Arago: Postage Metering Devices

In 1992 this Pitney Bowes Paragon prototype machine was state of the art in business mail processing. It is an integrated mail center, with the following features: metering, weighing, sealing, and keeping postage meter accounts.

The Smithsonian received this prototype machine at a ceremony held in the Postal Square lobby, Washington, DC. The Smithsonian Mail Services Branch also purchased two Paragon mail processors to process the Institution's mail as required by the U.S. Postal Service as of October 1, 1992. This Paragon mail processor is now broken down into three parts—one main body and two smaller parts that must be added for proper operation. Breaking down the machine into three parts makes it easier to transport and store.