The Liliput circular index typewriter was made by J. W. Bamberger in Munich, Germany and advertised between 1907 and 1909. Liliputs were produced in several models. The simplest was the Model B, meant as a children\'s toy. This model was also sold under the name Gnom. The device for sale here is a Gnom (Model B) — a rare name variant of an already rare typewriter.This very attractive toy is more substantial than it looks at first, because it has a cast iron base.
The circularindex plate is decorated with a charming image of a girl with a pigtail, a boy with a toy horse, a monk (?), a dog, and a rooster who are chasing each other in a circle.
The nickeled parts are in very nice condition. The base is painted dark green with pinstripes. There are some ink stains and small chips in the paint, but in general it is in very good condition.
The metal tube that holds the paper is loose, as I think it is meant to be.
A small leather strap came with the typewriter. I am not sure what its function is, or whether it really belongs with the typewriter.
The hard rubber (?) type wheel beneath the index plate is complete, but has several cracks that can be seen in the photo. It should be treated delicately.
I do not see a mechanism for ringing the bell, so it may be missing.
A small peg can be moved to three different holes to set the left margin.
The space lever works well to advance the carriage.
The ink roller is dry, of course.
This typewriter comes in its original cardboard box, with handle and a ribbon to keep the top closed. The box is in poor condition and its hinge has been repaired with modern tape. The typewriter was originally sold in Spain, and the box is marked with a selling price, 25 pesetas. Interestingly, it is also marked \"Liliput\" even though that name does not appear on the typewriter itself. The seller evidently knew who the manufacturer was.
All in all, this is a delightful and rare item for a typewriter collector or toy collector.
I trust the free market and am starting this sale at one dollar, with . I will not end the sale early. Be advised that large offers are often made during the last ten seconds of an sale. If you cannot be present during that time, you may want to use an automatic sniping service.
The item will be shipped by FedEx Ground within the US, or USPS outside the US. Other services are available if buyer pays the extra cost. This antique will be packed very safely.