2003.98.3

Prototype of a braille writer in metal case

Maxey, George, 1897-1977

The braille writer sits in a metal case with a top-hinged lid and a leather handle that extends 3 inches from the left exterior side. Green felt pieces line the inside bottom half of the case. Metal plates extend from the front of the writer with holes for attaching with screws to the case; the screws are missing. There are six metal braille keys with center depressions at the front of the writer. Two keys that are oval and triangular-shaped extend beyond and in front of the braille keys, respectively, and are probably spacing and carriage mechanisms. Another rectangular-shaped key to the left of the braille keys appears to lift the roller. The paper drum is solid and completely encloses paper. A stylus with a black plastic handle rests in a holder to the right of the braille keys. "Maxey" appears in braille on a metal label attached to the top center of the case lid. See also accessions 2003.98.1 and 2003.98.2.

H-3.75 W-12 D-7.75 inches

ca. 1930s

Maxey, George

Seattle, WA

George Maxey, a design engineer, designed prototypes of braille writers as a personal endeavor to help his blind friends. The museum has 3 of his prototypes. See also accessions 2003.98.1 and 2003.98.2. Item was given by his daughter. George Maxey was born in Burr Oak, IN in 1897 and died in Seattle in 1977. Maxey received a degree in chemical engineering from Wabash College in Crawfordville, IN, in 1919. He was a veteran of both world wars and worked as an engineer for Webster Brinkley in Seattle and as a design engineer/precision machinist in the Aeronautical Department of the University of Washington.