I have received a couple of e-mails because I haven’t blogged in a few days. Nothing is wrong, but I live by the philosophy that you shouldn’t type it into a computer if you don’t want it to appear on the front page of the New York Times. Life outside of work has been good but work has been very hectic and right now it would be best if I didn’t vent needlessly on that right now. All is well. Now onto my scheduled programming.
Behind this suave and irresistibly cute exterior lies the heart of a geek. I have always been a geek. I have always found interest in the things that most find mundane. Much of my geek focus is on technology and my love of computers, however, I was geek long before computers were commonplace, and one of my early interests (that eventually led me to computers) was cash registers.
Standing in line at your favorite supermarket and other store today is a relatively quiet experience, aside from the bad sounding muzak, bellows of price check requests over the PA system and the cry of a cranky baby. One hardly notices the sound of the cash register these days, aside from the confirmation beep of a successful scanning of an item. However, when I was a kid, the same atmosphere was augmented by the sounds of the mechanical cash registers. There was no scanning, there was rarely change computation and there was no self-service checkout lane.
Back in the day a usually nice clerk or cashier rang up your order on a big mechanical adding machine with a drawer attached. Some were even lucky to keep working if the power went out, they just attached a crank to the side and did the same thing with a little bit of elbow grease.
I have always had an interest in mechanical cash registers. I discovered them very early on in my childhood. I noticed that the big NCR cash registers at the P & C (grocery store) were the same as the cash registers at the Mattydale K-mart. I noticed that the registers at the new (at the time) Ames store were the same as the ones at Westons Department Store except Ames had three rows of department keys and Westons only had two. The theory behind their operation was the same and by third or fourth grade I pretty much had it figured out how to work these registers. Without looking at the checkstands I could tell by the sound of the register if it was made by NCR or Sweda. Swedas were my favourite. They ‘sounded’ crisper and a little more modern. Back in 2005, Earl and I were visiting a market in Toronto with our friends Steve and Tim and over the sounds of the open air type vendor thing they had going on, I heard the distinct sound of a Sweda cash register. I said to Earl, “I know that sound” and I led him over to where I heard it and proudly said, “see, it’s a Sweda cash register.”
He didn’t think I was crazy, he just grinned in the way he does when he knows he has a geek for a husband.
Now I have had my school clock collection going for 10 or 11 years. It’s working brilliantly, all the clocks look great and I had the variety I wanted to collect from the specific manufacturer that I had my eye on (The Standard Electric Time Company of Springfield, Mass.) A couple of weeks ago I decided that it was time to move into another hobby – the restoration of a mechanical cash register made by Sweda. I took a look on ebay and found one reasonably priced that wasn’t located too far away. These registers really can’t be shipped because they’re way too heavy.
Today we took a drive into the Catskill Mountains and picked up the first (of several?) cash register for my restoration project.
Introducing my Sweda Model 46.
This register is nearly identical to the register that was used at the locally owned “Red and White” supermarket that was down the street from my parents’ house. I’m guessing it was manufactured sometime in the mid 1960s. It needs some work and it’s missing the key that unlocks the journal tape but other than that it’s a good way to tinker and learn a little bit about these machines. And it’s wicked heavy.
I have had it here at the house for about an hour and I just figured out how to route the receipt tape so that it shoots out when the drawer opens. It’s adding everything correctly and seems to be mechanically sound. It can be used electrically or by crank but I haven’t tried the crank yet.
This is my new project that will take me off the grid and away from technology for the times when my brain needs to defrag. I’m very excited about it.
I’m a very excited geek tonight.
I remember learning to use a cash register in my uncle’s drugstore during the summer of 1972. I learned how to count change back to a customer. All of this at ten years of age.
I have a sweda model 46 but it was used in clothing or something not grocery was wondering if you are interedted in this at all it is stainless steel and very nice but I need a key the lady I purchased it from lost the key if nothing else can you tell me where I may get a key thank you
I know this is an old post, but wondering if you still have it?
I have just aquired a Seeds Model M. Would you be interested in That?
That’s a Sweda model M
I just picked up a cool model w6 with a 4 drawer base….if interested
That’s incredible !!!
I had several Sanyo Sweda cash registers as toys when I was a child…
I had one mechanical Sanyo cash registers, and two programmable Swedas: a 3040L with 40 depts and 99 PLUs and an older 30RL š
I still miss the 14 characters impact printers they had š
Hi
I had every kind of register when I was a kid. Every year I got a newer model.
