Etcetera Beginner’S Odell

CONTENTS Editor’s Notes ...... 2 The First Woodstock ...... 3 First American Typewriter . 4 ETCetera Beginner’s Odell ...... 8 Typewriter Fonts ...... 9 Magazine of the Early Condition Revisited ...... 10 Typewriter Collectors Association Name Those TW Parts Answers ...... 10 International News ...... 11 Collector’s Insurance ...... 11 Ads ...... 12 Letters ...... 12 No. 29 ------Dec., 1994

Overhead view of the 1829 Burt Typographer. Photo shows an 1893 reconstruction of machine, built by the inventor’s grandson. Full story, page 4.

ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 / 1 Ribbon Tins. We need good images follow suit… except that they didn’t of ribbon tins. Take your favorites to a bother to do the restoration work! So, ETCetera copy store with a high quality color when the paper published the price of copier (usually Canon or Kodak). Have an Oliver at $495, a lot of dirty, rusty Magazine of the Early the clerk place a whole bunch of your $495 Olivers started showing up, with Typewriter Collectors tins directly on the copier window, and the article often displayed to “justify” Association ask him to copy them at 50% for the price tag. One dealer offered a real regular tins. Please copy tall tins at bargain, though. Seeing a $1495 price Dec., 1994 100% (since most of those are about published for a restored Yost No.4, he 1-1/2" wide, a 50% reduction makes offered his own rusty machine for pea- No. 29 the image too small). For every tin nuts at $300. Too bad it didn’t include image I use, you’ll get a $1.50 discount the carriage. Editor on the following year’s ETCetera sub- Darryl Rehr scription. That should more than cover ††† 2591 Military Ave. the cost of a page-full of tin images. Los Angeles, CA 90064 Machines. Please send me clear shots In Print: The Wall Street Journal’s (310)477-5229 of interesting machines that look good Peter R. Kann wrote a column in in color. Don’t worry too much about August entitled “Ode to the Type- German Summaries the size of the image. The size that fits writer and (Gasp!) Those Who Still Siegfried Snyder on a regular print is usually OK. Please Use One.” The article was part of the 2018-2020 James St. send me two copies of the photo. I will WSJ’s “Personal Technology” feature, Syracuse, NY 13206 usually trim these and use the original regularly written by Walter Mossberg, (315)479-6162 for pasteup, so I would appreciate an who was on vacation at the time. The extra for the files. For each machine column usually targets hardware in the ISSN 1062-9645 image published, you’ll get a $2.50 computer field. When Kann told ©1994 by The Early Typewriter discount on the following year’s de- Mossberg he used a manual typewriter, Collectors Association scription. Mossberg said, “you’re the only one!” Published four times per year in Color Ads or Ephemera. Use your Kann’s piece was written to proclaim March, June, Sept. & Dec. judgement. Generally these’ll have to the contrary. Says Kamm, “If radio can $15/yr North America be color copied at a reduction so they coexist with TV, matches with light- $20 overseas won’t take up a whole page by them- ers, parents with teenagers, why not selves. Same discount as machine pho- typewriters with computers?” Ayup. tos–$2.50 per image used. EDITOR’S NOTES ††† ††† Color Supplement Update. Things are looking good for not one, but two And speaking of incentives, I may Last August, I received a visit from pages of color in each ETCetera start- as well mention the freebie offered for Jan Beck of Seattle and Peter Tytell of ing next year. We’ll do it by printing those who submit articles as well. Any- New York. Both were in town for a two pages of the magazine itself in one who submits material resulting in meeting of forensic document examin- color. Since that’ll keep the entire two or more pages of ETCetera’s con- ers. The Tytell name, of course, is issue to 12 pages (without adding a tent gets a free subscription the follow- familiar to typewriter collectors. Peter sheet for a supplement), ETCetera will ing year. I know, it’s not much, but and his father Martin are proprietors of squeeze (barely) into a lower postal we’ll try to do better once our sub- a well-known TW business in Manhat- weight class, saving money, and mak- scriber list reaches its first million. tan. They have long been prominent ing the extra color possible. Any objec- in the field of identifying machines tions? ††† from the documents they produce by ††† carefully examining the typeface, and Some local dealers here in the L.A. Peter was quite a whiz at recognizing WANTED! Speaking of the color area are pricing their old typewriters in any font I happened to put in front of Supplement, I’ll be looking for good the stratosphere. One high-end retail his face! Anyway, we all crawled around color material to publish. I have an dealer, who does extensive restora- my garage, scrutinized a couple of extensive library myself, but I’d rather tions, prices his machines to reflect the Sholes & Gliddens I had on hand, and get the rest of the membership in- expensive labor involved. When his had a great time talking shop. Both Jan volved and the least I can do is offer a prices appeared in a local antiques and Peter signed up as new ETC mem- little incentive. newspaper, other dealers started to bers, and we welcome them.

