I have a hobby I recently picked up after watching a biopic on David McCullough, author of best selling books such as John Adams and 1776. In this piece I saw on television Mr. McCullough was typing on a 60 year old Royal Standard typewriter. I found it interesting in this day and age that such a prolific writer such as McCullough would still use a machine that by all accounts time has passed by.
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I then became interested in the old bangers. They were beautiful and somewhat romantic. It reminds me of a time where fedora hat wearing detectives search for a priceless gem colored bird. Then my wife gave me an Underwood #5 from about 1946. It works well, and after a quick cleaning, it looks nearly new. |
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This past weekend I picked up 3 more typewriters. A Smith Corona quiet portable from about 1950 or so in somewhat poor shape. Luckily it was a freebie.
I got a 1940s Royal Quiet Deluxe pictured right for $60. After a quick cleaning and turning of the ribbon, I was typing "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country," like any good typing student. The other one that I got was the crown jewel of my collection so far. For $10, I am getting a mint Royal Portable Touch Control, circa 1936. bottom right This one came with everything original, including box, instructions, carrying case, and dust cover. Call me strange. My wife has already threatened to divorce me due to this strange hobby. And it is something strange. But everyone collects things that appeal to him or her. My wife collects Mary Moo Moos; and though I think they are pretty, they aren't my cup of tea. There are quite a few typewriter collectors out there. I read somewhere that 90% of them are men and 100% of their wives think they're crazy. And for those crazy folks are quite a few good sites to visit regarding these "bangers" as we call them. There is Mr. Typewriter, a crazy old coot who tracks down and restores typewriters and sells them. My Typewriter is a favorite among typewriter collectors and the curious. In this day and age of computers and instant messaging, you can still buy a typewriter and supplies rather inexpensively.
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 Article Author: Tom BuxTom Bux is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in American Studies. He is currently working on his masters degree in training and development at Penn State Harrisburg.
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Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
very cool tom. old typewriters have a certain charm that can't be replicated.
and you might be right about the demographic. i also learned on an electric machine in high schooll but i used to own an old underwood.
where the heck do you go for replacement ribbons?
2 - Tom
I get my replacement ribbons from any office supply store. From underwoods, to royals, to even my piece of junk Kmart 100 use the same basic ribbon and spool for around $5.
Also that one place I mentioned , mytypewriter, has the good nylon ones for most any make and model. They'll work the best, but will be a little more expensive-usually around $10 or so.
3 - dietdoc
Tom,
Being the nerdy 11 year old I was in 1961, I asked for and received a Royal portable typewriter for Christmas (which was, by no small coincidence, my birtday, as well; for economic reasons, my gifts had to do double duty).
I used that little wonder for typing stacks of useless reports and drivel all the way through high school. I also loved the "erasable" typewriter paper since I never took typing but wish I had, to this day. I wish you well in your new hobby.
Cheers,
Ron
4 - kevin
i have many antique typewriters for sale that are in good condition. if you are interested in buying one send me and e-mail
5 - Carol
I have a Royal Touch Control with Magic Margin settings with the original stand - in great condition with brushes, bottle in box of Solvene Typewriter Cleaner with applicator, 2 oz. very old. If you're interested or know someone who is, please send me an email. Thanks!
6 - piero tomassini
like to by old typewriter
7 - Macossay
A friend was cleaning out her mother's house and gave me a Royal Quiet De Luxe -- Hemingway's favorite typewriter -- in perfect condition. I hadn't typed on a manual in years but the skill came right back. I'd be writing the Great American Novel on it right now, 'cept it uses 12 pitch Elite instead of 10 pitch Pica.
8 - Martin Howard
Hi Tom,
I enjoyed reading about you love of typewriters.
I love them too and have been collecting them for 20 years.
Please visit my collection at www.antiquetypewriters.com
You will have a good time!
Regards,
Martin Howard
9 - cecelia
My dad was a typewriter mechanic from the 1930's until his death in the late 1980's. I don't have any typewriters but I have his tools. Would anyone be interested in purchasing them?
10 - jdvega64
To Cecelia: I would be interested in those tools if they are still available!