Curt Lehmann - Culema - Typewriter - 1910-1920

Rare original CULEMA typewriter
Early European collectible from the period around 1919–1925
Functional mechanics – outstanding authentic original condition

For sale is a highly rare historical typewriter from the brand CULEMA, presumably manufactured in the early 1920s by Gebrüder Lehmann KG in Erfurt.

This exceptional specimen impresses with its characteristic design of the early European typewriter era: black original lacquer with a fine gold line, openly visible mechanics, classic type-lever construction, and the elegant design language transitioning from Jugendstil to early Art Deco.

The machine features a German keyboard and bears on the back indications of international patents (“Patents in most civil states”), which further underline its historical and technical character.

Condition

The typewriter is in a remarkably beautiful and authentic original condition with age-appropriate patina.

Trolley/ carriage travel operates smoothly and freely
Type levers strike correctly
Mechanics move freely
Original ink ribbon present (due to age only faint impression remaining)
Inscriptions and gold decorative lines well preserved
No obvious major missing parts

The machine has deliberately not been restored or modernly overhauled in order to preserve its original substance and historical aura in full.

Special feature & rarity

CULEMA typewriters appear on the international collectors’ market only very rarely and today rank among the sought-after early European typewriter models.

Due to the combination of technical rarity, decorative impact, and functioning mechanics, this exemplar is suitable for:

- discerning collectors of historical typewriters
- technical or design-historical collections
- high-quality interior or film decoration

The open mechanics and the elegant industrial design make this machine a striking time witness of the early office and technology history of the 20th century.