Featured in this lot is an 1896 brass National Cash Candy Store Register, Model 312. The serial number of this cash register is "1182349" and can be found on the metal tag below the glass case or underneath the cash drawer on the paper slip. Manufacturing and patent tags are attached to the underside of the cash drawer. Jack Ritty’s Incorruptible Cashier forever changed the way retail establishments would conduct everyday business. The first machines were sold not only for their functional ability, but also on their beauty – a fixture which every store owner would be proud to display in his establishment. The first cash registers were housed in elegant cabinets of polished wood. In 1888, ornate cases of brass and cast iron were produced. These fancy cases on cash registers ceased in 1915 due to demand for brass during World War I. Less expensive sheet metal versions were then produced and the era of the brass cash register ended after only 27 years. Even though brass cash registers have not been manufactured since 1915, they were refurbished and sold as used registers for the next three decades. In some cases, they can even be found in use today. The quality of the mechanisms in these machines, as well as the timeless beauty of their ornate cases, make it easy to understand why these one-time common business machines have become such a sought-after and coveted antique. This cash register has a very ornate exterior and is designed in the "Dolphin" pattern. The sides of the case and the front lid have a large "onion" or "carriage" and the top features a glass case where the prices were shown. The cash drawer and cash register base appear to be mahogany. National Cash Registers were made in red brass, nickel plate, and oxidized copper. National put solid nickel drawer fronts on the register, so the nickel plate wouldn't wear off. Supporting parts held metal features with nickel plating on the surface. Serial number dates this cash register to 1896. In addition to the wooden cash drawer and pop-up indicators at the top, the machine has two rows of keys. Keys in the top row are numbered 90, 70, 50, 35, 25, 15, and 5; Those of the bottom row are numbered $1, 80, 60, 40, 30, 20, 10. Inside a locked compartment above the keys is a register that reads dollars and cents up to $9999.99, a four-digit customer counter, and a two-digit no sale counter. The machine has no mechanism to assist the clerk in adding up totals for individual sales and no paper tape to serve as a receipt. It has serial number and model number on stamped brass placards at the top of the front face. The cash register functions in good working condition, all keys function as intended, interior bell chimes consistently. Exterior brass case is in good overall condition, no marring noted. This is a heavy cash register measuring 16" L x 10 1/4" W x 17" H and weighs approximately 75 pounds.*