Historical information

Henry Stainsby, superintendent of Birmingham Institution of the Blind in England and Alfred Wayne developed several types of braillers, commencing in 1899. This one is known as the 'Improved Stainsby Braille Writer' of 1933. Sometimes called "crab writers" for their sideways movement and six keys that extend, three on each side of the carriage. The six silver keys make Braille impressions whilst one oval key is for positioning or spaces. The carriage moves from right to left along a track and a bell at one end indicates when the carriage has almost reached the end. Paper is slipped between the carriage and the base. Braille is formed downward, just as they are produced on a slate, however Braille writers enable all dots within a Braille cell to be created simultaneously.

Physical description

Silver rectangle with seven silver keys and a bell, that clasps on to a silver backboard.