The Conqueror numbering machine

This is one of my favorite typewriter "go-withs," another lifeform from the Papyrozoic era. People do still manufacture and use numbering machines (the most famous is the Bates), but they are hardly a 21st-century type of device. I believe I got The "Conqueror" at a yard sale back when I lived in Chicago in the 1980s. I've never had much occasion to use it, but I admire its clever mechanical design and thought fellow typewriter lovers might enjoy seeing it.

Here are the two patents from Oct. 27, 1891, by Willard W. Sawyer, referenced on the device.

I could not find the other patent, from September 29, 1910, unless it's this British patent.

My machine bears the serial number 305883, so hundreds of thousands of Conquerors were made and sold over decades by Wm. A. Force & Co., but references to this numbering machine online are few and far between. Here's an ad in Geyer’s Stationer, November, 1922.

The Conqueror certainly resembles the Bates and other numbering machines. In fact, the Bates Co. sued Wm. A. Force in 1906, but evidently did not succeed in putting the company out of business.

Those who want to learn more about numbering machines can visit this page.

 

Upcoming type-ins: Massachusetts, Michigan, Virginia, Alaska

It's good to see that the type-in continues as a fun, healthy way to meet others who think outside the technological box—an event needed more than ever in the age of hypersurveillance and generative AI. Here are a few upcoming events in the U.S.

This bittersweet event will mark Tom Furrier's retirement and the end of Cambridge Typewriter.

This event is happening in Lansing, Michigan on March 27. Typewriter Fox writes: 

Come help make a joyful noise at SHIFT LOCK: a Metaphor for Changing Perspectives, the areas first typewritten event! 

A collaboration of Struk Studio and Typewriter Fox Studios, the gallery will be transformed for the evening into “The Typing Room,”  a live art installation where you are invited to come experience a wide variety of vintage typewriters. 

Custom stationery, incorporating the talents of local artists, will be available for you to write a letter, a poem, or whatever the muse dictates. 

There will also be a screening of the documentary California Typewriter.  And since a movie is more fun with snacks, free popcorn will provided by Cravings Gourmet Popcorn and refreshments by Toms Party Store of East Lansing. 

So shift your perspective and come unplug for a night of typewriter shenanigans! 

What: Shift Lock: a Metaphor for Changing Perspective

When:  Thursday, March 27 5-9 PM 

Where: Struk Studio  

2916 Turner St.  

 Lansing, MI

Free admission, materials, and snacks! But donations cheerfully accepted.

This type-in in Annandale, VA looks like a fine opportunity for a momentary escape from the stress of D.C.:

Mark your calendar, dust off your typewriter, and join us for an open house-style type-in in Annandale, VA. We'll share a variety of typewriters from our small collection and we'll save space for you to share yours. If you're interested in typing on vintage typewriters or if you have never seen a typewriter, this is the event for you.

Finally, if you can make it to Fairbanks, Alaska, you can enjoy this type-in at the Noel Wien Library:

Join us for the Great Alaskan Type-In event celebrating National Poetry Month! It's going to be great! Bring a typewriter to share or click & click on ours on the table!

Meanwhile, I'm already looking forward to the Big One: QWERTYFEST in Milwaukee, October 3-5.

The most surreal of typewriters?

1959 Rooy (more info here and here)