I just got a Sweda Model 46 it works but it has no keys. Any idea where I can get a set?
Have fun with your Sweda!
Hi, I just came across your post about the sweda register and was wondering how much they go for? And if there’s someone I can call about questions. Thank you
I was trained in the 1960’s to repair Sweda Cash Registers. After 50 years in the repiar business I retired and have a small shop in my basement. I have many Sweda Cash Register parts, keys, ribbons etc.
If I can help you with keys, or anything else, please contact me at nschmid@chorus.net
I have many keys and parts for Sweda Cash Registers.
Each lock has a number stamped on it. Get me the no. and I probably have a key for it.
nschmid@chorus.net
DO you still have keys for the Sweda Registers? I have a model 46
I was trained to repair the Sweda Cash Registers and am now retired. I have many parts and keys available.
Contact me at nschmid@chorus.net
I bet you know what type & size the receipt & journal paper is, I couldn’t find anything on the paper sizes. Thanks so much
I happened to stumble upon your video on the Sweda register you picked up which you are restoring (or have already restored). When I was a kid growing up in Los Angeles, I worked in a grocery store called Trader Joe’s, which was a small chain back then. The first five years I worked there , we had Sweda model 46 registers, which were fun to operate. We finally migrated to electronic machines (Tec) which were more automated, but were slow compared to the old Sweda registers.
Anyway, after watching you video, that inspired me to hunt down and buy an old Sweda register, which I picked up yesterday, and plan on cleaning up and making some minor repairs on (if I can figure things out). This particular machine is customized for the food service industry, and is a model 76 machine, which looks very similar to the 46. The machine works very well, yet I need some replacement keys and such.
Thanks for the great story.
Tom
BTW, the feature on your Sweda model 46 that allows you to ring up items with the 1 through 9 cent keys rather than hitting the motor bar is called “Power Penny”.
Marv’s e-mail address has changed to nschmid420@charter.net
Hi:
Do you know where I can get X & Z keys, crank & manual for model 46 sewda cash register.
I have a sweda model 76 register which could be considered in perfect condition; however, I have lost the keys, how do I get some keys and crank for it?
it is good to know everyone likes the sweda i have many and want a service manual i have met some great guys around the world cashregisters are so fun indeed
Did you ever find out where you could obtain a manuel for the model 46?? Also any keys X / Z keys & a crank?? Thanks for your time.
I picked up a Sweda 46 in Denver today. Beautiful condition – and has the keys. Would anyone have a copy of the users manual? I need to figure out how to get receipt paper into it, and what the various keys do. It has X, Z and an unmarked key in the lower right. It also has a No Ticket key – how does one go about removing that key?
Thanks.
Jim
Did you try truning then trying to remove?
Turn X, Z or C key as far right as possible (to the / position) and pull out key.
Since my last response, back in Dec 2010, I have seeked out and purchased three Sweda registers. They are all model 46 machines. The second is a grocery machine from an old Safeway store, that works pretty well, but had a few minor problems. The third is one I had shipped from New Mexico, and has many problems. My fourth, which is my favorite, is a grocery machine from British Columbia, Canada, which works great, but has a few minor issues, most likely resulting from non-use for many years. The two grocery machines are “Power Penny” operation. The one from New Mexico, which I have been working on lately, thinks its a Power Penny, but once I resolve the issues, may act like a normal machine. I have been having fun figuring out how these things work, and its a great teip down memory lane!
I have a Sweda Double Drawer Cash Register. I have the X Key Only.
It’s In Good Condition. Detail & Reciept Tapes Are Still Intact. My parents had it in their business in 1972. How much is something like this worth?
It completely depends on the condition of the register. Not knowing the configuration but I suspect that with only an X key, the register can’t be used normally or totaled out for the day without other keys.
I can tell you that I picked up my Model 46 for $75 if that helps.
Hi There how are you getting on with your sweda. I have 3 working models in the uk with loads of bits and bobs to go with them. We have retired them from our store. The go way back to the 60’s. We even have one that only has tens and units (no hundreds back then)
Hi, John! How fun to find your blog and your article about the Sweda. I do remember very well the wonderful sound of it. Also the Anker cash registers had their special signature, but Sweda were found all overāespecially (when I was a kid) in grocery stores.
