Item ST 29671 Typewriter - Seidel & Naumann, Erika Model 3, Portable, 1923-1925

Summary

Portable typewriter of the typebar, front strike design, manufactured by Seidel & Naumann of Dresden, Germany. The company was set up in about 1870 and began manufacturing sewing machines and later bicycles. In 1900 the company began production of their 'Ideal' typewriter which was very successful. The 'Erika' portable typewriter, named after the grand-daughter of company founder Bruno Naumann, was introduced in 1910 and the Erika Model 3 was produced between 1923 and 1925.

The Erika portable is a folding design. The side support arms for the carriage and platen are pivoted on an axis close to the front of the type-basket so that the carriage can be folded forward over the keyboard. The folded carriage rests on two folding supports, one at each end of the keyboard. The folded machine is stored in a small rectangulsr case.

Physical Description

Black-finished metal frame. Cylindrical platen on carriage. Plated metal support arms at each end of carriage extend forward to pivots near front of type-basket. Carriage and platen fold forward over keyboard and in folded position rest on collapsible supports at each end of the keyboard. Two folding arms (one broken off) behind platen to support paper. 30 typebars in curved horizontal type-basket. Ink ribbon carried between two spools on vertical axes. Three-row QWERTY German keyboard with 30 character keys. 'Zeichen' and 'Gross' keys to left of keyboard, 'Ruck Transport' key to right. Circular black keys with bright metal edges and white lettering. Spacebar at front of keyboard. Rectangular wooden case covered in blue cloth, with hinged lid held by two catches at front.