Contents
“Holland’s Finest!”
The Forto is a Consul 1511, manufactured in Holland in the early 1960s. A Frear’s advertisement lists the machine as “brand new” in 1960, though this model was introduced a year earlier under the “Consul” label. That machine was manufactured in Czechoslovakia.
One interesting note, no mention is made of Forto’s Czech origins in advertisements. Frear’s describes the typewriter as “Holland’s finest!” Another states, “Precision engineered in Holland.”
The Forto is well-made, though a bit heavy for its size. At $74 (list $149) it was a competitively priced. Ascetically pleasing, the Forto adds distinction to any collection — the logo is particularly appealing.
How “Forto” was chosen is unclear; this mark does not appear to have been applied to any other machine. A 1968 forensics paper lists the Forto as being manufactured by Zeta, another name for Consul.1 In terms of collecting, the Forto is rare, though two were recently listed on eBay, selling for around $90, including shipping.
Zeta, Consul, Forto, Diplomat
I could not find model markings on the Forto — apart from “De Luxe” on the slot segment — but it is a 1511. My collection includes the Forto and the Diplomat, but no “Consul”-branded machines.
A Zeta-branded Zeta with QWERTZ keyboard. Offered (presently) on eBay.
A Consul 1511 offered on eBay with QWERTZ keyboard. The 1511 was also sold with a QWERTY keyboard.2
The Forto and the Diplomat. Read about the Diplomat here.
Typing sample
Advertisements
Advertisement introducing the Forto — note the Consul featured above it. From The Troy Record (Troy, New York), Sept. 14, 1960.
Forto advertised in a 1961 catalog.
The Milwaukee Journal, Sept. 6, 1961.
Photos
Additional reading
- PDF: Class Characteristics of Foreign Typewriters and Typefaces (1968), by David A. Crown — contains detailed information for forensic study
- Machines of Loving Grace has two articles here and here
As seen at TypewriterDatabase.com.
© 2014 – 2015, Mark Adams. All rights reserved.
Related posts:
- The Zeta/Consul history remains unclear to me, but the company operated under both of these names at various points in its history. My Forto does not have the distinct “Z” logo, as is found on other Consul-made typewriters. [↩]
- See http://machinesoflovinggrace.com/ptf/EuropeZetaConsul.html. [↩]
I like the logo on the case, it’s a rather nice touch.
Funny how on the ad the descriptions don’t match the pictures. XD
Indeed, I’m still struggling with how to adjust the margins.
Does it have “magic margin” style automatic margins? Some Consuls do.
So they built a factory in Holland in order to make these machines just like in Czechoslovakia? It seems weird. I wonder whether they were just assembled there.
This machine vexes me. I cannot set or adjust the margins. There is one lever on the left side of the carriage that seems to have no functional purpose (it’s probably broke). That tab release key doesn’t fully unset the margins. And to your question, no, it doesn’t seem to have a magic margin setting. Very basic machine actually.
I’m guessing that the Forto was assembled in Holland. The forensics paper identifies Forto as a “Dutch assembly” — but that could mean a number of things. I’m thinking that Consul needed a Dutch factory for export purposes.
Heh, it’s hilarious how the Frear’s ad seems to have just pulled random photos to illustrate their ads. A 1940’s IBM electric is a “portable”, what looks like an SG-1 is a “consul portable”, and what looks like an early 50’s Underwood portable is a “Remington Noiseless”. 😀
Won’t even comment on the “refurbed” items.
Yes, but that IBM “portable” gives you more machine than what you’d pay for “many incomplete models”!
The “Remington Noiseless” is actually the Consul portable image… I have no idea what the “Deluxe Consul” image is.
Did you ever figure out the margins on this? It has the two magic margin levers present.
Great looking typewriter. I think this is the first one of these I’ve ever seen. Another addition to my wish list.
I have an exact replica licensed in Canada under the name Commodore. (the precursor to the company that created the commodore 64) I bought it yesterday. I spent all afternoon figuring out the margins. They are set by the two most rear levers. It is indeed a “magic margin” Pull the left rear most level forward and pull the carriage to the left where you want the margin set then push backwards. Repeat with the right rear most lever for the right margin.
On a side note, I have yet to find the carriage lock. Perhaps you could return the favour (or more likely I fear I have found it and it’s broken.)
I just found one of these Forto’s in my father-in-laws house. He has moved to a senior living facility. It is going in the trash if I can’t find a home for it. Do you know of somebody who would like this? The return carriage has come off but I think it could be fixed. Everything else is in good condition.
Hello! I’m using a Polish version of Consul 1511 under the name Consul, on the back is written “Made In Czechoslovakia”. It’s a very good machine for someone to start his adventure with writing machines (like I do). Greetings!