This is a lovely example of a wonderfully charming 1930s tin plate child's typewriter - the Simplex Model A - made in New York, USA.

 

Although I would consider it to be a toy, these were functioning things and could print 36 characters on 6 inch paper, cards or envelopes of any length. From what I understand you can use stamp pad inks and it seems that it is in functioning order - the main wheel rotates and it advances when a letter is 'struck', but I've not tested it and nearly a century after it was made, it's probably best to consider it a decorative, rather than functional object. 

 

Aesthetically it remains in very good condition - the colours are vibrant and there's only very light surface corrosion and slight yellowing - enough to add to it's vintage charms without affecting the legibility / looks of the piece. The box is also in decent order with minor marking to the outside ... instructions can be found printed inside the lid. 

 

It's becoming increasingly uncommon to find pieces like this in good order, with the original box etc - a little throwback to a simpler time before computer games etc. 

 

The box measures 22.5cm wide x 15cm deep x 8.5cm high. 

 

S/N: #1321