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Otto Mergenthaler was the first to sucessfully produce a machine that speeded up the process of typesetting in 1886. His machine casted a 'line of type', hence the name 'Linotype'. His company became one of the most successful producers of typecasting machines.

During the years, the Mergenthaler Linotype Company built several models. An overview is found below. Please note that older models are build upon complete different concepts than more recent machines. For example, the oldest models only have one elevator. As such, some concepts could be confusing at first for people used to work with recent machines.

Note that some sources provide contradictory information. We try to filter as good as possible. Information that is not filled in in the tables, was nowhere mentioned literally. We didn't do guesses on this page.

The blower-Linotype was the first commercial typecaster, which would later evolve into the Linotype as commonly known. It did use separate matrices and air was used to blow these into the assembling elevator. The first four machines were used in the printing house of the New-York Tribune in July 1886. Eventually, more than 200 of those machines were built, ten were sent to England.

The Square-Base Machine is the first successor of the Blower-Linotype. In literature it is sometimes referred to as 'the Advent of the Modern Linotype' because it closely resembles all later linotypes.

(Illustration from Pearson, 1935 p.48.)

This model is in later literature often wrongly referred to as the 'simplex', but the simplex was a German machine (MacMillan, 2013).

Model 1 is the first successful Linotype. It has a very narrow magazine, with channels very close to each other, limiting the matrices to faces up to 11 points only. Replacing magazines was a tendious task which took around an hour and required two men. Magazines were not interchangeable with other models.
The Model 1 was inaccessible, meaning that it was difficult to replace cams, keyrods, verges, etc. Any breakage caused an expensive loss of time.

First figure from thompson (1918), second figure from Mergenthaler Linotype Company (MLC), 1914, p.5

This model is in later literature often wrongly referred to as the 'simplex', but the simplex was a German machine (MacMillan, 2013).

Model 2 is the first Linotype with two magazines and two distributors. It was not very successful, mainly of its complicated double magazine mechanism. According to Spencer (n.d.), most lower magazinesin this model were out of use, or only used rarely for headlines but not for straight composition.

According to Spencer, Mergenthaler salesman often claimed that the lower magazine was almost as fast as the upper one, but "the assembling of lower magazine matrices was necessarily slow; because they had to first travel along a horizontal matrix delivery belt and then slide, one by one, down a chute leading to the assembling elevator. Besides, the matrices in the course of their long journey to the assembling point were apt to clog, either on the horizontal matrix delivery belt or in the chute. In either case it was difficult to get them out." Also, because the lower magazine was shorter, it only contained 16 matrices, forcing the operator to wait frequently till new matrices were distributed in it.

According to Spencer, "faces smaller than 8 point were particularly troublesome in a lower magazine because of their lightness. The upper magazine had the old style channel entrance and was interchangeable with the Model 3 magazines of that kind. The lower magazine of Model 2 was not interchangeable with that of any other model. There were no special differences between the casting mechanism of the single and double magazine machines."

Model 3 is a machine with one magazine and one distributor, as an improvement of model 1. It is the first machine to support 12 point and larger faces, hence it received the name 'the pica machine'. (Read about the names for the individual type sizes here.)

According to Spencer, "a few rebuilt Model 3's have been sold, and quite a number have been rebuilt into Model 5's both in the Linotype factory and by outsiders. The latter practice was discouraged until the coming of the Intertype, and they still prefer to accept the old machine in part payment toward a new one of the later model."

The Linotype Junior has little to do with the Linotype—except that it was made by the same company. It more resembled the Typograph by John. R. Rogers. The full information about this machine can be found on this page.

The Linotype Junior was a half-priced model of the regular Linotype, aimed at small newspaper offices. The Linotype Junior was discontinued by the end of World War I, and most existing models ware traded in for another Linotype (Printing museum, n.d.). They served in part as payment for other models (Spencer, n.d.).

According to Spencer, the machines were very troublesome but he didn't specify. It seemed to have been a very slow machine, setting only two to four thousand ems per hour. Its slugs were limited to 13 ems, changing fonts was tedious, and it was seldom used for more than one size and body.

Model 4 is a machine with two magazines and two distributors, as an improvement of model 2. There were few differences, except that it was the first 'quick change' double magazine Linotype.

The model 5 is an improvement on model 3. It is the first 'quick change' single magazine Linotype, and is very similar to the Intertype with "A" Equipment.

