Sighting of a couple of Sholes and Glidden's and a Writing Ball

Sightings; seen last weekend - Sholes and Glidden typewriter serial number 1681:

Right next to it, another Sholes and Glidden typewriter (or type writer), this machine with serial number 2698:

And only a few feet away an original Malling Hansen Writing Ball. 

These rare machines are part of the typewriter section of the HNF, the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum in Paderborn, Germany. Even though only a small selection of their typewriters (over 500) is on display, there are several rare and grand machines to be seen on display, many in great condition with shiny nickel.

The museum showcases the development of information technology in the broadest sense, from early beginnings all the way up to modern computing. (From clay-tablet to a Cray2 :-) On show are a.o. several beautiful examples of the early stages of mechanisation of calculating, such as this ornate 1855 Arithmometer.

A visit to the HNF had been on the wish-list for some time. The IFHB meeting around the 400th anniversary of Schickard's calculator (calculating clock) held at the museum in Paderborn gave the push to now really go there for meeting and museum both.

Easily spent two days exploring the museum's collection - well worthwhile :-)