Rare Imperial Model B Typewriter, Manufactured in 1915. Interchangeable Curved Keyboard and Oversized Carriage.

This curious typewriter from the beginning of the 20th century (it was made in 1915) is an Imperial typewriter, and its special features turn it into a precious collectors item. The circular keyboard is remarkable and original, and so is its big carriage, designed to write on DIN-A 3 sized paper. The Imperial Typewriter Company was a prestigious brand founde in Leicester (England) by Spanish-American engineer Hidalgo Moya, who started the business after making his first typewriter, the Moya model. The first Imperial typewriter was made in 1908, while the production of model B (the most popular of the company) was started in 1915. This particular typewriter is very special, as the keyboard can be removed and replaced by another one with a different type of letter. This feature and the big dimensions of the carriage make of this machine a very rare and interesting piece. The typewriter works perfectly and is in good condition. The mechanism is clean and shows no trace of pitting, and the keyboard (composed of circular white keys with black lettering) is also well preserved, with some of the letters slightly darkened by the trace of time. In the front, just over the carriage, we can see the name of the company IMPERIAL in faded golden capitals. The black paint that covers the iron is in good condition, with only slight signs of wear. At the rear we find a list of the different patents of the model, written in golden letters and with their correspondent countries: Great Britain, Germany and France. Under these inscriptions there is also a silvery metal plate with the embossed serial number: 17902. The age of this wonderful typewriter, its peculiar features and its good condition and perfect working order turn it into a highly interesting item, perfect to stand out in a smart study or a showcase. Measurements: 460 mm width x 190 mm height.