Typewriters

[greatestescaper]

Beautiful machine there. Makes me want to get started on my restoration of the Remington sitting in my closet...

 

[Mad Hatter]

I have a 1909 Underwood No. 3 which I use on a regular basis as I'm trying to learn to type as well as use a fountain pen, neither skill I managed to acquire in my youth. The Underwood is the ultimate classic typewriter and it's key tapping sounds define what a manual should sound like. I got mine at a local Flea Market for $25.00 and all it needed to be in perfect working order was a cleaning and new bichrome ribbon. It was a well used machine and by the wear mark in the right of the space key, used by someone professionally trained. It's an experience like nothing else to type on an early Machine like the No. 3 and oddly relaxing and satisfying. When you stop and consider that this machine was regularly used for over a hundred years, it is a testament to Underwood's design and quality for it to continue to deliver flawless performance in the hands of an Amature. As for the value, Underwoods as well as other makes were mass produced in the millions and were in every office, home and school. They were as common s today's Pc's, Tablets, and PAds. So while old, they are not that rare, though it is estimated only about 20% survive, less in working order.

BTW Would love to correspond with other interested in typing and snail mail.

 

[greatestescaper]

I have a 1909 Underwood No. 3 which I use on a regular basis as I'm trying to learn to type as well as use a fountain pen, neither skill I managed to acquire in my youth. The Underwood is the ultimate classic typewriter and it's key tapping sounds define what a manual should sound like. I got mine at a local Flea Market for $25.00 and all it needed to be in perfect working order was a cleaning and new bichrome ribbon. It was a well used machine and by the wear mark in the right of the space key, used by someone professionally trained. It's an experience like nothing else to type on an early Machine like the No. 3 and oddly relaxing and satisfying. When you stop and consider that this machine was regularly used for over a hundred years, it is a testament to Underwood's design and quality for it to continue to deliver flawless performance in the hands of an Amature. As for the value, Underwoods as well as other makes were mass produced in the millions and were in every office, home and school. They were as common s today's Pc's, Tablets, and PAds. So while old, they are not that rare, though it is estimated only about 20% survive, less in working order.

BTW Would love to correspond with other interested in typing and snail mail.

View attachment 67802

That is a beautiful machine. I have a Remington portable in excellent shape and a Royal and another, older, Remington. The later two need some work to get operational. I'm hoping to get working on them fairly soon. As for typing, I often type prose and other passages. I find it a great way to familiarize myself with the work and also to get some practice in at my machine. The entire process is rather meditative and I try and do this at least once per week.

 

[Mad Hatter]

I find with typing you are more immersed in the process and need to think of what you are typing. It's very similar to handwriting in that what you're thinking seems to flow of it's own accord when you're in the typing zone so to speak. Like yourself, I find just sitting and typing very relaxing. As well whenever I use my machine, I often find myself wondering who used it in the past and what for. DId it write a story about the TItanic, report WWI news? If only it could speak, what wonders it might reveal. From the wear it was obviously used by someone who knew how to type, was formally trained in touch typing, and likely it was not a home use machine. I am also aware that the Underwood will easily outlast me, and that I am only it's current guardian.

 

[greatestescaper]

Exactly right on all counts. I also find myself wondering who used the machine, what did they type, and am excited that I am one of it's keepers.

 

[Distant People]

Here's a Royal Arrow, warranty registered in October 1941 but new to me. Everything works as it should.

 

[Fading Fast]

⇧ He's a handsome, not fussy fellow - really like him. Look's like he's in great shape. Enjoy.

 

[Distant People]

Thanks - i am dying to get it set up at the table...

 

[Andykev]

Newest addition to the collection: Olympia SG-1, on a Tiffany "skeleton" typewriter stand! This is a "massive" typewriter, extremely well engineered. It dates from early 1950's. You can type like the wind on this machine. Has the cool "paper injector" handle, and the rare multiple tab settings for doing columns of figures.

 

[Andykev]

And I picked this one up at an antique store. It was not working and had problems, very dirty. It is now all cleaned up and works perfectly. This is a very "snappy" fast typewriter.

 

[Distant People]

Both look bomb proof, though that Underwood is a particularly attractive design.

 

[Andykev]

This is a 1946 Smith-Corona Sterling. It is a beautiful, sleek machine, with greenish glass keys. This was found locally, in mint condition. It is one of my personal favorites.. very nice typing action.

 

[Andykev]

I found this Remington Quiet-Riter at an antique store for $40. It was filthy. A good cleaning and it is beautiful. This machine takes a different spool for the ribbon, which thankfully it still had the original metal ones. Often they get lost. This machine was very popular in it's day, and it is very smooth. Function is flawless. I did not think this would be a "keeper" but typing on it is a pleasure.

 

[Andykev]

One of my older typewriters is an Underwood Standard Four Bank portable. It is in immaculate condition for being 80 years old. Paint and keys are spotless, and everything works. This machine dates from 1934 era. This machine types very well, but not fast. Type quality is excellent. The case was in great shape as well.

 

[Andykev]

I have two Smith-Corona Silents. This one, from 1949, is the early model. It has a brownish colored paper bales, three. The later models had only two and they are black. My other example from 1957 seems a bit "cheaper" by comparison. It does not have the sets of three "racing stripes" on the ribbon cover (just plain). This model was unique in that it has different color green keys for the type, and the shift/tab functions. It has the smaller type (type face - elite). The 1957 model has larger (standard - pica) type. Interesting. This machine has a wonderful touch, and you can type very fast on it.

 

[LizzieMaine]

My mother got the 1957 version of the above model of Smith-Corona as her high school graduation present, and it's the machine I learned to type on when I was in grammer school. A slick, highly-responsive machine, even given the abuse I gave it. Thanks to it, I was typing 50 wpm before I started junior high.

And I've a similar Underwood portable as shown above -- mine is the 1927 "woodgrain pattern" variant, with a weird dark-greenish wood-look paint job. It served as my field typewriter when I was working as a reporter, and though it's banged up, it still works fine. I used to rewind teletype ribbons onto the spools rather than try to find the right ones in the office supply store.

 

[Andykev]

My mother got the 1957 version of the above model of Smith-Corona as her high school graduation present, and it's the machine I learned to type on when I was in grammer school. A slick, highly-responsive machine, even given the abuse I gave it. Thanks to it, I was typing 50 wpm before I started junior high.

And I've a similar Underwood portable as shown above -- mine is the 1927 "woodgrain pattern" variant, with a weird dark-greenish wood-look paint job. It served as my field typewriter when I was working as a reporter, and though it's banged up, it still works fine. I used to rewind teletype ribbons onto the spools rather than try to find the right ones in the office supply store.

The second of these, was actually made in 1957. I prefer the brown paper bales (three) and the racing stripes of the earlier ones. But the larger type of the '57 is nicer, but the smaller type of the other is good too.. if that doesn't make sense then it's because I love them both.

 

[belfastboy]

Here's a Royal Arrow, warranty registered in October 1941 but new to me. Everything works as it should.

I learned to type on one of these in junior high school. My knuckles still hurt when I think of Miss Fleming whacking my knuckles with a ruler for improper hand position and for peeking at the keys.

 

[Distant People]

I definitely peek at the keys.

 

[greatestescaper]

One of my older typewriters is an Underwood Standard Four Bank portable.

A fantastic looking machine there, and incredible condition. I can only imagine how much fun it is to set down and type with it!