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1915 Hammond Multiplex Serial # 106135 1915 Hammond Multiplex typewriter, Serial # 106135 Fumitaka Hayashi's 1915 Hammond Multiplex typewriter. 2026-10-25 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Fumitaka Hayashi: 1915 Hammond Multiplex Serial # 106135 A Hammond Multiplex

I wanted a Multiplex to go with my Hammon 12. When this model with the Ideal keyboard showed up on FBM, I bought it.

It did not take too much to get into working shape. It was missing the impression strip, so I made one with electrical tape. The mechanism was sticking, which loosened up with mineral spirits. The scariest problem was the spring motor which seemed to have been over-wound. I detached the carriage strap, let the motor unwind fully, reattached the strap, and retensioned the spring. This typewriter has a winding key attached to the spring motor for easy tensioning - and easy over-tensioning.
Once I replaced the dried out ribbon with the ribbon from my Hammond 12, I was able to get a typing sample. The two type shuttles included with this machine was the #10 Medium Roman, and #118 Law Italic. Law Italic is a funky italic that leans to the left instead of the usual right. Very odd. The pitch seems to be about 11 cpi when I measure it.

The case is in rather nice condition, but was missing the latches - so I took it off my #12, as the case on that one is rather banged up.
Overall, it's in pretty nice condition, with minimal rust, mostly intact paint, and preserved decals.

The date of 1915 is my guess as the serial number database doesn't have specific numbers. The guess is from the timing of the features mentioned in the database - enclosed tower and typebars, but no ribbon cup/metal ribbons. However, the serial number seems quite a bit lower than the other Multiplexes in the database. Perhaps it was refurbished into a Multiplex from an earlier model? The serial number on the leg matches the one under the left ribbon spool.

Eventually I'll learn the Ideal keyboard so I can type faster.

---
A FBM purchase from the brother of departed collector Bob Aubert. His brother Ray is slowly selling off the collection, as he himself is not a collector. Bob Aubert seems to have been quite the collector and technician. Apparently back in 1995 he got the Milwaukee Public Museum's electric Blickensderfer running. I wonder where that typewriter is now?

1915 Hammond Multiplex #106135

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Fumitaka Hayashi (fhayashi)
Created: 10-25-2026 at 07:34PM
Last Edit: 10-25-2026 at 07:37PM

Description Hunter 12 Photos 0 Likes  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

A Hammond Multiplex

I wanted a Multiplex to go with my Hammon 12. When this model with the Ideal keyboard showed up on FBM, I bought it.

It did not take too much to get into working shape. It was missing the impression strip, so I made one with electrical tape. The mechanism was sticking, which loosened up with mineral spirits. The scariest problem was the spring motor which seemed to have been over-wound. I detached the carriage strap, let the motor unwind fully, reattached the strap, and retensioned the spring. This typewriter has a winding key attached to the spring motor for easy tensioning - and easy over-tensioning.
Once I replaced the dried out ribbon with the ribbon from my Hammond 12, I was able to get a typing sample. The two type shuttles included with this machine was the #10 Medium Roman, and #118 Law Italic. Law Italic is a funky italic that leans to the left instead of the usual right. Very odd. The pitch seems to be about 11 cpi when I measure it.

The case is in rather nice condition, but was missing the latches - so I took it off my #12, as the case on that one is rather banged up.
Overall, it's in pretty nice condition, with minimal rust, mostly intact paint, and preserved decals.

The date of 1915 is my guess as the serial number database doesn't have specific numbers. The guess is from the timing of the features mentioned in the database - enclosed tower and typebars, but no ribbon cup/metal ribbons. However, the serial number seems quite a bit lower than the other Multiplexes in the database. Perhaps it was refurbished into a Multiplex from an earlier model? The serial number on the leg matches the one under the left ribbon spool.

Eventually I'll learn the Ideal keyboard so I can type faster.

---
A FBM purchase from the brother of departed collector Bob Aubert. His brother Ray is slowly selling off the collection, as he himself is not a collector. Bob Aubert seems to have been quite the collector and technician. Apparently back in 1995 he got the Milwaukee Public Museum's electric Blickensderfer running. I wonder where that typewriter is now?

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

#118 Law Italic for the Ideal keyboard. Note it tilts left instead of right when the impression is made on paper.
#118 Law Italic for the Ideal keyboard. Note it tilts left instead of right when the impression is made on paper.

#10 Medium Roman, for the Ideal keyboard.
#10 Medium Roman, for the Ideal keyboard.





Note the easily tensioned (and over-tensioned) spring motor.
Note the easily tensioned (and over-tensioned) spring motor.



This case doesn't say "Multiplex" on it, but oddly the cover that came with my No. 12 says "Multiplex". Alas, that cover is kind of busted, and squared off in the front for the standard keyboard.
This case doesn't say "Multiplex" on it, but oddly the cover that came with my No. 12 says "Multiplex". Alas, that cover is kind of busted, and squared off in the front for the standard keyboard.

The inside of the lid has instructions in 4 languages - English, French, Spanish, and German. German gets Fraktur typeface...
The inside of the lid has instructions in 4 languages - English, French, Spanish, and German. German gets Fraktur typeface...

A very early serial number for a Multiplex.
A very early serial number for a Multiplex.

Hunter: Fumitaka Hayashi (fhayashi)

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RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Hammond Multiplex on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Hammond Serial Number page and the Hammond Multiplex By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.

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