Typewriters were part of the standard equipment in offices in America and Europe from 1890 to 1980. Remington typewriters introduced the "QWERTY" keyboard which is still in use today in computers. The older and manual ones (that is, non-electric) come to have very high prices, because nowadays they are no longer in production. Antique typewriters are often refurbished to be used, posed as decorative elements, or taken apart for various art projects. If you are looking for a manual typewriter, there are many places that sell them. Its purchase requires some knowledge about the product and its value. Read, starting with the first step, to find out what to do if you want to buy a vintage typewriter.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting to know the Typewriter Market
Step 1. Before you start buying, you need to know the value of a vintage typewriter
By doing some research you can save money, and the following information will help you get started.
- Vintage typewriters are generally those built before 1920. They can cost between 250 and 5000 euros.
- There are many vintage typewriters that have keyboards other than "QWERTY". These have much higher prices.
- The most common American models are: Remington, Royal, Underwood and Smith Corona. A popular German brand is Olympia. Other vintage models to look for are the Blickensderfer, the Hammond and the Oliver.
- The Underwood number 5 is probably the most common vintage typewriter on the market today. It was mass-produced in the first half of the 20th century. It is known for being comfortable, rather light and with a unique appearance.
- It is rare to find a typewriter for less than 75 euros ($ 100, £ 64). Jewelers are willing to pay up to this amount to disassemble a car keyboard and use its keys in jewelry. A car under $ 74 is unlikely to work, and may need to be refurbished.
Step 2. Buy a book on typewriter collecting, or borrow one from the library
A good title to look for might be The Typewriter. A look into the history of the Mario Pedrali Collection.
Step 3. Know the terminology related to typewriters
It will help you determine if the car needs major repairs, or some simple replacement. Familiarize yourself with the keys, dial line, carriage, reel, ribbon, and return lever mechanism.
Step 4. Be very careful before buying a typewriter on the internet
Unless the car is reported to a collectors site, the owner is unlikely to be qualified to determine its condition. A "like new" typewriter in an eBay auction could be broken and need repairs for hundreds of dollars before it can work.
Typewriters are bulky and heavy. They can be easily damaged during shipping. If you buy an old typewriter online, make sure you can return it if it is poorly packaged and damaged before arrival
Part 2 of 2: Buying a Typewriter
Step 1. Start searching the pawn shops in your area
In the pawn shops of large and small cities, you can often find cars in good condition. Even if the seller knows what the car is worth, you may be able to get a good price.
Step 2. Look for a working typewriter at antique stores
Antique dealers know the value of a vintage typewriter, so they are more likely to sell you one in excellent condition.
Step 3. Participate in private sales or liquidations
Anyone who has worked in an office in the last century may have had a typewriter at home. It's not uncommon to find an Underwood at a clearance or clearance sale.
Step 4. Check out vintage typewriter auctions on eBay
EBay auctions can be a gamble, as the condition of the car is not guaranteed. There is a wide choice, but prices can be raised due to too many offers.
Step 5. Buy from a reputable online seller like VintageTypewriterShoppe.com or MrTypewriter.com
These sites guarantee their typewriters and offer a great variety. Prices for working machines may be very high and include expensive shipping, but this will save you money on any repairs.
Step 6. If you want a free or almost free typewriter, check the Freecycle network or Craigslist
Freecycle.org connects groups of people who give away items, and ads on Craigslist encourage lowering prices to get rid of things for sale faster. The typewriters you will find on these sites are ideal to be transformed and reused, as they are likely not in good condition.
Advice
- Find a typewriter repair shop in your area if you plan on using the one you are going to buy. Renewal can cost up to 40 euros ($ 50, £ 32), depending on the problem. Manual typewriters often need repair, because they have a lot of moving parts.
- Get ready to clean and oil your typewriter after you buy it. Most sellers don't care, as they don't know what you want to use it for.
- Most machines from the 1940s and later need ribbons of the same size and width, but some want a non-standard sized reel. This means you need to find a spool that fits your specific typewriter to transfer the standard typewriter ribbon to it.
