. (48.3 x 40.6 x 43.2 cm.)
by Asselmeier May Auctions
Est: $400- $600
$1000 Bids
A National cash register
Jul 19, 9:30 AM PDT
A National cash register
by Clars Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids
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NATIONAL CASH REGISTER MODEL 313
Aug 10, 1:00 PM EDT
NATIONAL CASH REGISTER MODEL 313
by Freedom Auction Company
Est: $300- $600
$1000 Bids
NATIONAL CASH REGISTER MODEL 317, circa 1910. - H: 17 3/8 in.; W: 10 in.
Jul 17, 11:00 AM EDT
NATIONAL CASH REGISTER MODEL 317, circa 1910. - H: 17 3/8 in.; W: 10 in.
by Sloans & Kenyon
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Registers


Mebane Antique Auction

Mebane Antique Auction

Clars Auctions

Clars Auctions

Bodnar's Auction Sales

Bodnar's Auction Sales