A History of Folding Typewriters: Compact Ingenuity and Literary Legends

Folding typewriters represent a fascinating chapter in the evolution of writing technology, blending portability with innovation to meet the needs of writers, journalists, and travelers. From their origins in the late 19th century to their heyday in the early 20th century, these machines captured the imaginations of inventors and users alike. Their legacy is intertwined with prominent figures like Henry Miller, Lawrence Durrell, Agatha Christie, and others who relied on their compact convenience to craft timeless works.

The Birth of Folding Typewriters

The idea of folding typewriters was born out of necessity. Early typewriters were bulky and stationary, making them impractical for travel or fieldwork. Inventors sought to create portable machines that could be folded into compact cases without sacrificing functionality.

One of the earliest folding typewriters was the Standard Folding Typewriter, patented in 1903 by Frank Rose of the Rose Typewriter Company. This aluminum-bodied machine laid the groundwork for future designs. Its folding carriage allowed it to be packed into a small case, making it ideal for writers on the go7.

Key Innovators and Brands

Several companies entered the folding typewriter market, each with unique designs:

Fox Typewriter Company: Fox introduced its folding portable typewriter in 1917, featuring a carriage that folded over its keyboard. However, Corona sued Fox for patent infringement, forcing them to withdraw their folding model from production. Fox later released non-folding portables but ultimately went out of business in 19216 7.
Corona Typewriter Company: The Corona No. 3, launched in 1912, was the first commercially successful folding typewriter. Its lightweight design and folding mechanism made it immensely popular among writers and travelers. The machine remained in production until 1941 and became synonymous with portable typewriting3 4 7. We sell these historical beauties here.
Hammond Multiplex Folding: Hammond introduced its Folding Multiplex model in 1921, which featured a keyboard that folded over its carriage. While innovative, Hammond's machines were heavier than competitors like Corona due to their steel construction. The Hammond Folding Multiplex allowed users to switch between multiple typefaces—an impressive feature at the time5 8. This one is from my collection:

Other notable folding models included designs by Blickensderfer and Gourland, which competed for market share but never achieved the widespread success of Corona7.

The Legendary Corona No. 3

The Corona No. 3 stands as the most iconic folding typewriter ever produced. Compact yet reliable, it was favored by many renowned writers:

Henry Miller: Known for his provocative prose, Miller used a Corona No. 3 during his travels, and particularly during his Paris days when he wrote Tropic of Cancer, Black Spring, Tropic of Capricorn, and other legendary works.
Lawrence Durrell: The author of The Alexandria Quartet relied on a Corona Three and Four while living abroad.
Agatha Christie: Christie famously used her Corona No. 3 while traveling, crafting mysteries that captivated readers worldwide1 2 3.

The machine’s portability made it especially appealing to writers who needed flexibility without compromising quality.

Folding Typewriters and Their Cultural Impact

Folding typewriters were not just tools; they were companions to some of history’s greatest literary minds. Katherine Mansfield typed away on her Corona No. 3 around 19201. Ernie Pyle carried his Corona No. 3 during World War II as he reported from frontlines1. These machines became symbols of creativity and resilience.

Decline and Legacy

By the mid-20th century, folding typewriters began to fade as lighter non-folding portables like the Hermes Baby and Olympia SF gained popularity3. However, their influence persists among collectors and enthusiasts who admire their ingenuity.

Today, folding typewriters are cherished artifacts that evoke nostalgia for an era when writing was a tactile art form.

As Henry Miller once said about his trusty machine: “It’s not just a tool—it’s an extension of my soul.”

In conclusion, folding typewriters represent an extraordinary blend of engineering brilliance and cultural significance. From their innovative beginnings with Frank Rose’s Standard Folding Typewriter to their literary legacy through figures like Agatha Christie and Henry Miller, these machines hold a special place in history as compact marvels that empowered creativity across borders and genres.

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