Inventor Louis Philippe Valiquet’s compact American 1 typewriter consists of just 35 parts! Despite its simplicity, it is a well-built index typewriter. Its main selling points were ease of use, minimal maintenance, portability, and a remarkably low price of only $5.00.
To type, the user moves a pointer to the desired character on the index plate with one hand and presses a lever with the other to print—repeating the process for each character. The imprint is made by pressing rubber type against the paper, while two small felt rollers apply ink to the rubber characters as one types.
“A Splendid Investment for those who can’t afford the TIME to learn and MONEY to buy an expensive typewriter.”
