193x VariTyper Incorporated #401079 M 9
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Created: 08-12-2019 at 09:44AM
Last Edit: 10-04-2023 at 02:13PM
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Description:
This is an early electric Varityper. It appears to be essentially a Hammond Multiplex with a motor in the back to wind the spring. These machines were first introduced in 1930, and the second version was introduced in 1933, so this one should be from 1930-1933.
This instance features a keyboard with math symbols, and two shuttles with 4 rows of characters. I believe the regular Hammond shuttles have 3 rows only. There is a "FIG." and a "CAP." key, like on the Multiplex, but also a "NUM." key and a "DEM." key (I guess "numerator" and "denominator"!).
According to the comments on this other Hammond, this is a "Mathematical" or "Scientific" model with four levels of shifting:
https://typewriterdatabase.com/1926-hammond-multiplex-folding.2498.typewriter
The machine also has a "ONE HALF BACK SPACE" key in addition to the regular "BACK SPACE" key.
This machine is in great cosmetic condition, except that it has a broken carriage return handle. I have the part and I think that it broke just after I got the machine, unfortunately. It will have to be welded back eventually.
I haven't turned it on yet as I believe the machine should first be cleaned and the motor should be cleaned and tested independently.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Erik Bruchez's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 11371
I started collecting my first pre-WW2 standard typewriters in 2017. Since then I have added a few machines to my collection, which now ranges from the 1880s to the 1980s. As of 2024, I have more big standard (desktop) typewriters than portables, a few standard electrics, and some unusual machines like Varitypers, uncommon IBM machines, and more. I am not a pro restorer, but I have restored a few of my machines beyond simple cleaning.
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