I started collecting typewriters by accident. As in, I found a circa 1917 Royal No. 10 at a barn sale in 2002 for $10. I thought, “This is cool. Hey it works! Okay, I’ll take it home.” I cleaned it up, tested it out, and yep, it worked. Fabulous. That thing traveled from upstate NY, to FL, to MA. When I arrived here in MA, I found more typewriters that were super cool, and and old, and my collection really started.
But why typewriters? Short answer: I dunno. As a kid, I was really into office supplies. I was an odd child, what can I say. Let me loose in an office supply/stationery story today, and I’ll be in my happy place.
Longer answer: I like that something made 100 years ago still works, and does what it’s supposed to do. I also like to think of all the letters, invoices, term papers, articles, novels that have been typed on the machines I own. My laptop is out of date after 5 years, but my typewriters? Still kickin’ it and clickety-clackin’ it after a century. That makes me smile. I also like using them. There’s something deliberate about typing a letter on typewriter. You have to think about it. You have to put in the effort. I like that. Writing with purpose.
Handy Resources
Extra sites and articles on typewriters
Fun article on Tom Hanks (typewriter collector) and showcases some cool typewriters
General overview on typewriter collecting with LOTS of extra links
Wikipedia article on Typewriters
Royal No. 10 circa 1917
Serial Number X 339195
My first typewriter. I’ve had it for 16 years and five apartments. Is that weird? Probably, considering it weighs a ton (more like 35 pounds) Not the best condition for a serious collector. The brand lettering is rubbed off on the front. I don’t care. It was my first. I’m keeping her. What always impressed me is that those double bevel glass sides survived 100 years. Even more impressive? Only the “7” key stuck. It was in perfect working condition. And I found it in a barn. Just a magical typewriter day.
How do I know it’s circa 1917? That serial number and the internet. Thank goodness for the internet and folks far more into typewriters than me. There’s a typewriter database, and according to my typewriter’s serial number, it lands somewhere in 1917 or into 1918.
Want to know a fun fact? Royal still exists as a company. Good for you Royal!
Underwood No 3 March 1917
Serial Number 190880
Found this gem at a local “antique and collectible” mall. This translates to: Cool antiques, baseball cards, random junk, and creepy dolls. I love this place. It’s the right balance of quality and crap. This 12″ Underwood No. 3 is also from 1917. March of 1917 to be exact. Again, thank the people who curate the Typewriter Database linked above. A little can of air, a little oil, and a new ribbon, and you have a fine working typewriter for the low low price of $45. Like the Royal No. 10 of this era, it weighs about 30 pounds. Unlike my Royal No. 10, this Underwood’s decorative flair is in much better shape. Sadly, its keys are not. You can’t have it all. What you can have is a 100 year old typewriter that works great, looks cool, and collects an impressive amount of dust and cat hair. Pro tip: always keep a can of air handy!
Underwood is no longer in business, but if you’d like to learn more, here’s the Wikipedia page
Extra tidbit: Both Royal and Underwood operated out of Hartford, CT.
Remington Standard No 12 April 1924
Serial Number LK 40946
So I wondered if there would be typewriters on eBay…oh boy are there! Need a typewriter? Go to eBay. It’s overwhelming to be honest. So. Many. Typewriters. I needed to focus. My goal, in typewriter collecting, was two-fold:
- Pre-WW2 (preferably 1935 and earlier)
- Focus on the four big manufacturers (Royal, Underwood, Remington, Smith-Corona)
- Reasonable working condition (I can fix it up. I don’t want it for parts)
Now that I had my focus, I could filter all the typewriter awesomeness, and look for a deal. Now, as you can imagine, the “desktop”, non-portable typewriters are 30-40 pounds, so not exactly cheap to ship. You can pay as much or more in shipping than for the typewriter, so, be aware of that. I wasn’t going to do that. No sir. I have a budget of $75 and under for typewriter purchases.
I landed on this beauty. The 1924 Remington Standard 12 Correspondence Model. I enjoy corresponding! And typewriters! $50! The seller stated “local pick up only”. The seller was only an hour away! I win! Extra bonus: the seller was a sweet grandma who was downsizing and cleaning out her husband’s stuff, who had died a few years ago. She was lovely. The typewriter was in good working condition. Twas a good day.
You can thank Remington for the QWERTY keyboard. Check out the Wikipedia page for more information on these folks.
Smith Premiere No. 2 1905
Found this on eBay. A local kid was selling it for $50. My earliest typewriter, and my first upstrike! Finally, my “one desktop, one portable of the big four typewriter makers” is complete.
Oliver no 5 1912
Serial Number 343901
Found this one on eBay for $75. Fixed the master coil, replaced the draw string, cleaned it, oiled it, and got it working pretty well! Love the unique “bat wing” design, and the left and right down strikes. Just fun and funky machine.
Royal Portable Model O 1935
Serial Number O-450108
So, if you’re looking for a vintage typewriter, and you’re on eBay, a nice little portable like this will cost less than $75, and the shipping isn’t bad. This is how I got most of my portables. Model O just means the serial number starts with O. There’s no “name” to this portable. Way to be creative Royal!
Underwood Portable Model F 1934
Serial Number F 777655
Underwood was equally creative with Model F. This was my first portable. Found under a chair in the back of a massive antiques and collectible barn place in New Hampshire. $35. All the keys worked. Sold. This is the one I like to type with the most. The keys strike easily, it’s comfortable, smooth, and pleasant.
Remington Portable Model 1 October 1925
Serial Number NC 54282
Another fine eBay find. I think I paid about $50 for this. Great little typewriter. It has this interesting lever to raise the type bars into proper typing position. Remingtons also have these unique “teeth” in the roller, that pop up with a little button next to the platen knob. Why? So pharmacists can stick a small card on there and type prescriptions. The case on this one is different as well. It’s slanted down the front, following the keys, instead of the standard “square box” look.
Corona 3 Folding 1917
Serial Number 135355
My favorite. It folds! It’s small, light, and it freakin’ folds. I think I paid $85 for this one, because I just had to have it. Types great. I do have to replace on spring on it, that’s a tad loose. But come on. It. Folds. Why did they make a folding typewriter? It was very popular among journalists. It’s the most portable portable to be honest.
The Huffington Post calls it the first laptop
All about Smith-Corona on the Wiki
And good for Smith-Corona for still being in business. Thermal labels. Who knew?
On The Porch 
I love seeing all your typewriters in one place with gorgeous pictures and just enough history that I am curious to learn more about every single one of them!
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