189X Merritt Type Writer #5346
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Guillermo Fernandez Boan (ORTBRAKER)
Created: 04-30-2017 at 10:20AM
Last Edit: 04-30-2017 at 10:29AM
Description:
Very clever index writing device. The line of types raise by means of a lever, the chosen letter or sign passes through a precise square hole and print over the paper (you need to raise the platen to see what you have written, because this is a blind index typewriter).
The unique hole where the type needs to enter in order to print, makes me think in the method used in the Jost blind typewriter in order to keep proper alignement.
The Merritt is easy to use, the ink rollers work properly ("efficiently" is too much a word for any ink roller in any early typewriter) and it is, IMHO the first index typewriter where a trained typist can achieve an adequate speed.
Hard to understand the reason why the serial number is carved in the wooden base, but there is where you find it, an in no other place of the typewriter itself.
You can even see a moderate intent of add a typeface specimen sample (be nice, was my first attempt with this little and fascinating index typewriter).
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Guillermo Fernandez Boan (ORTBRAKER)
Guillermo Fernandez Boan's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 9679
Argentinian lawyer resident in Buenos Aires city.
For half a century, enthusiast typist. Now enthusiast typewriter hunter.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Merritt Type Writer on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Merritt Serial Number page and the Merritt Type Writer By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.