2 / ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 The First Woodstock by Alexander “Sandy” Sellers

Mention “Woodstock” to most collectors, and the reaction will likely be as enthusiastic as if you mentioned an Underwood No. 5. To many collectors, and supported by most reference books, Woodstock models 3 or 4 or even the Electrite are simply not worth the shelf space. However, did you ever wonder about models 1 or 2? Read on. The first Woodstock was apparently not related to the Emerson/ Roebuck/Woodstock Typewriter Companies at all, but was rather a cheaply-made Oliver merchandised solely through To meet the demand for a really high grade machine we offer the Woodstock the Montgomery Ward Catalog of 1898-99. to our patrons, a standard typewriter, at In an 1899 pamphlet published by the Linotype Com- a low price. The business, professional or pany of Canada (manufacturers of the Oliver for Canadian literary man wants a high grade type- and South American markets) this very first Woodstock is writer at a moderate price. We are now able to supply this demand in the above described by W.A. Waterbury, manager of Oliver Type- typewriter, secured through special con- writer Company, Chicago, as “an unguaranteed machine, tracts, enabling us to supply to you of which 19 were all that were made.” They were made direct, thus avoiding agent’s commis- specifically for department stores, and only Montgomery sions, a typewriter equal to any machine in the market and now guaranteed by us Ward contracted for them. The agreement with Montgom- in particular. Shows every word and ery Ward specified that the Woodstock was not to be sold letter as fast as written. As a manifolder for under $60–the price that appears in the Fall-Winter it has no equal. For mimeograph work it 1898-1899 catalog. Perhaps on account of poor sales, the produces a copy that cannot be distin- guished from original writing. It pos- model was withdrawn after 10 months–but not before sesses all of the strong features of the agents of the Typewriter Trust had taken notice and used $100 machines, as well as a number of the catalog ads in an attempt to discredit the manufactur- new ones peculiarly its own, insuring ing, marketing and bidding practices of the Oliver Type- permanent alignment. The machine is particularly adapted to filling out blanks writer Company. and forms where writing on ruled paper Oliver tried to minimize these attacks, countering with is desirable, as well as tabulated work. the information that only 19 were made and “proving” it The machine has steel type and produces by offering $5000 to anyone producing 20 of their a clear, legible text. It has 84 characters obtained from a standard universal key- “Woodstocks”–a price I think any collector would certainly board, and is readily operated by anyone be willing to pay for only a dozen of these, the rarest of the familiar with other machines. The ma- Oliver family. But how to identify it? Unfortunately, the chine is complete in a highly finished line cut from the catalog gives little indication of how the metal case with handle, and weighs about 20 pounds, or about one-half the weight actual machine was labelled, or what name (if any) was cast of other high grade standard machines. into the plates below the carrying handles. Price each ...... $60.00 The Woodstock name reappeared about 15 year later in association with the Woodstock Typewriter Company, Facsimile ad from 1898-99 Wards catalog. The original was of which at first manufactured the unusual Emerson Type- poor quality, requiring resetting of type. In addition, some words writer, but, in 1914, introduced the conventional Wood- in the original were lost in the margin–most important, the de- stock. The first model, however, was “No.3.” Perhaps the scription of the machine’s weight. The word “half” is the editor’s bad press of 16 years earlier concerning the “Woodstock” guess! Olivers were certainly close matches in weight to other name dictated some prudence in designating the “new” “standard" typewriters (about 30 pounds), so the Ward’s blurb Woodstocks with a model number suggestive of consider- here, indicating a 20-pound machine, hints at a tantalizingly able improvements. This remains an unresearched area. lightweight version! As for the name “Woodstock?” It was in Woodstock, Illinois that the main Oliver factory was built, and where its competitor, the Woodstock Typewriter Company later Sandy Sellers has special interest in machines of Canadian set up shop. Now, who will tell me how it was that Thomas connection: Barr, Jackson, Horton, Bradford, Oliver, etc. Oliver, born in Woodstock, Ontario, just “happened” to He is presently researching the development and market- build his factory in Woodstock, Illinois? ing of Empire/Wellington/Davis typewriters.

ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 / 3 merica’s first typewriter is hardly an undocumented other things, a pioneering surveyor, discoverer of rich Asecret. The “Typographer,” invented in 1829 by mineral sites, a Circuit Court judge and a territorial William Austin Burt is mentioned, often prominently, in legislator. nearly every comprehensive typewriter history in print. After a term in the Legislature ending in 1827, Burt This machine’s operation, however, is much more fascinat- returned to his home facing an immense pile of correspon- ing than its appearance implies, and typewriter history dence. This, according to John Burt’s book, was the students have yet to learn some of the personal history impetus for his ancestor’s foray into typewriter invention. surrounding its invention and the later reconstruction of William Austin Burt was looking for a way to ease the the prototype. burden of writing with a pen and quill. His answer was Much of the information to follow comes from materials America’s first writing machine. provided by John S. Burt of Orange, California. John, the The Burt Typographer was patented on July 23, 1829. great-great-great-grandson of William Austin Burt, is au- The patent document, signed by President Andrew Jackson thor of They Left Their Mark, and Secretary of State Martin a biography of his illustrious Van Buren, has been repro- ancestor. The chief thrust of duced frequently in typewriter the book is Burt’s contribu- literature. The actual patent, tion to the field of surveying, with its accompanying draw- including his invention of the ings was destroyed in the solar compass, a device which Patent Office fire of 1836, but made accurate mapping pos- a copy of the text was pre- sible in the expanding United served, and the drawings were States of the 19th-century. later reconstructed for Patent Office records. illiam Austin Burt was Wborn on June 30, 1792 uch of what has been in Petersham, Massachusetts. M written about the Burt With little formal education, Typographer’s design gives an he was largely a self-taught erroneous impression of its man, his knowledge acquired mechanism. Here’s how it from books. One favorite was worked: a volume on navigation, lead- The types were mounted in ing Burt to think of going to a pivoting arm. That seems sea. His mother, however, obvious enough. They were persuaded him to stay ashore, inked by two pads running and led him toward survey- most of the length of the ing, which, after all, is cer- machine. William Austin Burt (1792-1858) tainly related to navigation– The paper transport is, per- it just takes place on land. haps, the most interesting part. At age 25, seeking greater opportunities than the East The paper was attached to a cloth band which rode over had to offer, he headed West. His travels eventually took a thin impression bar running perpendicular to the type him to the Michigan territory, where he became, among (patent Fig. 3). Inside the machine, the band looped

4 / ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 Burt Typographer of 1829, reconstructed by the inventor’s great-grandson in 1893. around a roller, which was attached to a ratchet wheel. After the user pressed the type arm to print, a pivoting arm (patent Fig. 2) engaged the ratchet wheel, advancing the paper one notch. The characteristic “clock face” on the machine’s front was linked to the paper roller and measured the length in inches of the line typed, not the number of lines or number of words as others have written. Nor was a continuous roll of paper used. The machine was intended to use single sheets, attached to the cloth band with clips. Burt's original patent drawings were destroyed by the Patent The whole type-arm/inking assembly rode in a frame Office fire of 1836. These are reconstructions made later by that traveled forward and back (drawer-style) in two patent office employees. Fig. 2 shows the lever which actuates grooves at each side of the machine. To advance to the next the geared wheel of the paper transport, shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 line, the user moved this frame forward one notch, and illustrates the shift mechanism. cranked the handle on the clock face back to the starting point, moving the paper to the left margin. interested parties was newspaperman John P. Sheldon, of urt also designed an early shift mechanism into the the Detroit Gazette (precursor to today’s Detroit Free Press), Bmachine, allowing for two sets of type to accommodate who provided the metal types for Burt’s original model. the desire for “italics, capitals, Greek letters, &c.” To shift, Sheldon was unhappy with the name “Typographer,” and the user pulled on the ring seen attached to the cable on sought a more user-friendly name by seeking suggestions the type arm. A spring returned the type to the ordinary or from the readers of several newspapers. The scheme would “lower” case letters. Burt is credited by typewriter historians also help drum up publicity for the machine. The best idea for designing the world’s first double-case machine. Sheldon got was “Burt’s Family Letter Press.” Burt himself In the patent, Burt said the machine could be any size stuck with “Typographer.” needed, but a usual model would measure about 18" wide, 24" deep and 12" high. This would print lines 10" wide on urt wanted no part of setting up a factory to produce a sheet of paper 13" long. The patent makes no mention Bhis invention. He just wanted to sell off the rights and of the graceful, tapered legs seen in the drawing. This, of be done with it. One investor, a Cyrus Spalding, gave Burt course, would have been largely an aesthetic choice, and $75 for rights to make the machine, but after 8 years of not a patentable attribute. effort, Spalding gave it up and asked for his money back! In his patent, Burt suggests a model to type multiple We don’t know if Burt complied. copies, not with carbon paper, but with a series of multiple Burt’s original model was submitted to the Patent type-arms and paper rollers, all linked by parallel wooden Office, where it was destroyed by the same 1836 fire that arms. What a fascinating machine that might have been! consumed the original patent. Burt built a second model in The standard typewriter histories do make mention of 1830, on which he typed a letter to his wife Phoebe. The the attempts to market Burt’s machine. Chief among the fate of that second model is unknown.

ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 / 5 Burt’s letter to his wife Phoebe written on the second model he produced. Note his apology for the mistakes, saying he was writing with a crowd of people watching and asking questions. The “Mr. Sheldon,” then enroute to Washing- ton with the patent model, was newspaper editor John P. Sheldon, who apparently was much more enthusiastic about the machine than Burt. Sheldon seems to have wanted to get Burt involved in actually manufacturing the machine for sale to the public. Burt, as this letter shows, just wanted to sell off the patent rights, and move on to other things.

6 / ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 John S. Burt, great-great-great-grandson of William Austin Burt, with his ancestor’s most-famous invention, the solar compass. John S. Burt is author of “They Left Their Mark,” a biography of William Austin Burt.

he original model found new life in 1893, as Ameri- a room on 63rd St. and through my old friend Cleaver Tcans prepared for the great Columbian Exposition in Wilkinson, who was at that time in the Chicago Chicago. The U.S. Patent Office decided it wanted to University, I secured admission to the Students reconstruct Burt’s machine for its exhibit, and the person Dining Association, so any board and lodging did not named to do it was Burt’s great-grandson Austin. Austin’s cost to exceed $4.00 a week, and I received $2.00 per work is the source for the familiar photographs of the Burt day for 8 hours work. I had a splendid chance to see machine seen here in ETCetera and elsewhere. John S. the fair and become acquainted with the University Burt has the manuscript of an autobiography written by Students. It was a continual feast from the time I Austin in which he relates being drafted into the job: commenced until I left.”

“During the last of the Winter term [1892, presum- It’s interesting to compare young Austin’s experience at ably], my cousin Hiram Burt wrote me from Washing- the Fair with that of May Estelle Munson (see ETCetera ton that the Patent Dept. had appointed me to No. 26), who demonstrated Blickensderfer Typewriters in reproduce the original model of the first typewriter the commercial exhibits. May was paid $9 per week plus invented by my great-grandfather and that I would $10 for her room and board. Then, as today, female wages have a position at the World’s Fair [Chicago’s Columbian were usually less than male wages, but in this case, May Exposition, 1893] in the Government Dept. for work- seems to have bettered her counterpart. Then again, we are ing it. This opened up the only hope for seeing the comparing private sector employment to public, where Fair besides making something of a name for me. I am wages were, and are, often less. in doubt over the wisdom of my course in accepting the offer since it completely knocked me out of my n the 1920’s, Austin Burt was asked to build another spring term work in the University [Cornell]. ITypographer for the Science Museum of London. He “In some ways I do not regret accepting the offer and declined, but the Science Museum had its own model built in others I do. From subsequent occurrences I am in Washington, presumably working from Austin’s 1893 inclined to think that it was best as it was. I received reconstruction (now at the Smithsonian). The tradition of the drawings from the Gov. Patent Dept. at Washing- reconstructing such historical machines continues today. ton showing the complete details of the typewriter In the 1980’s some reconstructions of Mitterhoffer’s 19th and I set to work with a will and worked night and day century typewriter were built in Austria, and currently, a on it. Father has taken occasion several times to Dutch craftsman is offering reconstructions of the 1623 complain because I neglected my university work and calculator of Wilhelm Schickard (see ETCetera #28). I feel in looking back over it now that he had a right Perhaps the Burt machine offers an opportunity for a to–but somehow no one can possibly know how modern craftsman to bring the first American typewriter intensely interested I became in that machine– back to life, supplying specimens for today’s collectors, who forgetting many times to even go to dinner–and I would, no doubt, be eager to own one. cannot find room to wonder, now, that I neglected my ======other work. Those interested in obtaining a copy of “They Left Their “As soon as it was done I packed it up and started for Mark,” by John S. Burt, should write to: Landmark Enterprises, Chicago about the middle of April. My work in the 10324 Newton Way, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Price is Gov. Building consisted of arranging the models in $35.00 plus $3.00 shipping. California residents, please add the Patent Dept. under special agent Greely. I found sales tax.

ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 / 7 BACK TO BASICS for beginning collectors

Beginners Odell Antique dealers, looking for a rule of thumb to identify desirable old typewriters, often say, “if it doesn’t look like a typewriter, you probably have something!” Few machines fit that bill as well as the Odell Typewriter, an index machine that many beginners will have an opportunity to own. The Odell is the most common of what are often called “linear” index Clockwise from UL: Odell #1a (“seal” model), cut of double-case Odell with Indian typewriters. The types are located on a base design (from brochure recently found by Larry Wilhelm), Odell #2, Odell #4. sliding bar. To type, the user slides the bar to the appropriate point, and presses down. The type brushes past an ink base is painted gold. There are a num- appear to have been made by a firm roller before contacting the paper, ber of variations of the “1b.” First is one called “Farquar & Albrecht,” and often which is fed around a narrow cylindri- with the Lake Geneva/patent pending come in a wooden box with a sliding cal platen. nameplate. Another is one showing a lid. There is also a No. 5, which Fortunately, identifying Odell’s vari- patent date of 1889, and a third with appears to be very rare. The print arm ous models is fairly easy, since most of same date, but a Chicago, Illinois loca- casting shows Menomenee, Illinois as them are designated. The earliest mod- tion. Almost all Odell 1b’s have a “lip” its home. There is an Odell No. 5 in els (1 & 2) are not, and that’s where on the outside edge of the base, but we the Clark Collection in Kansas City, the beginner needs the most help. have seen at least one with no lip, and Jos Legrand tells us he has seen The first model (“1a”) of the Odell though its unclear whether this is some others in Europe. Another Odell Typewriter is also the rarest, with only original or whether someone ground variation is a check-writing type-slider, two examples currently known. Col- the edge after manufacture. which protects checks by perforating lector Jos Legrand, of Belgium has Odells later than the No. 1’s all them. dubbed this the “seal” model, because type upper and lower case. All known Anyone latching onto a tip about of the little “feet” (resembling seal examples also have fully nickeled, beau- an Odell should always ask the buyer if feet) on the base. While all other Odell tifully ornate bases inscribed “Odell the type slider is still there. The slider typewriters have round bases, the seal Typewriter, Chicago, Ill. in luxurious slips out of the machine easily, and an model is long and narrow, with only its art-nouveau letters. Model No.2 (and uninformed seller might not miss it. feet to prevent it from rocking back afterward) has a line-end bell, though Also ask if the ink roller is present. It and forth as you type. The first Odell No. 1’s made after March, 1890 have should be if the machine is to be types 41 characters, capitals only, and bells as well. No.2 prints 78 characters. considered complete. its nameplate designates Lake Geneva, Larry Wilhelm, of Wichita Falls, TX A lot of Odells (principally No. 4’s) Wisconsin as its place of manufacture, recently found an early Odell brochure were made around the turn of the with a patent “pending.” Yet to be which includes a cut of a double-case century, selling at the bargain price of found is an Odell seen in an early machine with the early Indian-design $5 (down from $15 when the machine engraving, known as the “dogbone” base. No examples are known. was first introduced, and $20 for the model, because its base is in the shape The No. 3 Odell is the first to have first double-case model). Among col- of a dogbone, without the seal “feet.” the enlarged semicircular nameplate lectors, most Odells in good condition Next in line is a machine known as section on the printing arm assembly of today sell in the $500-1000 range (No. the “1b.” This is a caps-only Odell the machine. The successive models 4 1b’s often higher, 1a’s much higher). printing 42 characters. It has a round and 5 have the same profile and each They are not terribly uncommon, and base with decoration having a vague has the model number prominently while not cheap, they are well within American Indian appearance and look- shown in the casting. reach of most who are bitten by their ing as if it were etched into the mold The most common of the Odells is attractive appearance and appealing with a pencil tip. The top surface of the the No. 4. Most of these machines design.