I used to have all sorts of registers up til I was 18: there were a lot of the British Gross registers and also a couple of National. All mech of course.
Today I am collecting calculators, but I am looking for a nice, sturdy and rumbling mech register!
Take care! And do email if you want to get in touch
Hello Peter,
Very good to hear from you. Feel free to stop by anytime. BTW, I have some favorite calculators; the Monroe 525 and the Monroe 1430 being at the top of the list. I have a Sharp Micro Compet somewhere around here. It doesn’t divide anymore but everything else on it still works.
Good Day. I live in north Ontario Canada. I love this Sweda cash register and I am looking to buy one – out there in the big world. If you can kindly help me out or provide any direction on where I should look — much obliged. I recall as a kid seeing these Swedas being used at the local Hudsons Bay Company and vividly recall the sound and look of these great machines! If you can provide direction — I would certainly appreciate it sir. Thanks for your post on youtube! vlinklater@gmail.com
Ian….would you consider selling one of your Swedas?
vlinklater@gmail.com
I just purchased a Sweda Monroe model 46, double drawer. I am having trouble making it work. My husband is an electrician and states it is getting power but appears to be “locked”. I appear to have all the keys: an X, Y and C key however, I can get none of the keys to turn any direction, they seem to be “stuck” in the / position. I can pull the keys out but can’t get them to “turn”. Can anyone help?
Hello Connie – good chance that the register is locked up or jammed and needs some tinkering to get it going again. You probably can’t turn the keys because the register is locked into the middle of a sale; you’d have to Total out whatever is in progress and then the keys should work. If you have a total button, you’d press TOTAL and then the motor bar. If you don’t have a TOTAL button, just press the motor bar by itself. Best of luck.
I too use to repair Sweda’s in the late 1960’s. Worked for first Monroe-Sweda then it became Sweda International in the Philly are. Then use to sell them. Unfortunetly I do not have any parts or keys.
Hello Wayne – the model 46s that used to live in department stores … did they print or punch a tape for optical reading? The local Ames stores had Swedas with an extra mechanism on the left hand side of the register that housed some sort of skinny optical tape.
I know the answer to that Wayne as I was a Sweda engineer in the 70’s. They were mostly 76’s had the punch tape, The tape was sent off to be read for a very early type of stock control. They were VERY difficult to repair and adjust.
Hi, how much are the sweda 46 machines worth? Feel free to give me a call @ 650 520 3356 thank you.
I know a place in Chicago that has over 50 model 46’s for sale.
Hello Joe, that’s wonderful. Do you have a link as to how I could get a hold of them?
Give me your E-Mail address so I can forward it to the owner, the owner passed away and his wife is taken over the business. I do all the repair on the Sweda’s at this business for the last 10 years. I was trained at Sweda’s main plant in Des Plaines IL. in the early 60’s.
I WAS TRAINED AT THE LOS ANGELES ENGINEERING CENTER IN THE 60s. I HAVE 50 + MODEL M / 46 / 76 / AND DATA REGISTERS AND ALSO THE SHOP AND TRAINING MANUALS THAT I WANT TO SELL. ANY ONE KNOW WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED. I TRAINED UNDER JOHN SOENS AND WORKED WITH JOE BAKER AND OTHER OLD TIMERS. LATER WORKED FOR DEALER BOB LEE IN PARAMONT CALIFORNIA. LATER OPENED MY OWN PLACE IN THE INLAND EMPIRE OF CALIFORNIA FOR 21 YEARS.
Hi RICH Z,
Thanks for commenting on my Sweda page. Do you have a register with the optical tape/inventory functionality that I described? I’m looking for a register (I think it’s a model 46 still) that has two or three rows of department keys with the optical tape punch or reader on the left hand side of the register. I would really like to get my hands on one of those.
I also need a couple of keys for my current model 46, any chance you have these?
Clerk: P761, P762
Receipt: L123
Thanks!
J.P.
Rich Z – I would be interested in purchasing your 46 training and shop manuals. I am in Southern California and can be reached at email: tsantoia@icloud.com. Thanks.
Hello Rich Z,
I saw your Post on Life Is Such A Sweet Insanity.! Iām in need of some Model 46 Cash Register keys as follows:
G106, Z241 and G177
I also need a stainless steel screw that holds the side door closing post near the hand crank.
Please let me know if you can help me out.
