193X Moskva 2 #1349
Status: Sightings
Hunter: Alex Sandler (sandler)
Created: 03-15-2016 at 06:28PM
Last Edit: 03-15-2016 at 06:39PM
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Description:
From the collection of Viktor Negoda. Possibly manufactured in 1938 or 1939, this machine is one of the earliest preserved Moskva portables known to the community.
Some repairings were made to it throughout the years and the original paper table with embossed logo was replaced with a newer one from a postwar machine. Layout has been slightly adjusted by adding “ё” letter (only in lower case). Also, the spool caps are a precise reproduction.
Moskva 2 resembles ‘31 Underwood portable design. But in the terms of mechanics, it’s a very simple machine. No ribbon colour selector, no automatic ribbon reverse, no left carriage release, no keyboard block on the line end, obviously no tabulator. At least it has margin stops and the bell, which indicates actual end of the line.
Production of this socialist man’s Underwood was probably suspended for some time during WWII. Post-war version slightly differs in its appearance, but mechanically remains the same. Also, Kyiv typewriter of 1946–1949 is actually a clone of Moskva 2 in another body (and much better assembled, too).
All photos courtesy Viktor Negoda.
Please, also check the updated Moskva guide.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: Alex Sandler (sandler)
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RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Moskva 2 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Moskva Serial Number page and the Moskva 2 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
