This model is an interesting development of the previous 12e model. Keys are square, and there are two separate keys for Additions or Subtractions. A small lever, to the right of the “Plus-key” allows to push the carriage from left to right, while another lever below the “Minus-key” allows the carriage to be pushed again on the left. Both shifts are not electrically-driven. The shift from right to left is made thru a wire of nylon attached to a wheel driven by a spiral spring. On the picture below, the wire is attached to a fixed pin, while disassembling the machine, but when the carriage is put at its correct place, the wire is attached to the carriage.
back of the machine with the wheel driven by spiral spring
The nice keyboard with its octogonal keys
A particular feature of this model is the keyboard, having octagonal keys, and the method to control the numbers set on the keyboard. When a key is depressed, its value is shown on the front face of the key immediately above it. This is a simple method which is a substitute for “Register III”, generally available in other models. We must notice that this special feature is present only in models 12eN and 16eN.
This model was a very popular machine because of its small size, reliabilty and attractive price.
It has been sold for many years even after the appearance of full-automatic machines.