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Home » Olympia » Progress » 1941 #329960
1941 Olympia Progress Serial # 329960 1941 Olympia Progress typewriter, Serial # 329960 Otto Koponen's 1941 Olympia Progress typewriter. 2024-03-07 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Otto Koponen: 1941 Olympia Progress Serial # 329960 This is a specially modified typewriter for use by a Finnish World War II veteran who suffered injuries to his hands and eyes.

To make writing with only the left hand easier the layout was changed so that common characters are on the left, and uncommon characters are on the right. Additionally dots were added to some keys to assist in finding where you are, similar to many typewriters designed for blind users.

The right shift lever has been raised and elongated so it's easier to use with the right arm which had been amputated at the wrist. Due to this modification it sits too high for the case to be closed, so it's designed in a very clever way to pivot upwards and catch behind the backspace key while it's it is in the case.

It is extremely nice to have an image of the original user typing on this very machine from the 50's, however unfortunately I don't know who they are.

Standard Pica typeface. Slug for the J key is missing.

1941 Olympia Progress #329960

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Otto Koponen (Pelicram)
Created: 03-06-2024 at 08:08AM
Last Edit: 03-07-2024 at 12:58AM

Description Hunter 13 Photos 0 Likes  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

This is a specially modified typewriter for use by a Finnish World War II veteran who suffered injuries to his hands and eyes.

To make writing with only the left hand easier the layout was changed so that common characters are on the left, and uncommon characters are on the right. Additionally dots were added to some keys to assist in finding where you are, similar to many typewriters designed for blind users.

The right shift lever has been raised and elongated so it's easier to use with the right arm which had been amputated at the wrist. Due to this modification it sits too high for the case to be closed, so it's designed in a very clever way to pivot upwards and catch behind the backspace key while it's it is in the case.

It is extremely nice to have an image of the original user typing on this very machine from the 50's, however unfortunately I don't know who they are.

Standard Pica typeface. Slug for the J key is missing.

Typeface Specimen:

Links:

Photos:

The original owner, pictured with the machine in the 50s.
The original owner, pictured with the machine in the 50s.

~70 years later, still looking good.
~70 years later, still looking good.


The modified layout for use with the left hand. Common letters on the left, uncommon ones on the right.
The modified layout for use with the left hand. Common letters on the left, uncommon ones on the right.

Extended right shift lever in the "unfolded" position.
Extended right shift lever in the "unfolded" position.

Extended right shift lever in the "folded" position. You can release it by slightly pressing down the backspace key and pulling it down.
Extended right shift lever in the "folded" position. You can release it by slightly pressing down the backspace key and pulling it down.

This shows how far upwards and outwards the right shift key is in relation to the rest of the bottom row.
This shows how far upwards and outwards the right shift key is in relation to the rest of the bottom row.

Some keys have embedded tactile bumps made from brass rod or ball bearings.
Some keys have embedded tactile bumps made from brass rod or ball bearings.

Missing J slug.
Missing J slug.





Hunter: Otto Koponen (Pelicram)

Otto Koponen's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 1214

Tinker, Repairer, Collector, Spy.
Finland.

Contacts
Discord: pelicram
Reddit: Koponewt


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