8 / ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 / 9 perhaps? What happens to condition correct, is not literal. The pic- Condition “4” then? ture shows an escaped, or loose Americans tend to rate things on dog, which is the correct name the familiar “scale of 1 to 10,” an in- of one of Remington’s escape- Revisited teresting habit considering the fact ment parts. We haven’t discussed condition in that we still use feet, inches and miles old typewriters since way back in while the rest of the world uses the 2. (still unknown) ETCetera No. 10 (March, 1990). So, metric system. But, maybe we should perhaps it’s time to revisit the subject. give in to our inclinations and use a10 3. Type Faces - the picture shows For some time, most of us have been point condition scale, with 10 being the faces five men of various using the German 6-point system with best. Here’s a suggested list of adjec- races, or types. 1 being the best, 6 the worst. Though tives to go with it: workable, this system has its limita- 4. Paper Table - an easy one. tions. Many people have had problems 10–near-mint Picture shows newspapers on a attaching the right word to each level. 9–excellent table. Thus far, the Germans have given us 8–very good the following: 7–good 5. Column Selector - we’re so 6–decent used to calling these “tab keys,” 1–very good 5–fair we may be unaware of 2–good 4–rough Remington’s official name for 3–slight traces of use, a bit of rust or 3–poor the set of keys above the num- dirt but fully able to function 2–parts ber row. The picture shows a 4–strong traces of use; scratches, 1–hopeless gentleman perusing architec- slight functional disorders tural columns for his home, 5–defective; small parts missing Does this work for you? It certainly and making a choice. He is, 6–completely defective; important gives some more descriptive territory therefore, a column selector. parts missing; irreparable to those thousands of machines which may not be very good, but only good... 6. Cap Lock Key - picture shows Each machine is given a double those that aren’t good but are better a cap on a key, which is labeled rating, with the first number indicating than fair, etc., etc., etc. “Yale.” Yale, of course, is the appearance, the second number indi- As always, ETCetera invites com- well known manufacturer of cating function. ment. What do you think? all kinds of locks. Since the beginning of this discus- sion, ETCetera has advocated using a Name Those 7. Wahl Adder - a tough one, single descriptive word for each level. especially for those unfamiliar The problem has been in coming up Typewriter Parts! with this attachment for doing with those words. Many of us feel that addition on a Remington ma- a machine of condition 1, for instance, Sorry, folks. No one came up with chine. The picture shows a should certainly be called excellent rather Remington Notes, Vo. 4, No. 2, so the young boy writing “2+2=4” on than very good. If so, where does that official Remington answers to the quiz a wall. For an interesting alter- leave us? Something like this? appearing on page 3 of our last issue nate interpretation, see Let- aren’t available. ters. 1–excellent In fact, No. 2 remains a stumper... 2–very good even everyone’s favorite expert Paul 8. Paper Feed - a goat eating 3–good Lippman was unable to come up with paper. If you didn’t get this 4–fair an answer. One reader suggested one, start reading some type- 5–poor “platen” for the picture of the serving writer instruction manuals. Just 6–parts woman stacking plates on the table, about every typewriter ever but considering the very literal nature made, even modern ones, have Perhaps this fits. However, can we of all the other images, that answer is a “paper feed.” really call a “3” machine, halfway unlikely. down the scale, good? And if our Ger- OK, here are the answers: Now, who has the answer to Num- man colleagues think good belongs to ber 2? We might find it by looking condition “2,” what do we call “3,” fair 1. Loose Dog - a likely guess through an original instruction book- might have been escapement let for the Remington 10. Does any- dog, which, while sounding body have one???

