Early electric typewriters

[perc-o-prince]

Hi all,

Sorry to have taken so long. I've been a bit ill :-(

I have posted the article that I had written for the Early Typewriter Collectors Association newsletter. I hope that you enjoy the pics and story.

Best,
Rich

 

[perc-o-prince]

pg 2 of 3 of article

pictures in the next reply

 

[perc-o-prince]

page 3 of 3 (pix)

last page

 

[petek]

Interesting read Rich, thanks for posting it..late model electrics were still using the belt driven single roller mechanism weren't they.
I'd love to have a go on one of them oldies..
BTW seeing as it was Value Villages 50% off sale today I had to drag home a not so vintage mid 70's Coronamatic 2200 with the then new cartridge ribbons you slid in the side. I couldn't let it sit there for $5

 

[perc-o-prince]

I couldn't let it sit there for $5

Hey Pete,

I gotta go shopping with you!!! $5 seems to be your luck price

Glad that you liked the story!

Rich

 

[scott55405]

That's really interesting. I didn't realize electrics went that far back. I didn't think they existed til the 60s.

 

[perc-o-prince]

They actually did attempt electric typewriters as early as the 1890's but electricity was expensive, unreliable and scarce so ,as you can imagine, it didn't make a hit. By the time that Smathers came about the world was prepared for a change that would simplify as well as quiet the office atmosphere. These models represent the first SUCCESSFUL attempt at a technology that would exist till the 1980's when electronic typewriters came along.

Glad you found it interesting!
Rich