Bassett Adder
The Bassett Adder No. 2 circa 1911
J.H. Bassett & Co., Chicago, ILL. USA
The Bassett No. 2 is a continuous band adder with an exterior of sturdy woven paper or treated thin cloth. Each digit has a celluloid band punched with holes. By referring to the numbers printed to the left, one inserts a stylus into the corresponding hole and slides the band to the bottom in order to add the number. The operator must manage the carry manually, as there is no tens carry mechanism. This particular piece has been rather brutally damaged on the second band, where all holes have been ripped through.
Here is an example of the same model in better condition:
The following advertisement comes from this helpful site:
Another photo of this later model from the office museum:
Here is a photo and text from an antique dealer: