Nat. Cash Reg. Co.

Ohio History

Cash Register Models

Mr. Patterson realized that the cash register would save stores a lot of money if only they would use them. In 1884, John and Frank Patterson bought the National Manufacturing Co. for $6,500, and changed its name to The National Cash Register Company (NCR). They advertised cash registers on the premise that stores would make more profits and lose less money, since employees could no longer steal money from the store. To the right above is an 1885 3-key demo model of a cash register. The one on the left demonstrates the remarkable improvements the Pattersons made to the machines!

Front Steps of NCR

No, you’re not seeing things—this is a picture of 543 cash registers all manufactured on one day at NCR! Needless to say, the Pattersons’ company was extremely successful and grew rapidly. One reason for this was NCR’s sales agents. Mr. Patterson actually had a camp on his estate where he trained future salesmen to standards far above the business world of the time.