Vintage Smith Premier Typewriter Crate
A vintage Smith Premier Typewriter shipping crate circa 1900. Crafted from solid wood and featuring dove tail joinery, the crate features the original stenciled logo “Smith Premier Typewriter” on one side, showcasing an excellent example of advertising typography from the turn of the century.
The Smith-Premier Typewriter Co., named for brothers Lyman, Hurlburt, Monroe and Wilbert Smith, who prior to entering the typewriter industry, were gun manufacturers. The brothers employed a clever inventive gentleman named Alexander Timothy Brown, who was given full creative license to create a new model of typewriter, the Smith-Premier No.1, patented in 1889. These 1st models sold so well that the Smiths exited the firearms business to concentrate solely on manufacturing typewriters. In 1893 as a means of pooling their vast resources, the Smith-Premier company joined rival typewriter manufacturing company Remington, thus forming the Union Typewriter Co. Due to creative differences, in 1903, the brothers left the Smith-Premier brand and formed the L.C. Smith & Brothers Typewriter Co. However, by 1921, the Remington Typewriter Company fully absorbed the Smith-Premier brand, and by 1940, Smith-Premier ceased to exist in entirety.
We think this crate would make a unique bedside or accent table in a guest or children’s room, and would be equally excellent when used as a stylish storage piece for throw blankets and pillows, books, toys or firewood!
Original stenciled writing on one end of the crate “Smith Premier Typewriter”
A portion of a paper tag is attached to one side with the text “(456-P) Guilford, Me., Bang. & Aroos.”. Presumably meaning the crate was shipped on the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in Maine
Various numbers are stamped on the sides of the box, and the underside reads “open opposite side” and “Remington Typewriter”
Solid wood construction with dove tail joinery
Weathered in appearance over time resulting in a wonderful aged patina
Approximately 23” L x 19” W x 14.25” H
Available for pick up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.
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