Mignon (typewriter)
Mignon is the name of a typewriter model from AEG.
This typewriter was developed in 1903 by Friedrich von Hefner-Alteneck and built by AEG between 1903 and 1934 . In this typewriter, a type roller (type cylinder) was used as a carrier for the characters ( types ) that could be represented . The type roller was replaceable. With the model 4, which was offered from 1924, over 36 different type rollers were available, u. a. also two type rollers with Cyrillic letters. From 1933 an improved version was sold as the Olympia Plurotype .
Each type roller had an exchangeable tableau (letter field) with the available characters, which had to be clamped into the Mignon typewriter under a pointer. With the left hand the pointer was moved over the desired character. By means of a coupled mechanism, the type roller with the corresponding symbol positioned itself over the paper. By pressing the print button with the right hand, the type roller printed the mark on the paper. A space could be achieved with a second key . A back button was added to the model 4, which was built from 1923. When the backspace key was pressed, the carriage was transported back one writing step in order to be able to make corrections.
The model 4 shown below is not the first version; this still had a rotary knob made of metal and no backspace key. Hard rubber rotary knob and backspace key (as in the picture) were introduced over the course of the series.
| Production period | model | Illustration | number of pieces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1903-04 | Mignon 1 | 100 | |
| 1904– | Mignon 2 |
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| -1923 | Mignon 3 |
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| 1923-33 | Mignon 4 |
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| 1933– | Olympia plurotype |