I worked for Sweda in Pine Brook, NJ from 1973 to 1985. I left there as Director, Technical Support Operations. Before I left there I was given a Model 46 in stainless steel. It has never been used commercially. My children played with it in the basement growing up, as such the missing keys. It only has 349 transactions on it, with green cover and the original wood box.
Thank you,
John Miskew
6841 E Hacienda La Colorada Drive
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
PS: If you still know of someone who can service one in the Phoenix area please let me know. I would like it to be oiled/PMed.
i have a sweda elect cash register model#46942g serial#s 21-32759 can you tell me what i have&what it might be worth
I have a similar machine, did you ever get a price? I am trying to see what they are worth. Feel free to contact me at 650 520 3356 thanks.
Lonnie, per your model number, it is most likely a model 46 which is similar to J.P.’s register. It’s worth is all dependent on its condition and how it is customized. I have seen them advertised anywhere from $40 to $125 based on condition and customization. Those that are priced higher than $125 don’t sell, unless they are something special.
Just got my first Sweda 46. Well cared for but I could do with some manuals! Can anyone email me the bit about X and Z totalling? My Z button is stuck in and key won’t turn. Thanks
If the Z key is in and stuck, there’s a good chance you have to run it through Z totaling. Press each department key and the motor bar and then total and the motor bar. If you don’t have a total key, just press the motor bar by itself. Z-ing out the register clears the accumulated totals. X-ing the register reads those accumulated totals without clearing them out.
Hi
we have an old stainless steel Sweda with two blk. buttons on the top left (an A and a B button then in the center column is one white tax key then to the right are the regular numerical key button (4 columns) then to the right of these is one large white total button and below it at the bottom are 4 key slots and we have all the keys then to the right of the total button is a long rectangular green register button and below that is the red reset button. Its a beauty. Stainless steel and no marks on it. It has been hidden away in the top of our old garage and we just sold the building and were cleaning out the garage and brought it home today. We found your site and its very interesting. any helpful information about this register would be appreciated. Thank You Ann and Joe
When I was a kid growing up in the ’70s and ’80s I was very much infatuated with cash registers. I can so vividly remember the sounds of those mechanical registers. I could tell the difference just by the sound if the register was an NCR, Sweda or Victor. I thought the Swedas were most interesting as well. The way the receipt tape had the total at the top above the purchases rung up was interesting. Those Swedas were all over the place. From drug stores to grocery stores (Safeway had them) to restaurants. The first electronic terminals were ushered in in the early ’70s. I remember the famous NCR 280’s that seemed so futuristic. A few department stores had them with the early bar code readers. I still like the old mechanical registers best. I always will. To hear one of those units in action sweeps my mind back to a time when I was very young and much, much happier in life.
Just picked up a couple of Sweda 46 machines here in Southern California. These are grocery registers that were built sometime around 1970 (Litton Swedas). They were part of an Estate sale, and they had six or seven of these machines (all basically identical). Looking forward to opening them up and see where they came from and getting them working again. They are both seized up, but should be able to get them up and running again.
Good find! Are they grocery models? Can you share a pic?
I think I can remember most of what I used to do to unjam them if you need any help Tom.
If they are 1970’s they are some of the last Model 46 before the Series 5 replaced them.
Thanks Alan. I have not yet opened up these two 46’s. They still have the old black with silver “Sweda” lettering and Litton Industries logo on front and rear nameplates. Un-jamming these things is always the hardest thing to do. I will definitely hit you up if I have any questions. I really appreciate it.
These two machines are grocery registers. They are very dirty since sitting in a storage building for probably over 20 years or so. I can send a pic. Please let me know how to upload.
I have a pristine Sweda Model 46 Cash Register in gleeming stainless steel and still in the original wood box. I received it when I worked for Sweda (1973 – 1985). It was only used by my children. When they were small they would play with it in the basement. Unfortunately, we lost the hand crank and the X and Z keys. Might you know where I can get some good quality replacements? Please advise.
John, contact Marv Schmid at Email: nschmid420@charter.net. Marv worked for Sweda also, and might have your keys available. I have bought keys and parts from him over the years.
Thanks Tom!
Are you sure Marv’s e-Mail is correct?
John, Yes, the first letter is an “N” (lower case). The rest is correct also.
Goi it! Thx!
Iām in need of some Model 46 Cash Register keys as follows:
G106 and G177
Please let me know if you can help me out.
