1990.20.1

Marburg Braille Writer

This machine is essentially an up-to-date version of the Picht writer; accommodates sheets of paper up to 11 inches with a maximum of 41 cells per line; features back space lever, carriage release lever, and right and left margin stops; keyboard has six keys and a space bar; writer and case weigh 14 pounds; wooden roller; exterior is finished with grey-brown enamel; black wooden keys, cream colored enamel tops; black and gold transfer label on front reads "Blindenstudienanstalt Blista Marburg-Lahn-Germany"; "Blista Marburg-Lahn-Germany" is stamped in metal on lower left side; serial# 5514; wooden case covered with paper on the interior; black fabric on the exterior; metal handle with black gloss enamel; steel latch and angled top. A key is in the case.

ca. 1966

Deutsche Blindenstudienanstalt (Blista)

Marburg/Lahn, Germany

APH bought 100 unassembled Marburg Braille Writers in 1950 and sold them for $57.00 as an experiment. The German Blind Study Institute (Blista) was founded by Dr. Carl Strehl (1886-1971) in 1916 in the historic university town of Marburg to help treat and rehabilitate blinded soldiers. The institute operated a workshop to produce special tools from its inception. The production of braillewriters based on Oskar Picht's original design moved to the Blista factory after WWII.