Details
REMINGTON, Philo (1816-1889). Typed letter signed ("P. Remington") to Edward Clark, Ilion, New York, 7 December 1877. 1 page, 4to, decorative-headed Remington Sewing machine stationery.
A LETTER TYPED ON THE EARLIEST SUCCESSFUL MODEL TYPEWRITER. The Henry Ford of typewriter makers, Philo Remington defends himself against criticism of his business practices: "Please stay proceedings for a few days....I am quite toughed by your allusion, that the manner in which our sewing machine business has been conducted has been offensive....I can only plead that...I have endeavored to do business uprightly and without offense; and if I have done any wrong I shall be glad to have an opportunity to make reparation as fast as possible."
Remington, active in the manufacture of sewing machines, introduced his typewriter at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. The present mollifying letter was composed on one of those first generation models, which could only produce uppercase letters. Remington perfected an upper and lower case model (the Remington No. 2) in 1878. While the typewriter would become the key office technology until the late 20th century, it was not an immediate success (despite its early adoption by Samuel Clemens) and Remington sold out his interests in 1886. His letters (especially typed) are quite uncommon.
A LETTER TYPED ON THE EARLIEST SUCCESSFUL MODEL TYPEWRITER. The Henry Ford of typewriter makers, Philo Remington defends himself against criticism of his business practices: "Please stay proceedings for a few days....I am quite toughed by your allusion, that the manner in which our sewing machine business has been conducted has been offensive....I can only plead that...I have endeavored to do business uprightly and without offense; and if I have done any wrong I shall be glad to have an opportunity to make reparation as fast as possible."
Remington, active in the manufacture of sewing machines, introduced his typewriter at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. The present mollifying letter was composed on one of those first generation models, which could only produce uppercase letters. Remington perfected an upper and lower case model (the Remington No. 2) in 1878. While the typewriter would become the key office technology until the late 20th century, it was not an immediate success (despite its early adoption by Samuel Clemens) and Remington sold out his interests in 1886. His letters (especially typed) are quite uncommon.