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A.D. Meiselbach Typewriter Co. Sholes No. 4 Visible Typewriter and Case
Specifications
A.D. Meiselbach Typewriter Co. Sholes No. 4 Visible Typewriter and Case
Category
Communication
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Written Communication T&E - Writing Devices - Typewriter - Typewriter, Manual
Keyword
Object Origin
Manufacturer:
A.D. Meiselbach Typewriter Company
Inventor:
Sholes, Christopher Latham
Date Manufactured:
1900-1905
Patent Date:
Dec 08, 1891
Patent Date:
May 10, 1892
Place of Production:
Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States of America
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Black portable manual typewriter (Object A) in case comprised of wooden base and lid (Object B). Four (4) rows of key with tall type set and roller above. Text and decorative details in gold paint, with mechanical pieces in black or silver. Case is metal with 4 latches, wooden handle on top, and painted "Sholes" lettering on front.
Marks: On top of device: "Sholes/ No. 4/ A.D. MEISELBACH TYPEWRITER CO/ KENOSHA, WIS., U.S.A/ Visible Sholes." On brass plate above keys: "THE AMERICAN SHOLES PATENTS AS FOLLOWS/ DEC. 8, 1891 -- 464,902./ DEC. 8, 1891-464,903-MAY 10, 1892-474,633/ OTHERS PENDING." On front of device: "Kenosha A.D. MEISELBACH TYPEWRITER CO. WIS., U.S.A." Serial Number: "4396." On case: "Sholes."
Measurements: Object A:
Height: 10.75 in, Width: 13.75 in, Depth: 14 in
Weight: 30.4 lbs
Object B:
Credit
Museum Purchase, 31.283a-b
Display Status
Not On View
A.D. Meiselbach Typewriter Co. Sholes No. 4 Visible Typewriter and Case
About: A.D. Meiselbach Typewriter Co. Sholes No. 4 Visible Typewriter and Case
About: A.D. Meiselbach Typewriter Co. Sholes No. 4 Visible Typewriter and Case
Although produced by A. D. Meiselbach, this typewriter was based on a patent filed in 1891 by George B. Sholes, following the death of his father, Christopher Latham Sholes. Sholes is credited with inventing the early typewriter in 1868 and designing the QWERTY keyboard layout still in use today. Despite the significance of his invention, he struggled to market it successfully and ultimately sold the patent to the Remington Arms Company in 1873. Nevertheless, Sholes continued refining his design throughout his life. The Sholes Visible Typewriter was his final invention, significant for being a “visible” typewriter allowing the typist to see the text as it was being typed.
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