1045 Brands 3074 Models 19962 Galleries 12251 Typefaces 6273 Patents
Home » Majestic » 812 » 1971 #J8112267
1971 Majestic 812 Serial # J8112267 1971 Majestic 812 typewriter, Serial # J8112267 James Gifford's 1971 Majestic 812 typewriter. 2016-09-03 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of James Gifford: 1971 Majestic 812 Serial # J8112267 This is a curious make and model, essentially a rebranded Brother with a carriage shift. This particular model features a wide carriage; I don't know if this is a variant or if it came standard (please let me know in the comments if you know!). This typewriter has a simple yet pleasant look, with what seems like a taller front and a low-slung carriage at the same level as the key banks. That could also be an illusion. I don't know why but this typewriter reminds me of the banana-seat bicycles of the 1960s and '70s, the kind with the tall handlebars that mimicked the choppers of the day. And the machine came in a rectangular, rather flat case that looks more like a magician's chest. (The stamping inside the case confirms the typewriter did indeed go with the case.) The logotype, the low-riding design, and sheer typability make this typewriter superior to the Brother Activator and other budget machines, and good value for anyone looking to type casually, though the carriage shift would wear out your thumbs on longer types.

JP-1

1971 Majestic 812 #J8112267

Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)
Created: 09-03-2016 at 01:02PM
Last Edit: 09-03-2016 at 02:48PM


Description:

This is a curious make and model, essentially a rebranded Brother with a carriage shift. This particular model features a wide carriage; I don't know if this is a variant or if it came standard (please let me know in the comments if you know!). This typewriter has a simple yet pleasant look, with what seems like a taller front and a low-slung carriage at the same level as the key banks. That could also be an illusion. I don't know why but this typewriter reminds me of the banana-seat bicycles of the 1960s and '70s, the kind with the tall handlebars that mimicked the choppers of the day. And the machine came in a rectangular, rather flat case that looks more like a magician's chest. (The stamping inside the case confirms the typewriter did indeed go with the case.) The logotype, the low-riding design, and sheer typability make this typewriter superior to the Brother Activator and other budget machines, and good value for anyone looking to type casually, though the carriage shift would wear out your thumbs on longer types.

JP-1

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:


Wide carriage.
Wide carriage.

Low rider.
Low rider.


Magician's case.
Magician's case.


Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)

James Gifford's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 2325

I am a writer and book editor as well as a collector of typewriters. It started with an Hermes 3000 desktop, which I stupidly sold last year, but now another sits on my desk for typing envelopes with a beautiful sans serif typeface. I type every day on different machines in my collection, which stands at about 60 at the moment. Favourites include my two 3000s, a 1930s Smith-Corona Silent, the Olivetti Studio 44 (red case), and a crinkle, chrome-encircled Royal Quiet Deluxe. I have also been finding very inexpensive Royal 10s of late; I currently own three, two from the 1910s and the other a later model, and another (1931) I sold to a friend at cost for his son, who appreciates vintage things. I am always on the lookout for new and interesting machines and often trade or sell to try new models. Living and working in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.



RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Majestic 812 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Majestic Serial Number page and the Majestic 812 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.