Rare Mercedes Gauss Calculator from 1905

A Mercedes Gauss calculator C. 1905, Suitably named in honor of perhaps the most important mathematician ever, the German Carl Friedrich Gauss. This sensationally rare, stepped-disc calculating machine is for all four fundamental rules of arithmetic, and with indirect subtraction. Designed by renowned German engineer Christel Hamann of Berlin and made by the Mercedes-Bureau-Maschinen Ges. MbH, Berlin (German patent 194527 from 23 March 1905). The end of the 19th century saw the idea emerging of creating a new type of calculator, smaller and lighter than the heavy mechanical models of the time. This revolutionary model was the first iteration of that movement, exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris, where it was awarded a gold medal. The calculator was produced in extremely limited numbers from 1905 until 1911, with only one thousand ever made. This piece represents a significant milestone in calculating history, and thusly is exceedingly rare for one to, be presented to the auction market. Mechanically in sound condition, with some minor areas of lacquer loss to the removable steel cover that transports the calculator, and partially to the circular steel base. Original painted maker's mark to base still mostly intact. Leather strap handle originally connected to the transport cover has been lost height 10 cm, depth 18 cm (uncased)