“Moskva”: Soviet typewriter

“Moskva”

The history of portable typewriters “Moscow” begins in 1936, when the production of small-sized domestic typewriters called “Moscow” was launched on the basis of the Tochnost artel.

Production was located at the plant, which today is known as the Moscow Typewriter Plant and is located at B. Serpukhovskaya, 21 A. In 1937, the first model of this typewriter appeared.

All pre-war Moskva typewriters were the first model. Other sources combined these typewriters into one model due to the lack of documentation and markings on the body. But there are no structural differences between them. The external differences are that the body has diamonds and a carriage shield with a raised inscription.

Model 2 was an “open type” device, that is, without a top cover. The type basket and spool racks were available for viewing.

The pre-war version had an engraved “Moscow” logo on the carriage and stickers on the front of the car. It was released in 1938 and ceased production in 1941. According to TWDB, the largest known number of pre-war series vehicles is approximately 9,819 units. However, taking into account post-war copies, the total number of vehicles produced is at least 39 thousand.

The post-war version began in 1946 and continued until 1951. Minor changes were made to the new model: the name “Moscow” on the carriage was replaced by a painted one, and the stickers gave way to the factory logo attached to the body.

The 3/4 model externally copied the American Underwood Universal. It had the same type of body, but a different structure of the segment and tape guide. The typewriters were supplied only with a fixed small carriage. Setting the margins as on model 2 – under the wall of the paper receiver.

In 1953, the cars acquired a new layout. But even with the new layout, its keyboard was cut down. For example, to print the numbers “3” and “0” it was proposed to use the letters “Z” and “O”.

Production of model 3 lasted from 1951 to 1955, model 4 from 1955 to 1958. After which, from 1959, models 5/6 and 7 were transferred.

The new Model 5 with a fixed carriage repeated the Underwood, its body was from a Smith Corona Super. The carriage was attached to the plate of the main mechanism. Most typewriters had locks to remove the carriage, but some did not release.

The keyboard had a full row of numbers and letters and a larger font. On early models there was an enlarged plastic key, and on later models the remaining keys were also replaced with plastic. The interval mechanism was of an old design, two-position – one and two steps along the line. The body is made of metal, black, without identification marks. On later models, the factory logo or an engraved “Moscow” plate was painted on the top cover, and a logo with the abbreviation “PPM” was applied to the back.

The functionality of the typewriter is standard for Moscow. The interval handle was an old design, but there were also elongated ones that folded according to the “Erika” principle.

Models 6 and 7 with easily removable carriage followed in 1960. Their advantage is ease of maintenance. The Model 7 was a “combination type” typewriter that could handle either a standard or wide carriage and a long print line of 405mm.

The portable typewriter has 42 keys. The arrangement of letters, numbers and symbols on the keyboard is made in accordance with GOST 6431-52. Writing speed is 400-500 beats per minute. Available with white or black keyboard. Available in a wooden case covered with dermantine or lederin. The case is equipped with a handle, a lock, rubber feet, etc.