[GreenKeys] Teletype fonts - continued

Eric Scace K3NA eric at k3na.org
Fri Apr 1 19:53:25 EST 2005


Hi everyone --

    First, thanks to the many folks who have helped with my research on 
the Model 28 typeface.  Perhaps a little update is in order:

-- I've received a Teletype Corp bulletin, of 1960 September vintage, 
with a list of typepallets (characters) available for Model 28s as of 
that date.  Of these characters, I have physical samples for the 
following in the Murray typeface:
    letters: A through Z.
    numerals: 0 1 through 9.
    punctuation: - + bell $ ! # & ' " ( ) / : ; ? , .
    vulgar fractions: 1/8 1/4 3/8 1/2 5/8 3/4 7/8
    weather cloud cover symbols:
       clear - circle
       scattered - circle containing one vertical line
       broken - circle containing two parallel vertical lines
       overcast - circle containing a cross.
    wind direction arrows, pointing in 8 directions: NE E SE S SW W NW N.

-- At least three other typefaces were available: Gothic, Long Gothic 
and Large Gothic.  At this point I have my hands full trying to assemble 
a complete Murray face, so I'm leaving Gothic aside.

-- Since 1960, I understand that additional typepallets were produced 
for other Latin characters used in Spanish, and some other miscellaneous 
characters (including vulgar fractions of all sorts of odd-ball units, 
such as twelfths and sixths).  I don't have any samples of these 
additional characters yet.  Any help in getting samples, or high-quality 
close-up photos, of these pallets would be much appreciated.

-- A Cyrillic set was produced for Teletype machines used in Fort 
Detrick, Frederick Maryland at the US end of the Washington-Moscow 
hotline.  I don't have any samples, and don't know if they followed the 
Murray design principles.  Any help here would be appreciated, too.

-- I have learned the Model 35 used the same kind of typebox mechanism 
with typepallets.  But I don't know if the characters looked the same as 
the 'Murray' style.  If so, a sample would really help.

-- And... the Model 37 had an expanded typebox with typepallets, and it 
had lower-case!  Were these of the same Murray style?  A sample of 
Murray lower case would REALLY help a lot to complete the historical 
design references.

-- Lastly, I have located the extent archives of Teletype Corporation 
(including machines!).  They are in New Jersey under the care of the 
AT&T Archivist.  I've just started working with him.  No idea if there 
will be any joy there.  And, it's not free: I have to pay for an 
exploratory search.

    Again, thanks for the interest and help to date from so many people 
and organizations.

73,
    -- Eric K3NA


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