Oh yes, I remember Sweda’s very well. I used to work at a drugstore chain called Payless in California in my teens and early twenties. When I first started they had the Sweda registers, later to be replaced by DTS digital registers, still before bar code readers. I remember that the register ribbons weren’t changed often enough, and a lot of the time you could barely read the receipt. And yes, when the power would go out we would use the hand cranks. Brings back memories of a forgotten age. And say, aren’t you the guy who did thew Bewitched FX videos on YouTube?
Hello there – yes I’m the Bewitched guy. š
Did Payless use department numbers on the Sweda registers? Interesting that you mentioned the DTS registers – do you remember what series register they were? I was always a big fan of the Model 440 and it’s younger brother the series 300. They were popular around here in the late 70s and early 80s. I wish I could get my hands on one or two of those.
Mine has just jammed up. Any clues? It used to show all 9s when x/z totalled and jammed whilst I was cranking a grand total in x mode.
I’m not sure if you are interested or not, but I have a few old cash registers like this, as well as an old push in clock and other goodies.
Hello Anita – do you have any photos?
How do I buy a Sweda 46 cash Register..Im desperate need of one Many Thanks Jim
Check Craigslist and EBay.
I have decided to sell my grocery model Sweda 46. It works great, probably needs some servicing and it needs a key for the receipt mechanism, but it does have its other keys and works fine.
I just bought a Sweda 46 register with no keys. I plug it in and the machine just hums…when I remove the motor and let it power up and spin outside the machine it spins freely. It seems the machine is stuck. Could proper keys fix this problem? It’s just a prop I bought for my theater productions and I feel the noise it makes ringing up would add that much more to the show. Any ideas?
It would seem that your machine is locked up. Something in the mechanics is jammed. The keys probably wouldn’t help that situation. Other than taking it apart and finding the reason it’s locked up, the only other thing I could suggest is trying to crank it and see if that helps.
The register is jammed. If you try and crank it, don’t force crank it if won’t budge, or you will damage some internal mechanisms (I know from experience). If motor is stuck when u plug in machine, unplug immediately, or you risk damaging the motor.
Thanks for the feedback. I removed the motor and it spins freely. Is there a release on this machine to help track down the jam? it seems really clean inside and the jam is eluding me. its a great project at any rate.
Take a large screwdriver and insert in large screw slot in gearbox that motor attached to, and try to turn counterclockwise. The jam may release. Or, it might just turn freely. You can try to turn clockwise, but if it gets to point where it won’t turn anymore, don’t force it. If this happens, turn slotted screw in gearbox (that motor sits on) counterclockwise until it turns freely release stress on internal components.
I am going to sell my Sweda Cash register. I have had it since 1985. It has two keys. I live in Marine City, Mi.
586-909-1198
Hi I just got almost the exact same one and it works beautifully! It can be used as a safe its so heavy and durable,but I can`t figure out how to lock the drawer….???
I have a SWEDA for sale. I live in Marine City, Michigan. Contact me at colleensplace@att.net or text or call 586-909-1198.
I have one of these for sale. Just posted it. Let me know what you all think. Thanks!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380768652915?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
How Much? Post Pictures.
There is no way to physically lock cash drawer on Sweda 46 register. You can lock register by either removing clerk key and/or locking (and removing) Central lock (“C”) key. You should also remove “X” key from register, because that key can almost always be used to pop the drawer when inserted and turned in lock located in bottom left corner of left side of register when standing facing keyboard.
The above does not make it 100% secure, since one can access drawer release if they remove outer cabinet of register.
Enjoy comments and appreciate the site and these old calculating machines! I just picked up a Monroe/Sweda model M. I never used one of these, or any like it, so it will be neat to tinker around with it when I get some time off from busy routine. I emailed Marv but mail came back. Machine is missing 6 keys…i have all digits off cylinders if anybody has any they can sell me…want to eventually get this working…made no sounds when plugged it in, but could be related to missing keys…not sure..t
I have some keys for the Sweda M Model so send me a list of what you need.
Hello Joel,
I need three keys for my machine: P761, P762 (clerk keys) and L123 for the journal mechanism. Any chance you have these?
Nice…G114( side key,) P6 8, P300, G103, Z242 and L122 (receipt side) thx
Joel, would not having these keys have anything to do with the machine being silent when plugged in or should I assume motor bad?
