The unique and remarkable design of the Williams typewriter features typebars arranged in two symmetrical fans, one on either side of the carriage. With an articulated action, the typebars hop up and over to strike the top of the platen, allowing for visible typing. However, only a few lines were visible at a time before the paper advanced into the rear holding cylinder.
The typebars rest on ink pads and are re-inked as they return to their starting position. With no ribbon between the typebars and the paper, the print was exceptionally sharp and clear.
The Williams has a wonderfully responsive touch and types quickly and easily. It enjoyed considerable success, with production continuing through to a Model 6 before the company went out of business in 1909. The curved keyboard models (shown here) were made only during the first year of production, after which the design switched to straight keyboards. These early curved keyboard models are distinguished by their glass keytops and the beautifully decorated frames, adorned with floral motifs clearly seen in the images below.
“Writes in Plain Sight. Clear as Print.”
“The WILLIAMS has been adopted by the British War Department, after severe competitive test, and we have a cash order for 3,000 machines from Europe.”
