Miss Europe = Hansen Schrivekugle
The first commercially successful typewriter is Danish. Its spiritual father
is ... a Father. Reverend Rasmus Hans Malling Johan Hansen (1835-1890) is the
director of an institute for the deaf, and the archetype of a 19th century
inventor. The first prototype of his "Skrivekugle" is ready in 1865.
Incredibly fine mechanics
The Hansen writing balls are masterpieces of precision mechanics. A porcupine
with 52 quills, on which the pupils can learn to type 'blind' (sic). They all
point to a central point and each letter has been obliquely cast with the utmost
precision to ensure straight printing. Under the central pressure point, the
paper glides past. In the first versions this is flat, but later bent into a
half bow.
First mass production
From 1870 onwards, the writing ball goes into production: both in Denmark and
- under license - in Austria. Hundreds are made, even Nietzsche uses one. Sadly,
this beautiful design is also the reason that this curious writing machine was
defeated by the offshoots of the Sholes & Glidden.
Incredibly high prices
A Hansen is for most collectors the 'nec plus ultra'.
One was sold for 131.000 euro at a
recent public sale ...
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