Made in England 1936–1940

Great condition, cleaned and functional with new ribbon. The Baby Empire is a remarkably compact pre-war portable typewriter produced by British Typewriters Ltd. in West Bromwich, England. Manufactured under licence from the Swiss firm Paillard, it closely follows the celebrated Hermes Baby design, sharing its ultra-lightweight frame, minimalist mechanics and emphasis on true portability. Early examples were assembled partly from imported Swiss components, giving the machine an especially refined feel for its size. With its slim metal body, soft-toned end-of-line bell and simplified mechanism—often lacking a shift-lock or margin release—the Baby Empire was intended as a practical travel companion rather than a fully featured office machine. Sold in a fitted tin or metal case, it gained a reputation for reliability during the late 1930s, even accompanying adventurers and journalists on long-distance journeys. Today, the Baby Empire is admired by collectors for its elegant pared-back design, historical significance and direct connection to the famed Hermes Baby lineage. Whether you're writing letters, working on creative projects, or looking for a unique gift, the Baby Empire delivers both form and function.