This was the first model on which it was easy to change the magazines, allowing to quickly changing faces when necessary (The Mergenthaler Linotype Company, 1906, 1098 reprint). As shown in the images below, it was an heavily advertised feature of this machine. It also received multiple pages of explanation in the bruchure. The Mergenthaler Linotype Company mentioned that on the models 1, 2 and 3, replacing magazines could take three to minutes. On a Model 4, replacing a magazine would take two minutes. For the Model 5, it would take less than 60 seconds, and the magazines were adjusted for this purpose.

Figures from the Mergenthaler Linotype Company (1906, 1098 reprint)

Model 6 is identical to model 5, but is constructed in such a way that lines up to 36 ems could be cast. This is the first model that can handle this lenght for a line of text.

Model 7 is identical to model 4, but is constructed in such a way that lines up to 36 ems could be cast.

Model 8 is a machine with three magazines and one distributor. It could be purchased as a one-magazine machine and extended later on.

According to Spencer (n.d.), both the Old style Model 8 and Model 9 came out at the same time and both have been pushed hard. At the time of his writing, probably somewhere around the 40's, he states that a large number of them are in operation.

Spencer, of cource working for the competitor Intertype, has several negative comments about this machine. He states that the machine had three sets of escapements and only one set of keyrods, thus requiring ninety crescent-shaped operating levers. "These were pivoted at one end, actuated by the keyrods in the middle and act upon the escapements with the other end. These ninety extra moving parts and the lost motion which they involve, constitute one of the objections to the Model 8. Not only were there more parts in each train of connections between the keyboard and the escapement verge, but the action was harder, owing to stiffer escapement springs and the short leverage at which the verge was actuated." and "At the beginning of each magazine change, two automatic safety devices come into play. One was a strip of metal which slips down over the bottom of the magazine and warns the operator if any matrix was projecting. The other was a similar strip which passes in against the distributor bar, between the screws, and warns him if any matrices were on the bar. it was impossible to make a change of magazine, if everything was working properly, until both the distributor bar and the bottom of the magazine were clear. All of these extra parts were apt to get out of order. Sometimes a matrix projects from the bottom of the magazine and the safety device falls to work. Then if the magazines are, descending, the offending matrix may get caught in such a way as to raise one of them from its escapements. In such a case all of the matrices in that magazine at once slide out on to the floor. If there were matrices on the distributor bar when the change was started, and the safety guillotine falls to work, the result was a number of troublesome wrong fonts."

The New Style Model 8 is the same as the Old Style Model 8, only with updated magazines whith improved escapement mechanisms and a special automatic lever.

This machine carries three split magazines. For changing magazines, the magazine frame opens in a fan shape.

This model was also available as a 72-90 channel machine.

Photos: The Linotype Model 8 at the Newspaper Museum in Røros, assumed to be the new model 8 (no indication of that). Note the green Politype plexi magazine, which is from later date, the separate rails that are needed to change magazines, and the key rods that consist of two parts.

Video: Setting up rails of a Linotype Model 8 magazine

Model 9 is a machine with four magazines and four distributors.

According to Spencer (n.d.), both the Old style Model 8 and Model 9 came out at the same time and both have been pushed hard. At the time of his writing, probably somewhere around the 40's, he states that a large number of them are in operation.

Here as well, Spencer had several negative comments: "The assembling mechanism was cumbersome." and "The same spaceband release was used with all the magazines, and this was the source of another difficulty. Since the magazines lay one above the other, and do not move up and down, it was obvious that matrices from the top magazine cannot drop to the assembling elevator as quickly as matrices from the bottom magazine. Simply because they have several inches further to drop. Consequently, matrices from the bottom magazine were apt to get down ahead of the spaceband, although released after the spaceband was touched. Likewise, matrices from the top magazine often arrive after the spaceband was in the assembling elevator although released before it. It was impossible to remedy this difficulty, as the spaceband release could be timed for only one of the four magazines." and "There were four distributor rails, four sets of screws, and five distributor boxes. The first distributor box was called the primary distributor. its function being to direct the matrices to the distributor accompanying the magazines in which they belong. This was accomplished by means of small bridges placed in the primary distributor, over which the matrices ride or straddle according to the way they were notched. When a matrix reaches the proper point in the primary distributor it falls down a chute to the distributor box of the magazine in which it belongs, when it, was distributed in the usual manner. When one of the four distributors stop, they all stop. To reach one distributor it, was necessary to lift. the heavy frame which supports them all. The four sets of channel entrances were also all in one frame and all must he raised together to reach the top of any of the magazines."