Tom C: Have you checked to see if keys are inside cash drawer? Per your list of keys noted above, your register has two clerk keys in upper left side of keyboard (the “P” keys). You must have one of these keys to run machine, which machine is currently locked. Being that machine does nothing is a good thing, which means the machine isn’t jammed. I highly doubt motor is bad. If cash drawer is closed, you will need to take register cover off, and there is a release lever on lower right side of register (when looking at machine from rest).
Thanks so much Joel. I managed to get the drawers open. Looked above below, took out inserts…no keys. Also when I plugged machine in today it now buzzes…Not a good sign I imagine…
Love this blog, J.P! I have a model 46 and recently the motor bar stopped working. It was working fine then was intermittent, now it just clicks. Other than that, it’s a near mint condition. If anybody has any advise, please advise, thank you.
Steve, please explain what happens when u press motor bar. Is there resistance when u press it so it only depresses partially and pops back up?
Hi Tom and thank you, it just clicks when you push it in and the resistance has not changed at all. It then pops back out as normal. it’s currently in sub-total mode and everything thing else seems to work at the moment.
Steve, it might be a power issue. Confirm that receptacle or power strip you have register plugged into is working. If receptacle is OK, maybe register power cord is bad, or there is a loose connection where the power cord ends are attached to motor, or register plug is bad. At worst, motor could be bad. If you have a crank, try to see if it will cycle. If you can’t crank through a cycle, don’t force crank. If machine won’t crank because no cycle was initiated when you pushed motor bar, it could be linkage between motor bar and gear that initiates motor to start.
Tom, it does have power as i can ring up sales and use all the other buttons but cannot go beyond sub-total. I will have a look at the linkage as you indicated and thank you. One other question, and this may sound silly, but how do you remove the number buttons? There isn’t a spot for a screw driver like the department or motor bar keys.
Steve, it sounds like you just can’t total out the register at the end of a sale? Does your register have a total button? If so, I take it after you complete a sale and are ready to total out machine, after pressing total button followed by motor bar, the machine won’t cycle? If this is the case the total button mechanism must be loose or something is misaligned. If the machine is cycling normally before attempting to total out sale, the linkage between motor bar and motor is fine.
As far as amount key banks are concerned, they are not secured to key stems with a set screw like the department, total and correction keys are. I believe they are glued onto stems. Sometimes they will come off if you try to pull off. If you try this, don’t pull too hard or you might break them . What do you need to remove them for?
Tom, you’re right, I can’t total out at the end of a sale. I should have mentioned the motor bar key does work for its other intended use such as ringing up misc sales using the number keys.
I recently picked up a 2nd model 46 from a guy that was closing his auto shop and retiring. He told me he’s had it in his shop for 25 years so you can imagine it’s pretty rough. I plugged it in briefly and it just hums so I took the cover off and have been blowing it out and basically cleaning it up as much as I can. The motor is completely dry so I need to get some oil. My intention is to learn a few things from this beautiful old machine so I’m not going in blindly on my first one. (which I pamper)
I was curious about the removal on the number keys because I was considering repainting the face plate under the keys as well as the rest of the housing, original green. I appreciate your help and input, thanks, Tom.
Also, my first machine does not have a total key, just the sub-total and motor bar keys.
Steve, please send me an Email if you want, and I can provide you with more information at: tsantoia@icloud.com.
Great blog.. Ex Sweda man UK..1967/2002…
What branch did you work out of?
Hi There. I am looking for a Sweda model 46 and I live near Chicago – do you know if the place you were referring to is still in business and where they are located? Please let me know when you get a chance. Thank you.
Well I have another Sweda in the collection. It’s a Sweda Model 46 with the department keys and optical tape punch on the left side. It’s jammed right now. It’s going to take some work. š
Hello all. I am currently on the hunt for 2 Sweda cash registers from the mid 1950’s to use as set decoration for a feature film. We are re-creating the kitchen of the original McDonalds, and the models they had were stainless (not a deal breaker if not).If anyone has these for sale, or would like to rent them, please let me know! Here is a link to a picture of the one they have in the McDonald’s museum:
http://lunchpig.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2012-06-22_13-55-22_570_table.jpg
I see we have both found the same site in our research Matt
I HAVE ABOUT 30 SWEDA CASH REGISTERS OF ALL MODELS INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE OR 2 WITH STAINLESS STEEL CABINETS. I WORKED FOR SWEDA AT THE ENGINEERING CENTER FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS AND THEN HAD MY OWN CASH REGISTER BUSINESS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE.
