Barr Portable Typewriters --  Weedsport, continued
Production machines made during the last two years, in Weedsport.   We'll now take a quick look at these machines, and how they differ from the original production.
Barr Model 40, S/N 40339.  Tilman Elster collection.

We actually begin by showing the machine which has the highest known serial number of any machine in existence.  This machine shows all of the "late" identifying features, which are the use of knob type securing for the ribbon spool covers (instead of the levers,) the use of crinkle finish paint, and the use of black keytops with white legends.  The identification of this machine being a Barr Typewriter Corporation / Weedsport product is on the rear.  Note that the emblem on the paper table matches that seen on the later of the two Don & Carolyn Hoke manuals shown previously.

This machine has the tabulator; its operating key is above the right shift lock key.
Macy's Portable No. 1, S/N 37604.  Tilman Elster collection.

Here we have the only known relabeled variant of the Barr machines, which was sold by Macy's Department Stores.  This is actually the same machine as that seen above mechanically.  The style of print used on the paper table logo is very similar to that used on those which just carry the label "Barr." 
This concludes our sequential and chronological look at the Barr portables.  However, I should note that there are some further mysteries concerning these machines which certainly warrant further investigation, although they don't really change our look at the bulk of production and company history.  One of these surrounds the fact that it's been reported that the tooling for either the last version of the Barr, or a redesigned but never built version, still exists.   Another involves the aforementioned possible redesign of the Barr, which was offered around for production but never built -- not exactly, anyway.  There is also the fact that one Barr machine has been found labeled "Made in Canada," and is also labeled "Barr-Morse Ltd. Montreal Canada."  We will pursue all of these stories, and when the results are finally found, link buttons to specific articles concerning each will appear below.

One of these mysteries, related by well known collector of ephemera Donald Hoke, concerns the possiblility not only of a redesign of the Barr following the Second World War but also the possibility that this design was copied without permission by Brother.  We are looking at this very closely, and as this is written I have beside me a known Brother machine whose key levers and mechanisms are near duplicates of Barr portables as they're known to us now.  Again, this separate story will appear when details are available, and will do so on this site.

My unending thanks go out to the nucleus of dedicated collectors who have helped with this effort, and who continue to work with me on the mysteries I've mentioned above.  These collectors are Herman Price, Richard Polt, Chuck Dilts, Rich Cincotta, Peter Weil, Donald Hoke, Tilman Elster, Thomas Fuertig, and Tony Casillo.  All have contributed with photos, information, ephemera or just leads to help the whole project along.  Ezio V. Leonardi Sr. has also provided information to us about the Barr Typewriter Corporation, and his father's work with both corporate entities.  While all of these people have made huge contributions, I must say that any errors found here are mine, not theirs.  My job as chief information wrangler means responsibility for errors lies with me.  If you find any, or have anything to add, please e-mail me with your input and I'll work on it soon as I can.
to e-mail Will Davis.
Macy's Portable No. 1  S/N 39606.  John Pulley collection.   Here's a pretty rare one; it seems to be in smooth enamel paint rather than in the crinkle finish usually associated with Weedsport-made machines.  Proof that not every rule is one-hundred-percent.  It does display all of the other spotting features for a Weedsport machine, though.

The object protruding from beneath the machine on the right side is the operating tab for the stencil cutout feature, to disable the ribbon vibrator when performing stencil work.
Barr Special, Barr-Morse Company Ltd. Canada.  Tilman Elster collection.   Serial number F1P 591.

July 2005:  This machine is that mentioned above; it is the only guaranteed "Made in Canada" Barr typewriter known to me-- that label appears to the left of the larger "Barr-Morse Company Ltd." decal on the front frame.  To the right of that is the decal stating "Montreal, Que." 

There is nothing immediately surprising about this machine in detail.  The original ribbon spool covers are gone, and thus it is hard to make any determination regarding this identification feature.  Since the code for the serials has not yet been cracked, the meaning of the "F" prefix is also unclear.  But at least one has been preserved for study should the need arise following future research.
NEW INFORMATION August 2005 !!
NEW INFORMATION