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Wednesday 9 December 2015

What The? Hollow Font on Imperial 50 Standard Typewriter

Auckland, New Zealand, typewriter technician and collector David Lawrence sent me these images a few weeks ago and I'm still trying to work out what the hollow (or title) font on the top-bank MORIS keys is all about (shift 2, 4, 7, 8 and ?). David says, "There is also a mid-line period and an additional key next to the Z. The casting for the title characters is the same as the rest, so it's not an after-market modification."
David is also after ribbon spools. "They are the dread handed, reversing trip ones, a left and a right are needed."

6 comments:

Bill M said...

Very unique. I've never seen anything like that.

Richard P said...

Intriguing! This is new to me too.

hondabenley said...

Hello there, may have a pair of handed Imperial spools. They are 2 1/16th inch diam, bottom hole is circular, top holes have opposing flats. There is a sort of hinged thing with a ribbon 'sprag' at the centre which has its movement limited by an arced slot. Might these be what your friend is seeking. I might part with them but on a swap basis rather than for cash. maybe a couple of interesting ribbon tins, say. Joe Midgley, Foulridge, Lancashire, England.

hondabenley said...

Re my earlier note, the moveable centre is stamped, in very small letters 'grafton spool', hope this helps, Joe,

Ted said...

The only thing I can think of is that it may have been a custom set of slugs meant to be used as a typed logo for a company. Otherwise baffled :D

mpclemens said...

"MORRIS" being the first name that pops to mind, though that could be of the connection in my head between Imperial typers and the UK.