Densmore Typewriter Co
"The Worlds Greatest Typewriter"
The definitive resource on the history of the Densmore Typewriter. From models to features and more.
MODELS
Densmore No. 1 (early)
1891
This is the original Densmore machine from 1891. Upstrike mechanism utilizing a solid steel plate with square holes to which the typebars are mounted. This ensures perfect text alignment. The typebar hangers have small rings in the middle that can be formed to change the length of the link. This is known as the "1A" by collectors.
The machine has 38 keys. All No. 1's have 38 keys.
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This machine courtesy of the Herman Price collection
Densmore No. 2 (early)
1892
The Densmore No 2 is a No 1 but with 42 keys.
One example has the typebar rings as found on the early 1's
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This machine was formerly in my collection, now in the collection of Tyler Menard.
Serial 1287 making it the third oldest No 2 Has ball bearing typebars and dual speed escapement. Has black shift key, so far unique.
1891
Densmore No. 3
1892?
The Densmore 3 is a wide carriage version of the No 2.
That is about all we know at the present time.
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No known examples exist.
Densmore No. 1 (late)
1894
This is the later, more common Densmore No. 1. This machine sees the introduction of its most well known feature, ball-bearing typebars. This provides for a very light touch to the machine. The dual speed escapement also appears here for the first time. The ringed links are gone replaced by solid ones with a threaded coupling on the end to change the length. The last of these are found with a improved ribbon mechanism.
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This machine is in my personal collection.
Serial 8943
Densmore No. 2 (late)
1894
This is the later, more common Densmore No. 2. Same as the late No. 1 but with 42 keys.
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Densmore No. 4
1897
This is the second and final design of the Densmore machine. The machine now has ball bearings throughout the machine at all critical points. Has a beefier frame then the 1, 2 and 3. New features with this model include: 3-speed escapement, automatic ribbon reverse, shift toggle, backspacer, margin release lock. print point indicator, paper feed lock, platen clutch and carriage position adjustment.
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This machine is in my personal collection.
Serial 25295
Densmore No. 5
1897
This is the second and final design of the Densmore machine. This is the 42 key version of the No. 4.
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Densmore No. 6
1897
The No. 6 is a wide carriage version of the No. 5. Some may be found with a decimal tabulator.
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This machine courtesy of the Herman Price collection
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