Peter Warns is a member of the third generation of a family that has been buying, selling and restoring antique brass cash registers for decades. These “old brassies” are now treasured for their history and beauty as they were for their innovation and function almost a century ago.
Warns’ grandfather started out by working for the National Cash Register Company as a repairman before leaving in 1920 to start The Harlem Cash Register Company. Warns’ father later left a good job to become a partner in the company. While growing up, Warns learned how to appreciate, repair and restore the machines. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Working out his home on Long Island, Warns, who advertises his wares via a website, currently sells to longtime collectors as well as to shops on Bowery.
