$1,460.00 USD
Imperial Model B typewriter made in England in 1915, with a curved QWERTY keyboard and removable typing assembly. This restored example has serial number 12417 and its original metal cover.
Museum archive record. This typewriter has been sold.
Museum record
About This Typewriter
The Imperial Model B has a curved keyboard that follows the shape of its vertical type basket. Pressing a key swings the selected typebar downwards against the ribbon and paper.
The keyboard and type basket can be removed together. This allowed the mechanism to be cleaned or exchanged for a different typeface.
Archive Details
Brand: Imperial
Model: B
Year: 1915
Manufacturer: Imperial Typewriter Company
Made in: England
Color: Black
Keyboard: QWERTY
Serial number: 12417
Weight: Approximately 16 pounds
Cover: Original metal cover
The Imperial Model B
Engineer Hidalgo Moya developed the Imperial typewriter design in Leicester, England. The Model B appeared in 1915 with two shift keys, a backspace key and a removable keyboard and type basket.
Its curved keyboard and exposed mechanism make it immediately different from the rectangular portable machines that became common in later decades.
Condition When Sold
My Cup of Retro fully restored this machine and reconditioned its platen. It was complete apart from a missing right shift key.
The keys showed some discoloration, while the exterior remained in excellent vintage condition. A new two-color ribbon and the original metal cover were included.
From the My Cup of Retro Archive
My Cup of Retro previously restored and sold working vintage typewriters to customers around the world. This page preserves the photographs and recorded details of this Imperial Model B from the former shop.
