‘An unknown Stenograph for the blind surfaces’ – An illustrated article
This Bartholomew Stenograph was designed for the blind operator and produces five raised or embossed dots on a paper strip, rather than the five printed dashes used on the other Bartholomew Stenographs. The five embossing pins can be seen in the second detail image below, where the upper brace, with its concave dimples, has been removed.
It is solidly constructed and beautifully hand-decorated with floral motifs, as shown in the fourth image below.
There is no serial number or patent date to be found on this machine.
This is the first known Stenograph made for the blind and remains the only known example.
A report once referenced an advertisement, but it can no longer be located. It stated: “This Stenograph for the blind, a Wonderful Machine, Price only $25.”
