The American Typewriter
The American Typewriter Co. 265 Broadway, New York
Incorporated in 1893 by Halbert Edwin Payne. The company produced their first machines, small, and low cost index typewriters, which found decent success in their markets. In 1900 the company decided to try producing a slightly more traditional typewriter. The American Model No.5 was born. A small portable understrike typewriter, specially engineered to be produced at a low cost, and work at a pace consistent with its competitors.
The unique design of the typewriter allowed the type slug to be directly connected to the keytop, through one solid steel bar. Roughly 400 different parts go into an American, while most other typewriters of the era had thousands. This meant huge savings in manufacturing cost.
The Model No. 5
Roughly 2,000 Model 5 Americans were produced between 1900 and 1903. Being manufactured at the Williams Typewriter Co. manufacturing plant in Derby, Connecticut. They bear no physical differences to the Model 7, or Model 8. A few small parts were changed for production optimization. Serial numbers run from 7,000 to 9,000. Roughly a quarter of the machines were exported to England, and sold as “The Armstrong”
The Model No.7
The Model No.7, a refined and “updated” machine. There’s little to differentiate a No.5 from a No.7 besides the decals on the paper table. Produced at the same Derby, Connecticut factory. Serial numbers run from 9,000 to 18,000.
The No.7 was sold under many different names, for various market. They were sold as The Armstrong in England, Europa an Favorit in Germany, and Herald in France. In the U.S. they were sold as The Pullman Model A, Mercantile, and Merchants. All No.7’s have cast iron frames.
The Model No.8
The New and Improved! The Model No.8 was the final form for this portable. No longer produced at the Williams plant, The American Typewriter Co. opened their own plant nearby in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1908. Production continued into 1915 when the company dissolved. Serials range from 18,000-30,000
The No.8 boasts a couple actual upgrades. Most notably the bi-chrome ribbon selector. The frames are now cast in aluminum, shedding three pounds. These were still sold in England as The Armstrong, however only the Herald is still sold in France. Many name variants are known, including and not limited to, Pullman Model A, Surety Model A, The Congress, Fleet, Willard P. Smith, and The Englewood Jr.
My Collection
In order of serial number
American No.7 S.N. 10932
Armstrong Model No.7 S.N. 11423
Mercantile Model No.7 S.N. 15032
American Model No.7 S.N. 15318
American Model No.8 S.N. 23901
The Pullman Model A S.N. 24891
The Willard P. Smith S.N. 29203
Surety Model A S.N. 29308
Thank you for visiting Tampa Typewriter Co. Service & Sales!
We hope that your journey through our page provided you with the information you needed about the fantastic machines we have in our collection. As we strive to offer a wide range of typewriters, we understand that many of our readers may already possess some of the models we mentioned. If you happen to be one of the lucky individuals who own any of these machines and are considering parting with them, we kindly request you to reach out to us. At Tampa Typewriter Co., we are always keeping an eye out for quality typewriters to expand our collection and explore the history of these wonderful machines.
By selling your beloved typewriters to Tampa Typewriter Co., you not only contribute to preserving the rich history and craftsmanship of these timeless machines, but you also enable us to provide others with a chance to experience the joy of typewriting. To discuss potential purchases or for any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through our email or phone number provided. We assure you that we will handle your transaction with the utmost care and professionalism.
Once again, we sincerely appreciate your time spent on our website, and we look forward to the possibility of connecting with you to continue the legacy of typewriters together.
Warm regards,
Jack Armstrong
Tampa Typewriter Co. Service & Sales
