Collectible Cash Registers

Collectible Cash registers possess an unmistakable nostalgic value, propagated by movies and books. Everyone is familiar with the 'TRINGGGG' - the nostalgic sound of a cash register popping opening and many old timers long to hear that sound and expect it after a purchase is made. This is just one of the reasons for the popularity of collectible cash registers, but alas almost all merchants today have changed to plastic swiping machines, while some are dual purpose that accept cash and plastic. So a cash register is truly on its last legs and has now become a collector's fancy, though not many people indulge in collectible cash registers.

You need not be a crooked sales clerk from the 60's to dip your hands in the till; you can do it guilt free if you have a passion for collectible cash registers. Brass NCR cash registers have been among collector's inventory for long but dedicated cash register collectors have arrived on the scene and are in their infancy, making this is the right time to get on board the cash register collection wagon.

Soon after the American Civil War, saloon owner James Ritty wanted to stop his employees from peculating, so he invented a machine in 1879, after observing the revolution of a steam ship. Shortly thereafter, Ritty could not manage two businesses, so he sold the cash register business to Eckert of Cincinnati who formed the National Manufacturing Company. In 1884 Eckert in turn sold the company to Patterson, who named the company the National Cash Register Company.

There is a lot of post civil war history attached to the collectible cash registers so all the more reason to acquire and maintain an old brass register. This hobby is hands on and requires a great deal of dedication and attention to detail in addition to basic mechanical aptitude. Collectors can start from later models and go back in time as the fancy bites into them. The best way of learning all about collectible cash registers is to join a collector's club; they not only guide you through the teething period but will also help you get started with a small collection.

Collectible cash registers will catch up soon and when it does you want to be in the thick of things, like guiding new hobbyists and giving expert opinion on makes and models. So learn about the technicalities of the machine and make sure you know everything about the right places and prices. Above all it gives you great satisfaction when operating a relic that is maintained in mint condition. Who knows your successors may laugh all the way to the bank just by selling one collectible cash register.