The modifications include a bar that separates the left and right sides of the keyboard as well raised metal points found every inch across the top paper scale. Both of these modifications are deliberate, tactile indicators meant to prompt typists as to where the fingers should rest on the keyboard and, by counting the points on the paper scale from the left to the inking mechanism at the center, the typist could discern how far the carriage has traveled. Though no other Blick has yet been found with these features, examples of Hammonds and Worlds meant for the visually impaired do have them.
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Liberty
ca.1915
Blickensderfer Mfg. Co.
Stamford, CT, US
This Blick, serial numbered 185,480 and dating to 1915, at first glance appears to be no more than a common No.7 model. However, upon further examination, there are two features that are exclusive to this example. First, its Liberty badge has not been found on any other example. Second, the typewriter has modifications for visually impaired typists.
My research was inconclusive as to why the Liberty badge was applied to this Blick. Maybe the name had something to do with WWI which the world was in the midst of in 1915. Maybe the company simply rebadged it for a dealer which was a very common practice for Blick. Another theory is that it was produced for a Liberty-named touch typing school or school for the visually impaired because of the modifications.
