Automatic typewriter - 1887

The Automatic typewriter of 1887 is an exquisitely made machine, being made mostly of brass, with the quality and look of a fine scientific instrument and is a masterpiece of 19th century American typewriter manufacturing.

This typewriter has proportional spacing, with the carriage moving further for wider characters and less for narrower characters. This notable ability is the source of the typewriters name.

The spacebar is positioned behind the keys, with the word AUTOMATIC beautifully embossed on it. No other typewriter ever had its spacebar positioned there and for good reason, as it would have been quite awkward to move ones fingers up to activate the spacebar while typing.

- The second photo shows the Automatic with the carriage up. It typed to the underside of the platen.
- The third photo shows the type-bar assembly with its cover removed.

The Automatic had its patent applied for in 1884 and received it in 1887. The Automatic was only manufactured for three years, with the Automatic Typewriter Company going bankrupt in 1890. Very few were made and few have survived.

Please visit my website to read more about the Automatic and to see my collection of 19th century typewriters. You will be surprised by the variety of design and the sheer beauty of the world's first typewriters.

Regards,
Martin Howard

www.antiquetypewriters.com