This model is a typical expression of the “L” family. This family is characterized by its mechanical improvement allowing an automatic treatment of divisions. The multiplication, however, is not automatic. Therefore, this family has a generic name called “Semi-automatic calculator”.
The keyboard has 8 digits, “Register II” has 8 digits and the “Product Register” has 16 digits. In addition to the features of model 16LG, this model has automatic dividend set-up. At the touch of a key, the carriage registers are cleared, the carriage positioned, the dividend entered and the keyboard cleared, ready for setting-up a divisor, without a figure “1” appearing in the quotient register (“Register II”). The 16LVG has a sister, the 20LVG (see description) and also the 20LZVG (full tens-carry on 20 digits). The difference with the 20LVG is the absence of the split-lever for partial clearing of Register I.
As a matter of interest, keep in mind that, in the “L” family, there are two groups. In models 16LG, 16LZG and 20LG, the dividend is set into the left of Register I by addition from the keyboard, after which the Counting Register (Register II) must be cleared. Models LVG, LS, LZVG and LZS are, however, provided with a Dividend Set-up Key.
It is important to observe the internal construction of the 16LVG. We see that the box is actually the one that matches a model 20. The number of main stepped drums is 10. By adding two supplemental keyboard connecting links in the free left part of the body and changing the Register II shaft and rocking mechanism, the machine could work as a model 20. Obviously, a carriage with 20 digits for Register I should be used.