The Dial-a-Type Element for Montgomery Ward's Signature 511 & 511D Brother Typewriters

Behold the elusive Brother Dial-a-Type element! It was available as an extra feature on some JP-3 models but not commonly found because it was expensive. Adjusting for inflation, the attachment costs an additional $100 added to the $750 price of the typewriter. The fully featured Signature 510, 511, and the 511D were sold by Montgomery Ward from late 1960s to early 1970s. The latter was my very first typewriter, now I have the three typefaces, Pica, Elite, Script, and this element works on all of them. Will I ever type real mathematics on a typewriter? Probably not, lol, but it sure is neat!












These pictures make the dial-a-type element look huge! While it is larger than the other slugs, it's still quite a tiny little thing. I want to take it off to get a closer look, but I'm too scared that I might break it.









My boyfriend doesn't collect typewriters, but he is happily supportive of my obsessions. Fifty machines doesn't faze him at all. A couple of days ago he grabbed the two busted Signature 511 cases from my trash, "Let me try to fix them." He then worked some magic with a soldering iron. The scars could be covered with paint or stickers, but I like seeing the evidence of how much he loves me. The cases are perfectly solid again and will protect my beloved JP-3's from evil dust. Should I ask him to marry me?





If you want to see the dial-a-type element in action, head on over to Type Pals. Better yet, come join us and tell us about your typewriters too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUGqsLrVIjU