This is a fascinating typewriter. It sets itself apart from other early machines by using several unique solutions.
When keys are pressed, the typebars rise up, across, and down to the paper from horizontal, fan-shaped arrays in front and in back of the central platen. It looks like grasshoppers jumping. The printing location is on the top of the platen. When the typebars are not in use, the characters on the ends of the typebars rest upon inked pads that must be kept moist with ink, eliminating the need for ink ribbons.
The Williams employs an unusual paper path requiring the user to roll single sheets of paper into a cylinder and insert them into a cage which then directs the paper over the top of the platen, where the printing occurs, and then into a receiving cage. As the typist is working, only one or two rows of typing are visible at any given time before the paper is rolled into the receiving cage.
The machine is fascinating to watch but tedious to use. _______________ The 1902 Williams #4 uses a 4-row, Qwerty, 42-key, unusual downstroke impact mechanism. Overall condition: Good, but lacking the platen Year: 1902 Serial No.: 19251 Type language: English Manufactured by the Brady Manufacturing Company, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
