Created by
Smith Corona, American, 1886
Used by
Lt. Colonel Charles J. Blackwood Sr., American, 1896 - 1982
Date
early 20th century
Medium
metal, wood, ribbon and leather
Dimensions
H x W x D (.1 typewriter extended): 6 1/4 × 10 3/4 × 10 in. (15.9 × 27.3 × 25.4 cm)
H x W x D (.2 case closed): 13 × 14 1/2 × 4 3/4 in. (33 × 36.8 × 12.1 cm)
H x W x D (.3 brush): 5/8 × 6 1/8 × 3/16 in. (1.6 × 15.5 × 0.5 cm)
Description
Early 20th Century Corona typewriter (.1), case (.2), and brush (.3) used by Charles J. Blackwood during World War I and II. The typewriter is able to fold itself in half, by lifting the metal arms on either side, and bringing it forward. It becomes much smaller and able to fit in its custom case. The typewriter is painted black and on the front has the manufacture's name [CORONA] in gold lettering. The typewriter only has letter keys and then two keys, [FIG], [CAP] that raise the paper and type the small figure shown above the letter or the letter in capitol. On the back of the typewriter in gold print is text that reads, [PATENTED / JUNE 10, 1913 APR. 27 1915 / JUNE 24 1913 JUNE 22 1915 / DEC. 9 1913 NOV. 30 1915 / MAR. 3 1914 JUNE 27 1916 / OCT. 13 1914 AUG. 8 1916 / DEC. 15 1914 FEB. 13 1917 / JULY 10 1917]. On the roller is the maker's sticker that states, [CORONA / PORTABLE - TYPEWRITER - FOLDING]. In the center is an image of a typewriter, a bird, and a feather.
The typewriter, when folded closed, can easily fit in the custom case. The case is made of wood and metal and covered in black leather. It has small metal attachments throughout to hold the typewriter in place. The case is in two parts allowing for the typewriter to be easily removed. The case closes with a large, silver metal buckle with the text, [CORONA / TYPEWRITER CO. / INC.] inscribed. A hardened leather handle is attached to the case with metal hinges.
The typewriter brush is made from metal and wood. The wood is stained and has [CORONA / TYPEWRITER] inscribed in center. The brush bristles are black and have some areas of loss. The back of the brush has slates where the bristles are attached.
Place made
Groton, Tompkins County, New York, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Type
typewriters
bristle brushes
cases (containers)
Topic
Communication
Military
World War I
World War II
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Beverly J. Blackwood in memory of Charles J. Blackwood, Sr.
Object number
2018.13.2.1-3
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd563dc2ca8-5fa0-403c-936d-653d1fdc7328

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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