Our recent examination of a pre-Second World War Adler standard typewriter caused me to examine a family relation of sorts while moving a number of machines around today.
The machine is a Dejur Triumph Standard; while quite a number of portables are seen carrying this dual branding, standard machines seem to be a lot more difficult to find with it.
The Dejur Triumph we see here is a large, fairly heavy 45 key / 90 character machine with segment shift and key-set tabulator. The serial number of the machine is found both on the inside of the machine, on the lower left side on an attached plate and is also found on the front of the carriage rail.
The serial number 985380 dates the machine to 1956.
A notable feature of the machine (not at all unlike that found on the pre-war Adler reviewed recently) is its quickly removable carriage. The operation of the two rear-mounted release buttons is exactly like that found on the pre-war Adler. Removal of the carriage leaves the machine as seen below.
The ribbon cover flips up in the conventional fashion as seen below.
The two unusual keys either side of the space bar combine with wires and a multi-point socket on the left side of the typewriter to allow the typist to remotely operate a Grundig manufactured "Stenorette" dictating machine. (For those unfamiliar, the typist could insert a dictated tape into the Stenorette machine, and then control the machine from the typewriter keyboard in order to listen to the dictation and type it directly rather than interposing a step of hand-writing the dictation.) Dejur Amsco Corporation was distributing these dictating machines in the United States, and within a few years of the date of manufacture of this typewriter it would have the rights to the trademark of the name "Stenorette." Of course, at this time, Grundig (a German firm) was shortly to take control of Triumph itself.
This machine is extremely pleasant to use. The action is smooth, crisp and quick. The shift is positive and bounce free, but easy. Carriage removal and reinsertion could not be simpler. The machine's fit and finish are excellent. A useful added feature that various makers of typewriters have added, then removed from time to time is the paper winding lever seen on the right end of the carriage on this Triumph that makes paper insertion a snap. The keytops are of that modern, conformal plastic style which just feels very natural. One is certainly given the impression that this would be a highly welcomed tool in the office when compared with a very large number of other makes and models from years previous. The Adler and Triumph machines of this date range are probably not given their due as fine, top-grade working typewriters but this writer highly recommends them for any and every job.
FURTHER READING
9:10 PM Eastern 10/22/2012 Will Davis
Impressive! I'd like to try that one.
ReplyDeleteSo many of these amazing desktop machines have the 'paper injector' lever...and it often makes me wonder why more manufacturers didn't use it. It is a great convenience.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a fantastic typewriter, Will. Seems quite comparable to the SG1. However, I have never used one and can't compare their typing differences.
Huge and powerful looking. I really like the Triumph logo.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I like about my Adlers (all newer machines) is the easy carriage removal plus the slickest smoothest carriage of any of my typewriters.
Neat, thanks for sharing your observations.
ReplyDeleteDoes this machine use the Adler Standard's linkage system, by any chance?
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I believe it's very closely related, Richard. Next time I've got that machine where I can look inside I'll verify that. It does NOT feel exactly like the Adler I brought to Herman's - but it's really, really good.
ReplyDeleteWhere the hell do you keep all these standards???
ReplyDeleteI can't fathom.
As for triumph - one of my fav brands for sure. I've not had the fortune to come across a standard triumph but I'll say now that if I cross paths with one, I'll make it mine!
The dejur portables seem to always carry a premium. I'm not sure bc it's due to the recognizable and celebrated triumph brand or simply the eye catching design.
Will - do you have an idea of the price point of these when they were originally sold? In comparison with an sg1 or a royal or Remington or any other brand of its same time frame? I'd guess it might lean towards the more luxury rather than utilitarian.
I have a nice 1936 Triumph which pretty much looks mechanically like yours. Outwardly, it is black enamel and works just a treat. The thing to remember is that the major manufacturers when they got on to a good design they rarely changed it over the years. Cosmetically they changed things to stop their machines looking dated compared to the competition. Look at Remington as a good example .
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