Reliance Visible  s/n 60800

The machine seen here is later than the Reliance Visible pictured on our earlier page, and displays two interesting differences.  First, and perhaps most obvious, is the fact that a much more conventional-looking line-space / carriage return lever has been developed and applied by this point; unusually, the line space selector is mounted to the top of this lever in the flat section.

Second, and more interesting is the fact that the decals on the machine indicate clearly that by the time this serial number was reached, the company producing the machines had changed.  This machine is labeled as having been manufactured by "Reliance Machine Mfg. Co." very clearly on the top of the removable keyboard unit; this is seen below.
Normally, the manufacturer decal (indicating "Reliance Typewriter Company") is found on the front frame, below the keyboard, but on this machine as we see it's not.  The patent labeling is on the front frame, with the manufacturer on top as shown.  The evidence is clear, then, that ownership had changed by this point - or at least that new investors had been brought in, whether Montgomery-Ward continued to play a role or not.
Shown here for comparison:  Above, Reliance Visible s/n 51432, a parts junker, and on the right Reliance Visible s/n 51695.  Both with old-style return lever (removed from 51432) and labeled Reliance Typewriter Co.
The Reliance machines and all name variants thereof begin at just above 51,000 in serial number, although the highest known Pittsburg machines end just above 41,000.   Obviously the new company decided to jump 10,000 numbers to offset the new production.

Early in the production of the Reliance machines, very new-looking machines like the AMERICO pictured at left appeared.  Internally, and operationally, they're just like the older style; they're more enclosed, and more modern looking though.  (They still come apart, too.)  The AMERICO seen here is actually a trade catalog illustration provided by Peter Weil.

In total, by serial number data provided to us, there were about 12,000 machines built by Reliance Typewriter Co. and Reliance Machine Manufacturing Company from start to finish, making the line one of the least common four-bank front strike typewriters that collectors can search for today.
Above, Will Davis / Peter Weil.  We hope you've enjoyed this in-depth look at the Daugherty / Pittsburg / Reliance machines; they're among our favorite early visible machines, and by the number of them found in collections today, they're also clearly popular among collectors.  My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project; it wouldn't be here without you.