Model 10 is a small single magazine machine, for offices that cann't afford the high priced Model 5. The Mergenthaler Linotype Company put the price of the Model 10 comparatively low, so it would not interfere with the sale of higher priced models. Therefore, Model 10 has its limitations in speed and range. Its small magazines only hold fourteen matrices instead of the usual twenty. This reduces its speed because the operator could run out of sorts, ensuring that this model was not of any interest for larger shops. The range of matrices was also limited to faces up to 11 point only.

Model 11 is identical to model 8, but is constructed in such a way that lines up to 36 ems could be cast. De Jong (1947, Dutch literature) mentions 'a length of 34 augustijn'.

Model 12 is identical to model 9, with four magazines, but is constructed in such a way that lines up to 36 ems could be cast. De Jong (1947, Dutch literature) mentions 'a length of 34 augustijn'.

Spencer (n.d.) metions the Model 13, as an adjusted old Ideal model but arranged with two magazines instead of one. The small magazines could only carry 15 channels per channel.

Spencer refers to the German description in the advertising folder. "Multi-magazine Linotype "Ideal" with enlarged keyboard (124 key buttons) and wide magazine. The old Multi-magazine Linotype "Ideal" had been reconstructed and improved in this model. The keyboard was made wider, i.e., 34 buttons have been added, the magazine being widened and the distributor lengthened. The magazines hold from Nonpareil to middle size characters, accents, Sorts, etc., could also be used within certain limits making this machine especially useful in its new form.

All Linotypes now have safety devices for protecting the fingers, a water cooling system and an improved spaceband."

We currently have no further information about this model, even not if it was produced in America, or if it was imported from Germany. We only know about one German model that was named the 'Ideal', namely the German Model 4. But this machine only has 90 keys and not 124 as Spencer mentions.

Model K was an answer on the new competitor the Intertype Corporation, a company that put a lot of emphasis on the negative sides of the Linotypes. The Model K was a rebuild model 1, although some could have been mostly new (Spencer, n.d.). It also has narrow magazines, thus having the limited range of faces from 5 point to 11 point, similar as the models 1 and 10.

Spencer criticizes the machine for having the same Drawbacks as the Model 8, having several extra parts which can get out of order and its break in the string of connections between the keyboard and verge.

Model 14 is identical to model 8, but is the first Model equipped with an additional side magazine. The auxiliary magazine was controlled via an auxiliary keyboard, a punch-board with two sets of key buttons. However, the typesetting speed of the side magazine was limited, because a matrix from the auxiliary magazine has to get to the assembling elevator over a very long auxiliary matrix delivery belt.
The auxiliary magazine keyboard is a punch-board with one set of keys placed over the other in such a way that two layouts for the auxiliary magazine could be on the machine at the same time.

The Later Style model carries split magazines, which were easier to remove. The side magazine carries wide type, and a special lever cuts of the cap side of the main keyboard, redirecting those keys to the side magazine. This mechanism was a complicated construction. Note that the cap keys on a Linotype are on the right side of the keyboard, (read more about that here).

On 1 February 1930, a new style of side unit was introduced. It contained three side magazines with 34-channels (11 1/4 inches wide). All prior side magazines had 28 channels.

This machine was also offered as a 72-90 channel machine.

The first single keyboard Model 14 carried serial number 33590. Model 14's carrying serial No. 33590 up to serial No. 46706 have narrow 34-channel side magazines. Model 14's carrying serial No. 46706 and above were equipped with the so-called wide 34-channel side magazines. Narrow and wide side magazines were not interchangeable.

This model is identical to model 14, but is constructed in such a way that longer lines could be cast. De Jong (1947, Dutch literature) mentions 'a length of 34 augustijn'.

Spencer (n.d.) did not mention this model. De Jong mentioned this model, but not the later style model 14. It therefore is unclear if this model carries the wide 34 channel auxiliary magazine.

Model 15 is an improvement to model 10. It still has the short magazine, which is removable from the front and can cary only 14 matrices per channel. But this model allows faces from 5 point to 14 point. With a slight additional cost, the machine can be equipped for faces up to 36 point.

Model 16 is a machine with two magazines and two distributors, resembling the Model 9, but with extra wide magazines which are not interchangeable with any other machine. But unlike the Models 8 and K, the magazines do not move up and down in a frame.
Changing the magazines happened through a key at the right of the keyboard. The Mergenthaler Linotype Company advertises that magazines were changed so quickly that the operation from both magazines was continuous.

