I would wager $ 100 that what you have there is an Autograph Recorder , a specific type of time clock . On the left is a clock that connects to a small imprinter behind the window on the right . After the employee signs the paper through a port , under which passes a paper tape from a roll , the employee turns a crank which moves the paper to the next blank space on the roll and recording the signature with the time . At the end of the day , the employer opens the unit with a key and removes the record of who registered in and out of work , and at what times . If this is it , it was most likely made by an early manufacturer like Chicago TimeRegister Co , which was later acquired by C o m putingTabulatingRecording Company , a holding company that eventually became IBM . I would not clean or modify it . I have seen only a few for sale . Even in nonworking order and although they are relatively rare , they might be worth a hundred dollars or possibly more . I think that is what you have . Even though I researched these things for several hours I love early American industrial machinery I would hesitate to call this solved . If you could see your way clear to post a few other photo angles and a closeup of the 205 keyhole cover , I would be very grateful to you . It ' s very cool , think of all the people who might have used it . Good luck . Edit spelling .