Do you have pictures of the stainless ones? Willing to sell or rent them? Please give me a call 323.491.6612
Hi, our monroe sweda is locked, meaning the red lever won’t go down. Do you know how to fix? We would forever grateful.
I HAVE 20 YEARS AT SWEDA AND THEN 21 MORE AS MY OWN CASH REGISTER BUSINESS. CALL ME AT 909-797-7291 (IT WILL ANSWER AS STAR FLIGHT) AND I WILL SEE IF I CAN HELP YOU. RICH Z
Hi,
My late father worked at Sweda International – first in the sales showroom on 99 Park Ave.NYC in the 1950’s. Then we got transferred back to Des Plains, Ill and then to NJ workng in Orange in the sales dept when it was combined with Monroe and then in Pine Brook, NJ.
I worked at the company during my summer breaks.
How much of an interest is there in old Swedas or NCRs?
Sandi
Hi Sandi: I worked at the Los Angeles Engineering Center in the 60s and 70s then went to work for a dealer in paramount California then back to Sweda and then opened my own dealership in grand terrace ca. It was called Electronic Cash Register and then Cash Register Systems Of California. I still restore old Sweda 46s M models and Dataregisters. I have quite a few of each which I sell. Just sold 2 stainless 46s to a movie company that is making a movie about Ray Crock and McDonalds. Some of us old timers are still ticking. Rich
Hi Rich,
Is there much of a market for Sweda cash registers? My late father got one when he retired and I would like to sell it.
Sandi
Hi Rich,
Is there much of a market for Sweda cash registers? When my dad retired he got one as a gift. I’d like to try and sell it but not sure what price to ask.
Sandi
Hi Sandi,
What was your fathers last name because I worked at Sweda in Des Plaines from 1964 to 1991.
Hi Joel,
His name was Frank Sauper. Did you know him? I know he would go back to Des Plains every once in a while. What department did you work in?
Sandi
Hi Joel,
(this is the 3rd time I’ve tried to reply so I hope you aren’t getting too many messages and wonder what’s going on!)
Anyway ..my dad was Frank Sauper. What dept did you work in?
Sandi
Hi Sandi,
Yes I do know the name but never meant him. I worked in the engineering center in Des Plaines from 1964 to 1973 then transfered to Chicago Service in 1973 to 1991. Then to a dealer after Sweda went out of business. Yes and I still run service calls on Sweda 46’s.
I just found a great looking model 46 with a huge 4 drawer stainless base…..wow, has anyone ever seen one of these? It still has money in the 3 drawers I can’t open….at least a lot of change and I want to open it before I part with it…..has the original owners manual but have not tried to use it and I am sure it will need work. Any ideas or interest out there? I may put up on eBay if I can open it up first…..I live in Massachusetts and it weighs double with the huge base so not sure if I will be shipping……
HI JIM. I AM AN OLD SWEDA MECHANIC AND I CAN ADVISE YOU ON OPENING THIS MACHINE AND ALSO ANY OTHER INFO YOU MAY NEED ABOUT IT. CALL ME ANY TIME AND WE CAN TALK. RICH Z
JIM. I FORGOT TO GIVE YOU MY # ITS 909-797-7291 RICH Z IT WILL ANSWER AS STARFLIGHT ENT
JIM. I ALMOST FORGOT MY # IS 909-797-7291 RICH Z
Enjoyed reading all the comments. I worked for Litton Ind. from 1966 to 1983. First in Clifton NJ (Litton), then Carlstadt NJ for Sweda Division They moved headquarters to Pine Brook NJ. in 1971. I was payroll manager from 1969 until I left in 1983. We did the payroll and mailing for all the Sweda Division from there.
Hi Lor
My father worked at Sweda in Pine Brook before he retired. His name was Frank Sauper. Did you know him?
Sandi
Hi, I’m still using my old sweda/monroe cash register in our bakery, but I need more of the journal or detail rolls. Anyone know where I can still buy those? My email is bethonalark@aol.com. Thanks
I have a model 76 works with book also wat’s the value
Depends on it’s condition and if it runs. If they sit too long the grease and oil dry up and they need to be cleaned and oiled. A Sweda 76 can sell from about $100. dollars to about $400 or so. I all depends what some one will pay and that again depends on condition. I totally restored 2 model 46s and sold them to a movie company for $1,000. each. Rich Z
Hello, I’m looking for instructions about how to unlock a Sweda 76. The Z key is currently locked in the “I” position (like if the register did stop right in the middle of the Z step). Total button, crank, are locked. How can I fix this’ Where can I find a repairing manual?