Model 17 is identical to model 16, but is equipped with a side magazine. It also has the extra wide magazines.

Similar to the Model 14, the auxiliary magazine has twenty-eight channels for matrices of any size, including condensed caps, fonts of large display faces, accented characters, advertising figures, headletter, etc. As on the Model 14, the auxiliary magazine keyboard is a punch-board with one set of keys placed over the other in such a way that two layouts for the auxiliary magazine could be on the machine at the same time.

Model 18 is a machine with two magazines and one distributor, resembling the Model 5. Changing magazines happened as in the Model K.

Model 19 is identical to model 18, but is equipped with a side magazine. Matrices from the auxiliary magazine could be mixed in the same line with matrices from either one of the regular magazines, but all must be distributed before a change of the regular magazines was made.

Model 20 was aimed for the advertising industry, with a magazine only 72 channels and a 72-keys keyboard. Faces were however limited to a fat 24 point.

Model 21 is identical to model 20, but can contain extra large type sizes. To accomodate larger faces, it was equipped with two channel entrance frames.

When setting faces no larger than those carried on the Model 20, the machine was operated just as was the Model 20 and all 72 channels were used. To set faces from 24 point to 36 point, the two channel entrances frames were switched by a lever at the side of the keyboard. The second channel entrance frame allowed to use fifty-five of the magazine channels, blocking the seventeen others. The movement of the lever also automatically locks seventeen of the keys.

The Later Style Model 21 is identical to model 21, but carries 3 magazines of full or splith length.

Model 22 is identical to model 21, but is equipped with a side magazine with 28 channels that carries the characters that run as sorts on the Model 21, or full sets of advertising figures, or complete leadletter fonts of twenty-eight characters.

This magazine is operated with a separate keyboard at the right of the main keyboard.

The Later Style Model 22 is identical to Old Style Model 22, but carries 3 magazines of full or splith length.

There is some unclarity about how the side magazines were operated. Spencer mentions that the auxiliary magazines are operated in the same manner as the new style Model 14 but has a vague descritpion. According to De Jong (1947), the later models had the side magazines operated by the main keyboard.

All machines with higher serial numbers than 46700 (approximate) were equipped with wide 34-channel side magazines. This type of side magazine was not interchangeable with the so-called narrow, 34-channel type.

Model 24 is identical to model 9, but is equipped with four side magazines. The only thing that Spencer (n.d.) had to say about this machine is that it a very complicated construction was.

Model 25 is a machine with two magazines and two distributors, resembling the Model 16.

In 1927, the upper (or primary) distribution box received an update. The previous one resembled the old Model 2. According to Spencer (n.d.), this change ensured that Models 25 and 26 are comparable with Model 4, except that the shift on Model 4 was much more simple. It is unclear what exactly he had in mind with this comment.

Model 26 is identical to model 25, but is equipped with two side magazines with 34 channels. There is no second keyboard, the side magazines worked in the same way as the Model 14.
All machines with higher serial numbers than 46700 (approximate) were equipped with wide 34-channel side magazines. This type of side magazine was not interchangeable with the so-called narrow, 34-channel type.

Model 27 has a maximum of three magazines and one distributor. The magazines contain only 72 channels for larger type sizes and the keyboard has only 72 keys. This machine is aimed at the advertising industry.

Model 28 is identical to model 27, but is equipped with one or three side magazines. It only has one keyboard, working on the side magazine was identical to the Model 14.

The Intertype sales person Spencer (n.d.) compares this machine to the Intertype Models H-1s.m. or H-3s.m.

The Two-in-One-Linotype (Single Distribution) has three main magazines and one distributor. One or two of the main magazines could have 72 channels for larger type sizes. The machine has two assembler entrances with the magazines and two different distribution bars: one for the 92 channel-magazine and one for the 72 channel-magazine. Both the distribution bar and the assembler entrance were put in place by a lever on the right side of the machine.

Only De Jong (1947) mentions this machine, Spencer (n.d.) did not. It could have been that De Jong meant a specific model with this…

The Two-in-One-Linotype (Continuous Distribution) has two magazines and two distributors. One of the main magazines has 72 channels. The machine is equipped with two side magazines.

Only De Jong (1947) mentions this machine, Spencer (n.d.) did not. It could have been that De Jong meant a specific model with this…

This All-Purpose-Linotype has little in common with the other Linotypes. Matrices with a type size from 5 till 144 point are inserted by hand. This made the machine suitable for large headings, advertising and ornaments. More about this machine can be found on this page.

