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Hammonia. Guhl & Harbeck, Hamburg, Germany, 1884. The Hammonia was the first European typewriter to be produced in any numbers; however, this machine is scarce today. It was invented by Andrew Hanson of London and covered by a British patent in 1882. The long brass blade has the characters cut out along the bottom edge (see photo detail below). To type one lifts the blade and moves it back and forth to select a character, then one pushes the black wooden handle straight down somewhat like a cheese slicer! Hammonia is the name of the patron goddess of Hamburg (where the typewriter was made), who first appeared in art and literature in the 18th century. (Photo and caption by Martin Howard/Martin Howard Collection)
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