How to identify old cash registers
Old cash register identification starts with maker, model, case material, keys, drawer, marquee, and mechanism.
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Start with maker and model number, then photograph keys, drawer, amount indicators, marquee, serial plate, finish, and missing parts.
Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, completeness, size, rarity, and demand can materially change value.
Identification checklist
- Photograph the whole item, maker mark, patent date, serial number, model, labels, all sides, and damage.
- Measure key dimensions and show scale, accessories, cases, boxes, attachments, or missing parts.
- Do not clean, repaint, sharpen, oil, or force mechanisms before documenting current condition.
What changes the answer
- Maker, model, material, size, completeness, and condition change the answer.
- Original surface, marks, serial numbers, labels, cases, and accessories can be important.
- Rust, missing parts, unsafe mechanisms, repainting, and over-cleaning can reduce value or trust.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These are educational comparables (not a guarantee of price for your specific item).
Shown USD range: USD 250-USD 515. Median of these 5 USD examples: USD 380.
| Image | Description | Auction house | Date | Lot | Reported price realized |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Antique Dollar National Cash Register Brass NCR Amount Purchased Marble Model 313 | Hess Fine Art | 2023-01-14 | 1010 | USD 500 |
 |
“National Cash Register Co.” Heavy Brass Cash Register** | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2026-01-20 | 116 | USD 380 |
 |
A BRASS CASH REGISTER by The National Cash Register Co., Dayton Ohio, U.S.A, mounted on a cupboard base with individual letters. 90cm high x 75cm wide x 50cm diameter | Adam's | 2026-05-19 | 406 | EUR 1,300 |
 |
“The National Cash Register Co” Dayton, Ohio, U.S. Antique Brass Cash Register** 21 x 24 x 15 1/2 in. (53.3 x 61 x 39.4 cm.) | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2026-02-10 | 5001 | USD 515 |
 |
Antique Brass Cash Register, NCR Brand** 22 x 20 x 17 in. (55.9 x 50.8 x 43.2 cm.) | Apple Tree Auction Center | 2025-07-24 | 1001A | USD 250 |
 |
1911 NCR #332 Brass Cash Register | Kraft Auction Service | 2025-03-01 | 2546 | USD 350 |
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
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