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TYPEWRITER
TYPEWRITER

TYPEWRITER

Dimensions26 x 35.8 x 41 cm
Object numberHF.09.31.2 A-B
DescriptionManual typewriter. The front curves upward for 8 cm and keys are set out in this area. The "Tab" "Right" and "Left" keys are located above the other keys in the center. The type bars are set out in two vertical clusters and rise 9.5 cm above the carriage. There are two metal carrying handles that are integral parts of the frame and protrude left and right just under the carriage. The typewriter has a pencil-holding device (with pencil included) attached to the right side cluster of type bars at the top of the typewriter. Brand name: "The Oliver Typewriter".



Narrative
Invented by Canadian Thomas Oliver, this style of typewriter was one of the first visible print typewriters, meaning the typist could see the text being typed. The typewriters were marketed heavily for home use. The Oliver Typewriter company produced over one million typewriters, between 1895 and the company's liquidation in 1928.

One feature of keyboards that has remained almost unchanged for 150 years is the key placement, known as QWERTY. Named after the top left five set of keys. Keys were offset to prevent the typewriter levers from getting stuck. This design still exists, even on our cell phones.