199X Godrej and Boyce Prima #529492
Status: My Collection
Hunter: EricD Sarkar (SchwarzerHase)
Created: 06-15-2026 at 01:54AM
Last Edit: 06-15-2026 at 02:16AM
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Description:
I have been using an Olivetti Dora for a while and I was trying to get a typewriter in my native language Bengali. Searching online didn't yield any result, then I stumbled upon one locally after a few months.
This is a Godrej & Boyce Prima (From Prima Donna) in Bengali script. Godrej started manufacturing typewriters in India since mid 50's and later they had a technical collaboration with VEB Optima East Germany. Earlier, in 1965, linguist Munier Chowdhury from Bangladesh devised an efficient Bengali layout with Optima and those typewriters were exported to Bangladesh during 70's and early 80's. Godrej, however, even though they started manufacturing Bengali typewriters in 90's, they didn't opt for Munier layout, and used the existing Bengali layout popularised by Remington since 1920's in India.
It has many dead keys for possible ligature and conjuncts, so the guide is a bit different.
The serial number can be found under the carriage, on the upper left side of the chasis. Pinpointing the date of manufacturing is not possible due to lack of resources regarding their numbering method.
Given the condition of platen and the body, this typewriter was probably made in late 90's. Godrej made the Bengali typewriters exclusively for Government offices, so there are no public advertisements available for this particular model.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: EricD Sarkar (SchwarzerHase)
EricD Sarkar's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 0
An amateur restorer and smol collector of vintage mechanical relics based in West Bengal, India. My current daily driver is a crisp, Barcelona-built Olivetti Dora and a Godrej Prima with Bengali typeface.
When I'm not cleaning segments or adjusting typebars, I spend my time immersed in Hindustani classical music, Sarod, and high-contrast ink and wash art.
I love cats🐈 🐈
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Godrej and Boyce Prima on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Godrej and Boyce Serial Number page and the Godrej and Boyce Prima By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
