Item ST 25915 Typewriter - Lambert Typewriter Company, Lambert 1, 1901

Summary

Typewriter with keyboard and typestamp combined in a single unit. This unique configuration was invented by Frank Lambert, a French immigrant to the United States and first patented in 1884.

The flat circular keyboard has the character symbols distributed around its circumference. The keyboard is rigidly connected to a convex, circular ebonite typestamp on which are positioned the type characters. The assembly is mounted on a spherical bearing which holds the typestamp above the platen. When a keyboard symbol is pushed down, the keyboard tilts and brings the selected character on the typestamp to the printing point. Further pressure on the keyboard forces the character into contact with the paper and the platen.

On this early model Lambert the keyboard could also be rotated to allow the printing of italic characters.

Physical Description

Rectangular black metal baseplate with semicircular extension at front. Cylindrical platen. Plated metal fittings and components. Curved metal frame pivoted at rear of baseplate holds keyboard above platen. Keyboard is flat circular metal disc with 28 small raised domes arranged around its periphery. Each dome is marked with a letter or character. Disc is mounted on a spherical bearing and is rigidly connected to circular convex printing disc on which characters are embossed. Keyboard can be rotated to left or right. Wooden case with curved top, hinged at rear. Case contains cleaning brush. Included is a detailed instruction manual.