The Fitch typewriter is a remarkable looking machine and was one of only four typewriters built with the typebars positioned behind the platen. The other three typewriters with this fascinating design are the North’s, Waverley, and Brooks, all 19th-century machines.
When typing, the typebars swing down towards the typist and strike the top of the platen. The purpose of this design was to provide visible typing, which it achieved, though at a cost. The descending typebars blocked the paper path behind the carriage, resulting in an elaborate feeding system to guide the paper around and through the platen. This includes a holding ‘basket’ both in front of and behind the platen. Seen below in the fifth image is a Fitch ready for typing.
The typebars are quite unique in that they are hinged and flop freely sideways as they come down to print. Two sloped guides ensure the typebars are directed to a common printing point.
The Fitch typewriter was first manufactured in Brooklyn, New York, for a short time before being licensed and built in London for a few years around the turn of the century, also with little success. The American Fitch prominently displays its patent and manufacturing details in beautiful gold lettering just behind the carriage.
“SOMETHING NEW – Possessing all good points of other standard machines and some valuable features exclusively its own. Writing in full view of the operator, (much time is wasted in lifting the carriage in other machines)”