Where can I also find ink ribbons?
Thank you.
Hello from Barcelona!
I have a sweda 76. It seems locked. Also when I plugged machine in today it now buzzesā¦Not a good sign I imagineā¦ I canāt open the drawer. No keys. Crank and buttons, are locked. How can I fix thisā Where can I find a repairing manual?
Where can I also find detail rolls and ink ribbons?
We would forever grateful.
HI I WAS A SWEDA MECHANIC FOR 21 YEARS AND IF I YOU STILL NEED HELP LET ME KNOW. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA USA. RICH Z AT STARFLIGHTENT@AOL.COM
Need keys and crank for a 465 41g
I have original antique SWEDA manual cash register for sale. Brand new. I think it’s newer been used. It is still with the original paper roll on it, colour vintage red. If there is anyone intrsted – contact me at: petkova2009@abv.bg
HI I WAS A SWEDA MECHANIC FOR 21 YEARS. IF I CAN ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS LET ME KNOW. JUST A LITTLE INFO FOR YOU. A RED CABINET ON A SWED IS VERY AND WAS PROBIBBLY A CUSTM COLOR. THE MODEL 46 WAS SEAFOAM GREEN AND THE M MODEL WAS HAMMERTONE GREEN NORMALLY. YOU DID NOT SAY IF IT RUNS. SINCE THEY ARE A MECHANICAL DEVICE THEY TEND TO FREEZE UP IF NOT LUBRICATED FROM TIME TO TIME. A 10 WEIGHT TURBINE OIL OR EQUIVELENT IS OK. RICH Z @ STARFLIGHTENT@AOL.COM
I worked for Sweda/Litton as I started my technical career. Rebuilding keybanks and dial ratchets and cams were very challenging at times. Good solid machinery .
Hi
I have an Sweda 46 that i got at an auction. It seemed like the register was jammed, but the real issue was the āplasticā connection from the motor to the gear that was broken. Do any of you know where I could get a āspareā for that?
Regards
Michael
Hello. I have a Sweda Series 6 from internet but it doesnāt work. I am struggling to even get it opened up to look at the mechanism. Can you get me started? One thing weāre can I get a service manual?
Kind regards
Frank
HI FRANK. I’m rich z and i was a sweda mechanic for 21 + years. i was trained on all the machines including the series but we sold so few of them that i am very rusty on that machine. anyway lets see if i can get you into it.
. if i remember if you remove the side door you should see a slide on the bottom front and back with a big screw screw holding it down. Loosen the screw a push the slides to the left and the cabinet should lift off. After that we will have to talk. Send me your phone number and e-mail at starflightent@aol.com or call 909-797-7291 and if i dont pick up leave a message that it is you and i will return your call. Rich Z
Rich, youāre a genius. The cover is moving however the handle needs to be removed it seems. How does this release?
I managed to pull of the handle so the cover is off now. When I turn the key nothing happens. Not even the slightest sound. What is the first thing to look at?
SEND ME SOME PICTURES SOME FULL AND SOME OF DIFFERENT VIEWS CLOSE UP BUT MAKE SURE THERE CLEAR. I MAY BE ABLE TO SEE SOMETHING FROM THEM. WE WILL SEE. RICH
Does anyone remember when Sweda was Hugin-Sweda. Selling them was my first job our of school in ’86-87.
I remember because I worked at Sweda when it was Monroe Sweda then Sweda then Hugin Sweda. Started in 1964.
This is a rather old discussion, but i try to continue…
Would anyone have a manual for a Sweda 46?
I just restored one and although i know how to use the machine, it would be nice to have the manual also – a PDF copy would be enough.
Hi guys,
I am working on a sweda register around 46 model.
Just wondering if anyone else has come across an issue with the points like system on top of the electric motor? Constant buzzing. It looks to me that the points are worn down to the metal.
So the motor is always running. Would this be correct and whats the likely hood of finding a set of the points?
Thanks
Jason.
Hi there in my view SWEDA the was. The best I would love to own one an old mechanical type I’ve got an electronic type 350and 2550 sadly both none working any way all the bes