Entire Collection
U.S. Stenograph Co. Stenographic Typewriter
Specifications
U.S. Stenograph Co. Stenographic Typewriter
Category
Communication
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Written Communication T&E - Writing Devices - Typewriter
Object Origin
U.S. Stenograph Co.
1882-1990
May 20, 1879
April 04, 1882
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Manual portable stenotype. Black metal frame with a gold pinstripe accent around the edges and a red and gold design in the front corners.There are nine (9) round unlabeled brown keys, square black space key, paper roll holder stands straight up while typing but folds down for storage. Behind the keys is spools and gears including a silver metal bar on the viewer's left side which holds the ink ribbon. Text is engraved below the ribbon. A brown p...
metal
Marks: "PATENDED / MAY 20'' 1879 / APR 4' 1882" Serial #3052
Measurements: Object:
Height: 2.25 in, Width: 8 in, Depth: 8 in
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Credit
Gift of Herman Dege, 38.172
Display Status
Not On View
U.S. Stenograph Co. Stenographic Typewriter
About: U.S. Stenograph Co. Stenographic Typewriter
About: U.S. Stenograph Co. Stenographic Typewriter
Stenography, or shorthand writing, became popular in the 19th century for quickly capturing speech, especially in legal and business settings. Miles Bartholomew, an official court reporter from Belleville, Illinois, invented the first successful shorthand machine in 1877. His machine, which created dots and dashes like Morse code, was patented in 1879 and 1884. Although it was not successful financially, it gained some use, and schools adopted it. Bartholomew remained a strong advocate for machine shorthand, believing it would eventually surpass pen shorthand. The U.S. Stenograph Company, founded in 1890, built on Bartholomew’s work with the introduction of the stenographic typewriter. This machine combined regular typing with shorthand, allowing stenographers to write much faster than on a standard typewriter. The first model, released in 1890, enabled stenographers to write up to 200 words per minute, a significant improvement. It quickly became the tool of choice for court reporters, journalists, and businesses needing fast documentation. Today, stenography continues to be essential in legal, medical, and business fields for quick and accurate transcription.
Multimedia
Additional media
360° View
Additional information
Copyright information
The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.
Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.