Historical information

Typewriters pre date computers and were used by office workers eg. Secretaries for documents and letter writing. An inked tape was hit by the keys as it moved along which resulted in their imprint being copied onto paper. Multiple copies were made by inserting carbon paper between sheets of paper. The original was easily identified.

Significance

Used in the Kiewa Valley.

Physical description

Large, heavy, hard plastic two toned grey typewriter. The keys board includes symbols for inches, pounds, dollars, cents and fractions. The margins and size of paper measurements are in inches.The keyboard slopes up to a vertical plane. On top the area is flat where there is a small gap which exposes the metal keys. The cylinder that holds and enables the paper to be moved is long with controls at each end and a large lever that returns the cylinder to the left. Behind the cylinder there is a compartment. The keys hit an inked tape (black or red and black) which forms an impression onto the paper. Mechanisms, using the correct buttons, enable margins etc. to be pre set. This typewriter sits 3 cm high from a base. Vinyl deep red/black cover sits on top covering top and sides to protect the typewriter from dust. It is homemade with 2 sides attached to 1 long piece.

Inscriptions & markings

Front top left: "Royal"
Back top right "Made in England"
Back silver paper sticker on top left "For Supplies and Service / Business Equipment Pty Ltd