2006.7.3

Sixoban prototype

Cranmer, Terrence V.

Small working abacus model designed to show adaptations for blind users. It has a white plastic frame, enclosed back, and six columns of white plastic beads arranged 1 above the bar and 4 below on rods made of piano wire. Beneath the beads is a red felt liner on top of foam rubber backing to keep the beads from moving once set.

H-3 W-3 D-0.25 inches

1962

Terence V. Cranmer

Louisville, KY

Gissoni Abacus Collection

This small abacus belonged to Fred Gissoni who donated it to the Callahan Museum in 2006. It was designed by Terence (Tim) V. Cranmer in January/February 1962 as a working model of the type of abacus that could be made for blind users. The model was called the Sixoban because of its six rods and because it was fashioned after the Japanese soroban. Cranmer later designed the Cranmer Abacus, which is produced by the American Printing House for the Blind.

Gift of Fred Gissoni, 2006.7