10 / ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 International Collector’s Insurance News Connecticut An interesting insurance program provide individual photos for high- September’s Ribbon Tin News de- is available from American Collectors cost items. We don’t have any specific voted most of its issue to ribbon tin Insurance, Inc. of Cherry Hill, NJ. ACI information on the kind of experience “go-withs” such as erasing shields, blot- offers insurance at $75 per $10,000 collectors have had with this outfit. ters and other ephemera. RTN editor valuation per year, and you don’t have The information is provided to Hoby Van Deusen noted that the to have a professional “appraiser” ap- ETCetera from the company itself. “ultimate” ribbon tin go-withs are type- praise your collection. That’s good, To find out more, contact Ameri- writers. An interesting perspective. since most professional appraisers don’t can Collectors Insurance, Inc., 385 N. Typewriter collectors, of course, con- know what they’re doing when it comes Kings Hwy., P.O. Box 8343, Cherry sider ribbon tins to be the “go-withs.” In to typewriters. Hill, NJ 08002-0343. Tel. 609-779- any case, the 7 color pages in this You do need to photograph your 7212. particular issue honor the subject well. entire collection for the company, and In the same issue the editor an- nounces that he hopes to publish his “master list” of 3,000 tins next year. This is, of course, welcome news for collectors who have been seeking a Super BOOKS from ETCetera comprehensive reference for some time. Van Deusen says the initial publica- The Writing Machine: a history of the typewriter by Michael Adler–this classic tion may be available to RTN subscrib- reference, published in 1973 (50th anniversary of the typewriter), remains ers only, so if you want to be included, the best typewriter history in the English language. This is a must have for better get on the subscriber list (cost: every typewriter collector. Hardbound, 380 pages, profusely illustrated and $30/yr). Contact: Hoby Van Deusen, only $52 (postage: $3/US, $5/Mex, Can, $14/ overseas). Very limited supply, 28 The Green, Watertown, CT 06795. and this offer may not be repeated, so grab yours now!

Germany Auktion Team Köln Price Lists–anyone interested in tracking world type- Although prices from the well- writer and calculator prices knows to watch the action at Germany’s known Auktion Team Köln auctions Auktion Team Köln. The very best way to watch the prices is to purchase are readily available in compiled form Peter Mazlowski’s compiled price booklets. Books available put all prices (see box at right), a little extra price from 1987 to 1993 right in front of your eyes for easy reference. No more information from overseas regularly searching for back issues of auction catalogs that you probably don’t have comes from Typenkorb & Typenhebel, anyway. Price $15 (+$1 postage) each for the Typewriter Price List and the published monthly by Peter Calculator Price List. Available to U.S. members only. Muckermann of Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Germany. Besides reports from many History of the Lambert–by Peter Muckermann. The result of an exhaustive European auctions, T&T makes an research project, Muckermann tells us how to distinguish between the effort to report private sales and flea different models of this one-of-a-kind machine. Includes an international markets as well (something once, but census of known Lamberts and extensive color photographs. $20 ppd in US, no longer, done by the other German- $23 Canada & Mexico, $26 overseas. language magazine, Historische Bürowelt). The last page in each T&T The Wonderful Writing Machine by Bruce Bliven–this popular volume is a features the “Marktfenster,” devoted to collectors item in itself. Commissioned in the 1950’s by the Royal prices reported by readers, but specifi- Typewriter Co., this is one of the most readable typewriter histories ever cally excluding auction results. written. Enjoy this look at Typewriter Past as told by a professional journalist T&T is available to ETC members who knew well how to tell stories so that they were engaging and at $40 per year. Like ETCetera, T&T entertaining. Only 2 copies left. New condition, but without dust cover. $75 distinguishes itself with regular on- postpaid. schedule publication, which other Eu- ropean journals cannot match. Make checks payable to Darryl Rehr and send to 2591 Military Ave., L.A., CA 90064.

ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 / 11 ADVERTISEMENTS •No. 3. “excellent condition” Kathy, (Johannes Meyer) who did the work Lindel, Rt. 1, Box 144, Cabool, MO himself. We even received several pho- FOR SALE: Caligraph (possibly a 4). 65689. Tel. 417-962-3442 tocopies of letters from Myer (who is Appears complete, but in mediocre •No. 3. cover, no base. “seems to be long dead) admiting to this. No won- condition. $50 + shipping. Sam Pector, usable with maintenance.” C.E. der we couldn’t find out anything 14 Brookfall Rd., Edison, NH 08817. Dinkler, 7310 Timber Ridge Dr., Mint about E. Martin!” Tel 908-985-5308. Hill, NC 28227. Tel. 704-545-5261 Erez Kaplan FOR SALE: Smith Premier #2, Victor SOUNDSCRIBER, wooden case. Paul Israel Std. #3, Remington Std. #7, Bing #2, Baron, 27 Halls Point Rd., Stony Creek, Nat’l #5. Rizzo & Ricotta Office Prod- CT 06405. Tel 203-481-0888 I’ve posted notices recently on some ucts., 31 Main St., Tonawanda, NY SMITH PREMIER #4 - Goldie Amos, Internet newsgroups, fishing for old 14150. Tel 716-694-1169. Fax. 716- 4929 Amos Mill Rd., White Hall, MD typewriters. I got some responses -- 694-0697. 21161 some casual and not-so-casual collec- WANTED: Dennis Duplex, Under- REMINGTON SMITH PREMIER tors wrote back, and some people wrote wood 1 (must say “Wagner” on ma- (same as SP 10) - working condition. back to say that they had things in chine). Bill Kortsch, 6629 Sunset Cir., Floyd Olson, 9171 Grossmont Blvd., their attics. The only potential “find” Riverside, CA 92505. Tel. 909-687- La Mesa, CA 91941-4141. so far is a Multiplex, but I’m pleased 1155. SMITH PREMIER #4 - sounds like it with the results of this experiment and WANTED: Mechanical calculators has base & cover. Mrs. Thomas Scott, will repeat it sometime. I’ve recom- (Friden, Marchant, Monroe, etc.) and/ Benn Farms, Devec, N.B., CANADA mended ETC and passed on your e- or associated manuals. Am willing to EOJ 1JO mail address to a few people who may pay cash for machines/manuals in good MARCHANT–electric, 9-key rows. contact you. condition. Milt Ferguson, 1500 El Paso, Works. Deborah Dalton, PO Box 171, Fullerton, CA 92633. Tel. 714-870- Hinkley, CA 92347. Tel. 619-253- Richard Polt 6996 2207 Cincinati, OH FOR SALE: 1946 Olympia with case. [email protected],Internet German keyboard. Mint cond. Best LETTERS offer. Rudi Trunk. 646-941-89212. [Richard is among the few collectors now My guesses for the Remington quiz WANTED: Odell check protector - regularly communicating with ETCetera are: 1. Escapement 2. Platen 3. Types Larry Wilhelm, Box 1922, Wichita on the computer world’s Internet. This 4. Paper Table 5. Columnar Tab 6. Falls, TX 76307 really works great, folks–so, join in!] Shift Key (sometimes labeled “CAPS”.) 7. Backspace 8. Paper Feed. #7 puzzled TIPS: Tomorrow I’m off to see an old lady me the longest, until I noted the very “REMINGTON” (looks like a Smith who says she has a “Hamilton.” The expressive back of the little boy, and Premier 10)–Working condition. Eliza- only Hamilton I know is the Auto- then that he’s pointing at blank space beth Scott, 648 Ashland Ave., Niagara matic invented by E.M. Hamilton. I ahead of the second “2”. Falls, NY 14301. asked her to spell the name, and she William Danner MW–with base & cover. Mildred did spell “Hamilton.” What makes me Kennerdell, PA Atchison, 1377 Camino Teresa, Solana dubious, though is that every drawing Beach, CA 92075. or photo of an Automatic has “Auto- [Bill Danner wins for “Best Alternative FOLDING CORONAS: matic” on the faceplate and nothing Interpretation“ for his stab at #7–Ed..] •w/ “Hawaiian News Co.” label. that says “Hamilton.” We’ll see... Charlene Davis, 1164 Beverly Dr., —— I have recently managed to make Vista, CA 92084 I’m afraid “That Hamilton Woman” contact with Prof. Michael Williams •w/ case, tools & soft cover. Barbara gave me the Royal runaround (Lord (among other things he translated with Thurston, 1621 Calmin Dr., Fallbrook Nelson would have been proud). The Dr. Peggy Kidwell Ernst Martin’s “Cal- CA 92028 woman actually stood me up twice culating Machines”). He writes: •ser # 597788. “Works perfectly.” RW when I went to her house to get a look “Peggy Kidwell and I had tried our Hessler, 206 Spring Lane, Delavan, WI at the machine. Then on the third try best to find some information about 53115 came the ultimate disappointment. Yup, the author (Ernst Martin), but we were OLIVERS: you guessed it, the Hamilton turned unable to locate anything at all. After •No. 9. Robert Groth, 1712 E. Hya- out to be a HAMMOND–and a Mul- the book was in print we heard from a cinth, St. Paul, MN 55106. tiplex at that. Grrr! man who told us that Ernst Martin had •No. 5. William Bennett, Sr. 624A never even existed - it was simply a Soders Rd., Carneys Point, NJ08069 Ken Gladstone name made up by the publisher Jacksonville, FL

12 / ETCetera #29 / December, 1994 This back issue of

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The Early Typewriter Collectors’ Association

The mission of the Early Typewriter Collectors’ Association is to support communication and interaction within the community of typewriter lovers and collectors, and to encourage its growth. Our magazine, ETCetera, serves that mission by gathering and sharing knowledge about typewriter history with the community and beyond.

Learn more at etconline.org