2001.190

Midget Braille and Point Writer

Writer weighs 3 1/2 pounds. It has only three braille keys and a cell spacer and produces braille or New York point. Maximum width of paper used is 8 inches; paper is inserted from rear around a rubber roller. Keys and roller knob are made of wood. It has a bell to signal the end of a line. "Midget Braille & Point Writer. Made by Seifried, Chicago, Ill. U.S.A." is stamped into a metal plate above the keys. Case is made of wood with a worn leather-like covering. It has a metal clasp and a damaged leather strap.

H-2.75 W-11.25 D-4.5 inches

ca. 1912

Samuel J. Seifried

Chicago

Introduced in June 1912 by one of the original makers of the Hall Braillewriter, Samuel J. Seifred. According to the sales brochure, intended as a compromise between the Hall Braillewriter/Kleidograph and standard point writing slates. It could write both New York Point and Braille. It could be used with one hand. It cost $5 in 1912. Seifred was a former typewriter designer at the Munson Typewriter Company in Chicago. He and his partner T.B. Harrison helped develop the original Hall Braillewriter for Munson and later created their own business to manufacture the Hall machine. Seifred continued the business after his partnership with Harrison dissolved. He died later the same year this machine was introduced.