Oliver Typewriter – ca. 1917
This isn’t just any old typewriter. This is the bold Oliver No. 9, a drastically different machine compared to other typewriters of the day. The most important feature of the Oliver is the innovative U-shaped, down-striking type bars, a.k.a. the batwings, which allowed the user to actually see what they were typing for the first time.
What was so unique about the Oliver typewriter? Not only did this typewriter feature the down-striking type bars, but it also had a design different to any other typewriters on the market. It was painted olive green instead of the usual black, featured hexagonal keys, flared side handles (the little T-rex looking arms), and had a curved base instead of a box base. And at 30 lbs., this was a lighter alternative to the 40-50 lb. models available.
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