Antique Mercedes Model 3 Typewriter. Germany, Circa 1915

Antique Mercedes model 3 typewriter made in Germany circa 1915 and in good condition. This typewriter does not only show a really attractive and well-preserved look, but it also works perfectly and can be used to type documents. The high and compact design of the metal body is quite remarkable, with side and rear openings which make it lighter and let us see the complex inner mechanism. The metal preserves the original glossy black-enameled finish; the golden decals with the brand name MERCEDES and the medals with the inscription MODELL 3 on both sides of the keyboard. The black finish is in good condition, regular and glossy. The decals are also finely preserved, just slightly worn but complete. The German keyboard is composed of circular white keys with black symbols, all of them in great condition. They all have the typical nickel-plated reinforcement ring and move smoothly, marking the types clearly on the paper. This beautiful antique Mercedes model 3 typewriter is an original old-time piece, decorative and functional.Mercedes Typewriters - History The Mercedes Büromaschinen-Werke AG was founded in 1906 by Gustav Mez in Berlin, and from the beginning they focused their production in office machines. With the intention of designing a typewriter, Mez hired the engineer Franz Zühler and in 1907 they launched their first model, the Mercedes No. 1. The typerwriter had several malfunctions and had to be improved, so in 1907 Carl Schlüns designed a new model, the Mercedes No. 2. In those days the company only employeed 120 workers and could just produce four typewriters a day, so Mez decided to move the factory to Thüringen Wald, a place where experienced mechanics could be hired. In the two following decades, different models were launched and over 300000 typewriters were manufactured. The company also produced calculators and an electric typewriter. After the Great Depression the firm started to decay and was acquired by Underwood. When World War II came to an end, production continued in East Germany. The firm ceased in 1990.