Item ST 24758 Typewriter - Bennett Typewriter Company, Bennett Model, circa 1910

Summary

Typewriter of the type-wheel class, manufactured by the Bennett Typewriter Company of New York, U.S.A. The design of this machine was first patented in 1901 by Charles Bennett of New Jersey. Subsequent developments were the subjects of further patents and the most recent patent listed on this particular example is dated 26 May 1908.

The characters are arranged in three rows around the type-wheel which strikes forward at the printing point against the paper and platen. Early versions of the machine, known as the 'Junior', used inking rollers but from 1910 the design was changed to use an inking ribbon and was marketed as the 'Bennett'.The keyboard has three rows of keys with very close spacing between the rows. The mechanism incorporates linkages between the keys in each column so that pressing the top key also depresses the two keys below it and pressing the middle key also depresses the lowest key.

This example is provided with a rectangular leather-covered cover which clips over the machine.

Physical Description

Black metal baseplate with black metal mechanism cover and paper support. Paper supprt folds forward over platen for storage. Modified QWERTY keyboard with spacebar in centre of top row of keys. Black keys are shield-shaped with white lettering. Rectangular leather-covered cover which clips over machine.