American index

American index typewriter No. 2

The American is a charming and attractive index typewriter (a writing machine in which the action of selecting a letter is separate from the action of printing that letter). Index typewriters were popular alternatives to keyboard typewriters in the 19th century, as you can understand when you compare prices: a Remington cost $100, an American index $5.

Two models of the American are known; on the #1, the index plate is slightly smaller and does not curve around as far as on the #2. The American was patented in 1893 and was marketed as late as 1912. It contains only 35 parts and prints from a strip of rubber type. In England it was sold as the Globe -- and on the continent as the Champignon!

American index typewriter No. 2

Typewriter Spotlights