Crown Typewriter, 1894-1899

01

Artifact Overview

This rare index typewriter was developed by inventor Byron Brooks in the 1890s. The user would select a letter along the linear index and press the lever to print from the circular typewheel. Index typewriters were popular in the 1890s, a time when both inventors and consumers were unsure what the best, standard, most efficient typewriter design might be.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Typewriter

Date Made

1894-1899

Creator Notes

Invented by Byron Alden Brooks and manufactured by the National Meter Company in New York City

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.930.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 4 in
Width: 7.5 in
Length: 11 in
Weight: 7 lbs

Inscriptions

nameplate: CROWN TYPE WRITER / NATIONAL METER CO. 252 BROADWAY, NEW YORK
Crown Typewriter, 1894-1899