A large number of cards are vertically randomly stored on a horizontal platen. Each card has a serrated bottom code edge contacting the platen, a magnetic chip implanted in a vertical edge and a hook on the upper edge. Selected serrations are removed from the bottom edges of the cards to constitute a selection code. Selected sorting bars are raised into position between the serrations, and a magnet attracts the magnetic chips so that only the selected card having serrations removed corresponding to the raised sorting bars is pulled horizontally backward by the magnet by a distance of one serration. A push bar then engages with the hook of the selected card, and pushes the selected card horizontally forward and simultaneously lifts the selected card clear of the other cards to a retrieval position.