The America No.10 Typewriter

Feb 2

America No.10 Typewriter - Chicago Typewriter name variant with French Keyboard - Rare 1890's Typewriter

This, is one of the rarest name variants of the famous Chicago Typewriter. You could go as far as to call it the rarest, as this is the only known example out there. Why call it the America? Why No.10? Would that mean there are previous models?

The origins of the machine are unknown. No original advertisements have been found. The keyboard is french, which narrows it down some. Nonetheless it remains a mystery.

The Chicago Typewriter with an America No.10, the French keyboard Chicago name variant

The America is mechanically identical to The Chicago, of course. This machine employs the use of a type-sleeve, which rotates around a guide shaft. When a key is pressed, the sleeve will travel left, or right, along the guide. As the key is depressed, a corresponding stopper will rise, and catch the type-sleeve. Simultaneously, a type hammer swings from the rear of the machine, and presses the paper into the ribbon, and type-sleeve. This type hammer mechanism is also found on the Keystone, Commercial Visible, and Hammond typewriters

Many name variants are known for The Chicago, Not just the America No.10. Others include: the Draper, Conover, Yale, Baltimore, Galesburg, and Munson No.3. More are certainly yet to be found!