The Blue Streak Linotypes were introduced in 1936. The name did not refer to a specific model, but rather to design and engineering features in all Linotypes. In those models, the moving parts were more covered than on the older Models. According to Spencer (n.d.), the Models 8-14-25-26-27-28-29-30 became Blue Streak Standard Models.

Model 29 has four magazines and two distributors. From model 29 on, all moving parts are covered, which is named 'Blue Streak'.

Model 30 is identical to model 29, but is equipped with four side magazines.

Model 31 has four magazines and one distributor. The magazines can contain 90 or 72 channels.

Model 32 is identical to model 31, but is equipped with four side magazines.

Model 33 has four magazines and one distributor. The magazines only have 72 channels and are 35% wider than the default magazines. This makes them suitable for matrices up to a type size of 36 point. The keyboard only has 72 keys, the mold disk has six molds, and the machine is equipped with an automatic cooling installation (named Thermo-Blo).

Model 33 has four extra large magazines with 90 or 72 channels. Even in the 90 channel-magazines, a type size up to 24 point would fit. Despite that the magazines could be limited to 72 point, the keyboard had 90 keys.

Model 34 resembles model 33 (Two-in-One) with four side magazines but also has an improved assemblage, ensuring that matrices from the side magazines are transported with a larger speed. This model is equipped with a separate keyboard for the side magazines.

Model 35 is a machine with two magazines and two distributors. The magazines are extra large and could have 90 or 72 channels.

Model 36 is identical to model 35, but is equipped with four side magazines. This model is equipped with a separate keyboard for the side magazines.

The Linotype Comet was a single-magazine machine for speed and TTS use, introduced in 1950.

The Electron is a machine generally for use with TTS. It introced several novelties over previous models, such as a huge amount of electronic parts and the elimination of the Assembling Elevator (which is the first fundamental engineering change in the Linotype machines since 1890).

It was often poorly regarded by machinists due to the many disruptions while working. Intertype later released its competitor the the Intertype Monarch, which was considered better by operators. There are stories from Electrons, such as the one at Typorama, Switzerland, that are put out of service one week after purchase.

*Models 1, 10 and K limit the range of the faces from 5 point to 11 point. This range limitation was a serious drawback for these models, particulary the Model K. Most of the existing faces (see here) will not run on these models. Only a few larger faces can be 'made to run' on these limited machines. Those faces are according to Spencer (n.d.):

• 12 pt. Gothic No. 1
• 12 pt. Gothic No. 5
• 12 pt. Gothic No. 5 with Gothic No. 1
• 12 pt. Gothic Condensed No. 2
• 14 pt. Gothic Condensed No. 2
• 12 pt. Condensed Title No. I
• 12 pt. Condensed Title No. 2
• 12 pt. DeVinne Condensed
• 12 pt. Elzevir
• 12 pt. Clarendon No. 1.
• 12 pt. Antique Condensed No. 1.

1. ABEL, O.R., & STRAW, W.A. (1956). Mechanism of the Linotype and Intertype. Brookings Lebawarts Press: South Dakota.
2. DE JONG I.C.H. (1947). Handboek voor den lino en intertypezetter (manual for the Linotype and Intertype operator).
3. MACMILLAN, D.M. (2013). The 'Simplex' Linotype - Never Made In America. [online] https://www.circuitousroot.com/artifice/letters/press/compline/technology/models/linotype-us/simplex/index.html
4. PRINTING MUSEUM. (n.d.). The Linotype Junior. [Online] https://www.printmuseum.org/1908-linotype-jr
5. MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE COMPANY. (1906; 1908 reprint). Mergenthaler Linotypes.
   • Digitized by Google from the University of Michigan copy.
   • With a full pdf version here
6. MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE COMPANY. (1914). Suggestions for Linotype Machinists. Brooklyn, NY.
7. MERGENTHALER, OTTMAR; SCHLESINGER, CARL; ed. (1989). The Biography of Ottmar Mergenthaler, Inventor of the Linotype. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Books.
8. PEARSON, FRANK. (1936). Ottmar Mergenthaler. [a "special historical number of"] The Business Printer. (July-August, 1935). Salt Lake City, UT: Porte Publishing Company, 1935.
9. SPENCER, LEONARD (n.d.). Evaluations of the competition written by the Intertype Corporation for their sales force. [written somewhere in the 40's ] [Online available here] https://www.linotype.org/Misc/models.html
10. THOMPSON, JOHN S. (1904). History of Composing Mchines. Chicago: The Inland Printer Company.

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