First linotype on exhibition in Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Institution is exhibiting the first linotype machine ever built by Lergenthaler, its inventor. It was first tested in July, 1884, and cast a line in 15 seconds. The basic difference between the first machine and the present models is that in the machine photographed here -- each matrix contains the entire alphabet and is clamped into place side by side with other bars for making the line. In the present models each matrix carries only a single letter and these are distributed automatically after each line is printed.

Harris & Ewing · [ca. 1908–1972]

[Information from item housing] Linotype Machine