When the Swiss manufacturer Hermes introduced the Baby model in 1935, it created quite a stir in the typewriter world.  Until then, portable typewriters had been large heavy machines in square wooden carry cases.  Here was a tiny typewriter that stood no higher than a box of matches on end, that could be easily carried and stowed under a car or aircraft seat.  Within a few years, other manufacturers had to either develop something similar of their own, buy a manufacturing licence from Hermes, or give up selling portable typewriters.  Every modern 'flat portable' typewriter owes its heritage to the Baby.

The Empire Typewriter Company in West Browich went the licenced route and began making the Hermes Baby under its own name within a year of the Swiss machine's launch,  At first assembling parts imported from Switzerland, the British factory were soon making the machine in its entirety.  Each time the Swiss factory updated the design, Empire faithfully followed, and this continued until 1960 when the factory was bought by Smith-Corona of America to produce their own typewriters.  The Aristocrat is a precise and exact replica of the much sought-after Swiss Hermes Baby.  There is no difference in fit, finish or operation.  Spare parts interchange freely between the two machines.

The Empire Aristocrat features a 42-character keyboard with an exceptionally light touch, pop-up paper rest, freehead and a typebar unjamming key which doubles as the margin release.  As a basic machine, it takes a single-colour ribbon only.  It is exceptionally light in weight and easy to carry anywhere in its metal case with slide-out handle.  I have fitted a brand-new rubber platen, and this machine is ready to give many more years of pleasurable service. 

New ribbons remain widely available, thanks in part to the many copies of this machine, licenced and otherwise, that have been produced since the 1930's.