This is the Mignon Index Typewriter No. 4, Germany, 1925.

This sleek, stylus-driven machine invited users to slow down and type deliberately. Instead of tapping keys, typists moved a pointer across a character index plate, guiding a mechanical arm to print the selected letter. With its Art Deco look and ingenious mechanics, the Mignon No. 4 was one of AEG’s most successful models. It stood out not only for its unconventional input method, but also for its reliability and wide adoption across European offices in the 1920s.

This is the Bambino Index Toy Typewriter, Germany, 1950.

In a darker maroon version than its blue sibling, this Bambino toy typewriter offered the same playful entry into the world of written language. German children would slide the index strip to the desired character and press the lever to stamp the letter. Its compact size and sturdy construction made it a favorite gift item. In a postwar world rebuilding both industry and imagination, the Bambino was a symbol of learning, progress, and accessible technology for the next generation.

This is the Gritzner Typewriter for Architects, Germany, 1966.

Unlike traditional typewriters, this specialized tool was built for precision and layout. Used by architects and draftsmen, the Gritzner featured a straight rail and unique keyboard configuration to create labels, diagrams, and technical annotations. Housed in a sturdy black carrying case, it came with accessories like stencils and guides. Its industrial, futuristic design echoes the mid-century shift toward specialized professional tools—and it remains one of the more unusual and purpose-driven machines in the history of typing.

This is the Bambino Index Toy Typewriter, Germany, 1950.

With its bright blue plastic body and playful buttons, the Bambino was a cheerful postwar German toy that captured the optimism of the 1950s. Designed as a simplified index typewriter for children, it used a character strip and manual pointer system rather than a traditional keyboard. The red, green, and black buttons added a game-like feel to typing. Durable yet lightweight, it was a popular learning tool and a wonderful reflection of mid-century design trends in children’s products.

This is the Simplex Toy Index Typewriter, USA, early 1900s.

A beloved American toy of its time, the Simplex featured a large rotating dial with letters arranged around its edge. Children would turn the dial to select a letter, then press to stamp it onto paper. Simple and affordable, it helped young minds become familiar with letters and typing, bridging fun and learning. Its colorful design and mechanical simplicity made it a household staple for decades, and today, it’s a charming reminder of low-tech innovation for tiny hands.

This is the Standard Folding Typewriter No. 2, USA, 1907.

One of the earliest truly portable typewriters, this ingenious machine could fold into a compact, rugged metal box. Manufactured by the Standard Typewriter Company, it was perfect for traveling writers, journalists, and field agents. Despite its folding structure, it maintained a full keyboard and standard mechanism. This model is a triumph of early industrial design—compact, practical, and ready for the road long before laptops were even a dream.

This is the Dial Typewriter Toy Index Machine, USA, from 1923 to the late 1930s.

These whimsical devices were more than toys—they introduced children to the idea of typing long before they touched a real typewriter. Using a rotating dial to select letters, these machines worked with a simple printing mechanism, combining charm with functionality. Often sold through catalogs or department stores, they were affordable, colorful, and surprisingly accurate. This model captures a playful chapter in American design, blending education with entertainment during the interwar years.

This is the Ideal A3 Front Strike, Germany, 1906.

With its elegant black frame and gold lettering, the Ideal A3 was more than just a pretty machine—it was a robust, efficient front-strike typewriter made to compete with giants like Remington. Its front-striking mechanism allowed users to see their text as it was typed, a major advantage over earlier blind writers. Built by Seidel & Naumann in Dresden, it’s a beautiful example of German engineering and early efforts to improve visibility and workflow for typists.

This is the Mignon Index Typewriter No. 4, Germany, 1925.

This curious machine broke away from the traditional keyboard layout. Instead of pressing keys, users would point a metal stylus to characters on an index plate. The selected letter would then be printed by a mechanical arm. It was a favorite among clerks and offices for its low cost and compact design, yet it maintained impressive precision. The Mignon No. 4 marks one of the last in a successful line by AEG and remains a captivating example of alternative typing mechanics in the early 20th century.

This earlier Corona No. 3, from 1912, was a trailblazer in its time. It offered the same foldable portability that would later define the 1920s model, but with an even more mechanical charm. It was beloved by war correspondents and adventurers alike. Strong, fast, and incredibly compact, it proved that good ideas—like folding typewriters—just get better with time.

This is the Standard Folding No. 2, one of the earliest successful folding typewriters, dating to 1907. With a lightweight aluminum frame and hinged design, it pioneered portability before most people even imagined typing outside an office. Its circular keys and open mechanism give it a skeletal beauty—raw, efficient, and surprisingly powerful. It’s a glimpse into the future, from the heart of the past.

This is the Corona No. 3, a legendary folding typewriter from 1921. Light, ingenious, and built for mobility, it was the first real hit in the world of portable writing machines. The carriage folds flat into the case, making it perfect for journalists, soldiers, and novelists on the go. Don’t let its size fool you—it delivers big performance in a small package. A true icon of the typing revolution.

This is the Ideal A3 Front Strike, a professional German typewriter from 1906. Built like a fortress, it combines precise mechanics with a bold, almost architectural frame. Its front-strike design meant typists could see their work instantly—a breakthrough for productivity. Sturdy yet refined, it was made for heavy use without compromise. The Ideal A3 lived up to its name: ideal for any serious typist of its day.

The Rofa 4 is a compact and charming German typewriter from 1923. With its rounded body, clean design, and minimal footprint, it brought typing power to the desktop without the bulk. Though less known than its contemporaries, it’s impressively engineered—reliable, smooth, and easy to carry. It’s a typewriter for travelers, students, or anyone who wanted simplicity with a side of style.

This is the Columbia Bar-Lock 10, a bold American typewriter from 1900, with a rare double keyboard layout. Instead of a Shift key, it offered a full set of uppercase and lowercase keys—built for speed and precision. The curved “bar-lock” shield over the typebars wasn’t just stylish—it protected and aligned the mechanism for near-flawless printing. It’s a mechanical marvel, with both brains and beauty in brass.

This is the Ideal Wide-Carriage, a German-built powerhouse from around 1900. Designed for oversized documents, it features an extra-long platen and reinforced mechanics. The wide format made it perfect for legal work, accounting, or anything that demanded space and clarity. Despite its size, the key action remains elegant and balanced. It’s a rare blend of utility and sophistication—big, bold, and beautiful.

This is the Imperial Model B, a striking British typewriter from 1919. Designed with a unique thrust-action mechanism, it typed with gentle vertical motion rather than swinging typebars—creating crisp, even impressions. Its distinctive form and solid engineering made it a favorite in government offices and schools across the UK. Reliable, quiet, and easy on the fingers, the Model B brought a sense of refinement to everyday writing.

This is the Elliott-Fisher Book Typewriter, a specialized American machine from 1902. Built not for paper, but for bound ledgers, it typed directly onto the open pages of large accounting books. Its carriage lifts to accommodate thick volumes, and the mechanical precision allowed for consistent entry after entry. In a time before spreadsheets, this was the backbone of financial accuracy. It’s not just a typewriter—it’s a tool of trust for bookkeeping pioneers.

This vintage kit contains Cleaning Tools for the Oliver Typewriter, and it’s a beautiful reminder of the care these machines required. Included are a brush, screwdriver, oil bottle, and cotton—all essential for keeping an Oliver machine in perfect working order. It’s not just a set of tools—it’s part of the ritual. Just like sharpening a pencil or oiling a clock, cleaning a typewriter was a gesture of respect for the craft of writing.