Identifying and Classifying Typewriter Models
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Skill Certificate in Vintage Typewriter Repair course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Advanced Skill Certificate in Vintage Typewriter Repair #
A certification program that focuses on the repair and maintenance of vintage typewriters.
Bakelite #
A type of plastic material used in the construction of some typewriter components, such as keys and knobs.
Carriage #
The part of the typewriter that holds the paper and moves horizontally as you type.
Carriage Return #
The mechanism that moves the carriage back to the starting position after a line of text has been typed.
Coupler #
A mechanism that connects the typewriter's keys to the typebars, allowing the keys to strike the ink ribbon and print a character on the paper.
Escapement #
The mechanism that controls the movement of the carriage and ensures that the typebars strike the ink ribbon at the correct time.
Font #
The set of characters that a typewriter is capable of printing, including letters, numbers, and symbols.
Ink Ribbon #
The ribbon that contains the ink used to print characters on the paper.
Platen #
The cylindrical roller that the paper is wrapped around in the carriage.
Segment #
A group of typebars that are connected together and strike the ink ribbon simultaneously to print a specific set of characters, such as numbers or punctuation marks.
Typebar #
The lever that is connected to each key and strikes the ink ribbon to print a character on the paper.
Typewriter Model Identification #
The process of determining the specific make and model of a vintage typewriter.
Vintage Typewriter #
A typewriter that is no longer in production and is considered to be a collectible or antique item.
Wite #
Out: A correction fluid used to cover up mistakes on typed documents.
Bail Arm #
A lever that is used to lift the carriage and move it to the right or left.
Bakelite Keys #
Typewriter keys made from Bakelite, a type of plastic material.
Ball Type Element #
A type of interchangeable type element used in some electric typewriters, consisting of a spherical ball with characters printed on its surface.
Crescent #
Shaped Typebars: Typebars that are curved in a crescent shape, allowing them to strike the ink ribbon at an angle.
Daisy Wheel #
A type of interchangeable type element used in some electric typewriters, consisting of a flat, radial wheel with characters printed around its edge.
Double Strike #
A problem that occurs when the typebars do not strike the ink ribbon with enough force, resulting in faint or missing characters.
Ergonomic Keyboard #
A typewriter keyboard designed to reduce strain on the hands and wrists during typing.
Friction Feed #
A mechanism that advances the paper using friction between the platen and the paper, rather than a mechanical roller.
Half #
Stick Key: A key that only prints a half-height character, such as a single quote or apostrophe.
Index Typewriter #
A typewriter that uses a circular type element, rather than individual typebars.
Key Chatter #
A problem that occurs when the keys do not return to their normal position quickly enough, resulting in multiple characters being printed at once.
Line Spacing #
The distance between lines of text on a typed document.
Magnetic Type Element #
A type of interchangeable type element used in some electric typewriters, consisting of a flat, magnetic strip with characters printed on it.
N #
Key Rollover: A feature that allows the typewriter to register multiple keys being pressed at the same time.
Olivetti Typewriters #
A brand of Italian-made typewriters, known for their sleek design and high-quality construction.
Pica Type #
A font that uses 10 characters per inch, resulting in a larger character size.
Portable Typewriter #
A typewriter that is designed to be easily transported, often with a carrying case.
Ribbon Advance #
The mechanism that moves the ink ribbon after a character has been printed, ensuring that a fresh ink-covered portion of the ribbon is used for the next character.
Selectric Typewriter #
A brand of electric typewriter made by IBM, known for its use of a ball type element.
Spaceband #
A thin metal strip that is used to separate lines of text on a typed document.
Tabulator #
A mechanism that allows the carriage to be quickly and accurately moved to specific positions on the paper.
Touch Typing #
A method of typing that does not require the typist to look at the keys, relying instead on muscle memory.
Understroke Type #
A font that uses 12 characters per inch, resulting in a smaller character size.
Visible Print Typewriter #
A typewriter that has a window that allows the typist to see the text as it is being typed.
Virtue Typewriter #
A brand of typewriter made in the United States, known for its high-quality construction and durability.
Warped Platen #
A problem that occurs when the platen becomes warped or misshapen, resulting in uneven printing.
Wooden Typewriter #
A typewriter that is made primarily of wood, rather than metal.
Write #
On Typewriter: A typewriter that is designed to be used with carbon paper, allowing multiple copies of a document to be made at once.
Typewriter Classification #
The process of categorizing typewriters based on their specific features and characteristics.
Antique Typewriter #
A typewriter that is considered to be a historical artifact, often due to its age or rarity.
Blanket #
A piece of fabric that is used to protect the platen from dirt and debris.
Carriage Lock #
A mechanism that prevents the carriage from being accidentally moved.
Corona Typewriters #
A brand of typewriter made in the United States, known for its high-quality construction and durability.
Decalcomania #
A decorative technique that involves transferring a design from a sheet of paper to a typewriter using a special adhesive.
Detergent #
A cleaning agent that is used to remove ink and dirt from the typewriter's ink ribbon and other components.
Diamond Type #
A font that uses a diamond-shaped character set, rather than the standard rectangular shape.
Duplex Typewriter #
A typewriter that is designed to print on both sides of a sheet of paper.
Electric Typewriter #
A typewriter that uses an electric motor to power its mechanisms.
Font Change #
The process of replacing the typewriter's font element with a different one.
Fraktur Type #
A font that uses a Gothic-style character set.
Golfball Type Element #
A type of interchangeable type element used in some electric typewriters, consisting of a spherical ball with characters printed on its surface.
Grease #
A lubricant that is used to protect the typewriter's moving parts from wear and tear.
Half #
Width Typewriter: A typewriter that is designed to print on half-width paper, such as IBM punch cards.
Index Type #
A type of typewriter that uses a circular type element, rather than individual typebars.
Keyboard Membrane #
A flexible sheet of plastic that is used to protect the typewriter's keys and mechanisms from dust and debris.
Lever #
Set Tabulator: A type of tabulator that is set using a lever, rather than a button or key.
Linotype Machine #
A typesetting machine that uses a line of type, rather than individual characters.
Manual Typewriter #
A type