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1923 Orga Standard 1 Serial # 4208 1923 Orga Standard 1 typewriter, Serial # 4208 Albin1989 Tarnowski's 1923 Orga Standard 1 typewriter. 2026-06-05 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Albin1989 Tarnowski: 1923 Orga Standard 1 Serial # 4208 Indiscriminately equating the Orga A38 model with other machines from the same brand, solely based on matching patent numbers, is detrimental to the history of the Bing Werke enterprise. Such simplifications perpetuate misconceptions that, when repeated over subsequent decades, distort the true picture of the technical development of these devices. It is crucial to make a diligent distinction between individual units to avoid the systemic perpetuation of misinformation in the subject literature.

1923 Orga Standard 1 #4208

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Albin1989 Tarnowski (Albin)
Created: 06-04-2026 at 10:34PM
Last Edit: 06-05-2026 at 09:12AM

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Description:

Indiscriminately equating the Orga A38 model with other machines from the same brand, solely based on matching patent numbers, is detrimental to the history of the Bing Werke enterprise. Such simplifications perpetuate misconceptions that, when repeated over subsequent decades, distort the true picture of the technical development of these devices. It is crucial to make a diligent distinction between individual units to avoid the systemic perpetuation of misinformation in the subject literature.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

In my Orga A38 machine, the gear pawl is made of brass and cast iron, while the drum is entirely aluminum.
In my Orga A38 machine, the gear pawl is made of brass and cast iron, while the drum is entirely aluminum.

Next to the A38 nameplate, there is a finish that differs from the one used on Orga Standard models from 1922.
Next to the A38 nameplate, there is a finish that differs from the one used on Orga Standard models from 1922.

Only the lower part of the rear frame has the paint on which the patent numbers were applied. In my view, this is where Stephan Bing camouflaged the prototype created by his father, Ignaz. Meanwhile, the 'Ig' logo and the handwritten date of the prototype's completion (4.II.8...) are located in completely different places on the machine.
Only the lower part of the rear frame has the paint on which the patent numbers were applied. In my view, this is where Stephan Bing camouflaged the prototype created by his father, Ignaz. Meanwhile, the 'Ig' logo and the handwritten date of the prototype's completion (4.II.8...) are located in completely different places on the machine.

This is the typeface of my Orga A38 machine.
This is the typeface of my Orga A38 machine.

The discussion ended quickly, but it is worth noting the significant structural differences. When comparing my unit (Orga A38) with mass-produced machines, a clear disparity in quality is visible. The A14 model is made of a noticeably inferior metal alloy, which suggests different manufacturing standards across various production phases. ​In my opinion, Stephen began the full production line with the A1 model, intentionally using such numbering to camouflage the original verification prototype from 1908.
The discussion ended quickly, but it is worth noting the significant structural differences. When comparing my unit (Orga A38) with mass-produced machines, a clear disparity in quality is visible. The A14 model is made of a noticeably inferior metal alloy, which suggests different manufacturing standards across various production phases. ​In my opinion, Stephen began the full production line with the A1 model, intentionally using such numbering to camouflage the original verification prototype from 1908.

I went even further and, based on my deductions, deciphered a code to which the following designations can be attributed: 'A' for Adolf, '3' for the project start, and '8' for the prototype completion. This document contains a handwritten approval by Ignaz Bing, signed with the initials 'Ig' and dated 4.II.8.
I went even further and, based on my deductions, deciphered a code to which the following designations can be attributed: 'A' for Adolf, '3' for the project start, and '8' for the prototype completion. This document contains a handwritten approval by Ignaz Bing, signed with the initials 'Ig' and dated 4.II.8.

This is yet another thread on the IFHB forum. One of the experts copied my A38 machine and posted it on their paid website as an 'Orga Standard A38'. I don't know what the consequences of this have been for me, but I know one thing: they have successfully blocked me.
This is yet another thread on the IFHB forum. One of the experts copied my A38 machine and posted it on their paid website as an 'Orga Standard A38'. I don't know what the consequences of this have been for me, but I know one thing: they have successfully blocked me.

Hunter: Albin1989 Tarnowski (Albin)

Albin1989 Tarnowski's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 7

Orga typewriter enthusiast. Documenting the A38 pre-production series (zero series).


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