Rare Rex Visible Typewriter No. 4. USA, 1914. Original and Working.

American Rex Visible Nº 4 typewriter made in Wisconsin (USA) in 1914. This is a curious vintage piece that has come to our days complete and in working order. The first Visible typewriter was called Harris Visible and was designed by DeWitt C. Harris in 1908, with his brothers financial support. To produce the model, a company called Harris Typewriter Manufacturing Company was foundedin Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, en 1913. The word Visible means that the user can read the writing while he or she writes (visible writing). Later, the company developed two versions called Rex (the typewriter we are talking about) and Demountable. Different companies were established for the production. This particular typewriter was manufactured by Rex Typewriter Company and it is Number 4. This means that there was probably a Number 2 and a 3, but none are known to exist. Both the Rex and the Demountable typewriter were scarcely popular versions, so nowadays are relatively rare and very interesting. At the front of this model we can read this inscription in golden lettering: Nº 4 Rex Visible Typewriter MANUFD. BY REX TYPEWRITER COMPANY FOND DU LAC WIS. These words attest to the typewriters authenticity. The models name, Rex, is written over the keyboard too. The typewriter works perfectly and is in good condition, especially if we consider its old age. It has a compact and solid structure, and it is fully made of black-lacquered iron decorated with a golden thread. The keyboard is composed of round white keys with the graphics in black. Each one is framed by a metal ring. The tabulator key is red with white lettering, while the keys to select the figures and the capitals are blue and black. At the rear of the typewriter we can see a golden inscription: PATENTS PENDING. This wonderful and rare typewriter is surely the best acquisition to complete a good collection of curious and exclusive vintage antiques.