Still on the Lookout for the Perfect Vintage Typewriter

Posted by Riz on July 20th, 2009. Comments (4)

Since that day I discovered (apologies for making it sound like I found cure to cancer) that typewriters still exist, and that people not only collect them for decorative purposes but still use them these days, I have not stopped surfing, searching, subscribing to feeds, and drooling over typewriters online.

This new hobby/interest/addiction of mine is starting to make me crazy, I even dream about it sometimes. But I shall not stop until I find a typewriter that has my name on it. I need just one, and then I’ll shut up.

Some of the typewriter shops online that I frequent recently:

PoeticTypewriters.ComPoetictypewriters.com

Poetictypewriters.com is actually kind of new, I just found out about it today through Uppercase. I’ve been eye-ing one of their typewriters already (the 1950s Hermes 3000), have found my way to their etsy store, and have messaged the owner to know if they ship to the Philippines. That’s my main problem, actually. Most online shops that sell typewriters ship only to the United States and Canada, I have yet to see a local site selling typewriters.

* * *

Vintagetypewritershoppe.comVintagetypewritershoppe.com

Vintagetypewritershoppe.com is the first (uh) vintage typewriter shop I ever laid eyes on. I know, the site does look vintage in itself (Web 1.0, anyone?), but it’s surely a treasure chest. The items are quite expensive though, compared to some of the typewriters being sold in Etsy or Ebay, but the owner of this site looks to me like a veteran antique collector who knows a lot about repairing and maintaining vintage typewriters. I bet all of these babies are properly maintained and are in good condition.

* * *

Collectorsweekly.comCollectorsweekly.com

Collectorsweekly.com sells all sorts of collectors items — from gadgets to jewelries to coins and stamps and books. They do have an entire page dedicated to typewriters, and it’s so far the widest collection of typewriters I’ve seen online. Some of the typewriters, however, are being sold really cheap because they’re not in good condition. Then again, you can always opt to have them repaired yourself, and you still would’ve spent less.

I have sent emails today, asking these shop owners if they ship to the Philippines. I’m thinking they might agree, but the shipping costs would probably cripple me. Ouch. I wait and see.

The one thing I haven’t done yet, though, is to find local typewriter stores myself — they just probably don’t have websites yet. I hear that Office Warehouse sells typewriters. Or, maybe a trip to Quiapo is all I need.

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  • http://www.refineme.org Tina

    Hi Riz! Yep, I think Office Warehouse carries some typewriters. They’re the small compact looking ones though. I’m pretty sure it’s not an electric typewriter, but it’s not as vintage/cool-looking as the other ones you posted up there. :)

    We used to have a typewriter at home but it’s big and bulky, the office typewriter types. I’ve always wanted to have a (smaller) typewriter too, and maybe even dare to join NaNoWriMo with it. Haha. Maybe someday. :D

  • Robert

    I’ve been collecting typewriters for over a year and I have to say ebay and etsy are very risky. I have purchased from vts and was amazed by the cosmetic and mechanical condition compared to other typewriter dealers I had purchased from. I’ve received several “refurbished” typewriters that had only been oiled. The upper and lower case were out of alignment, typeface dirty, not fully functional, really bad packing and the typewriters smelled really bad!

    Be careful where you buy. Everyone is getting into the vintage typewriter business but there are only a few dealers that offer real quality. Also make sure to compare apples to apples. Vts offers serious packing for free(www.vintage-typewriters.com), original or reproduction owners manuals, cleaning kits, new ribbons and even a shipping discount for international customers.

    Another quality dealer is http://www.mrtypewriter.com! http://Www.mytypewriter.com is also good but be sure to ask for actual pictures of the typewriter you will receive. They use stock photographs of typewriters.

    These three dealers have been around and know how to properly refurbish and pack a vintage typewriter. Kind Regards Robert

    PS – I love hip, flashy, busy websites too ;D

  • http://maryannemoll.blogspot.com Maryanne Moll

    Hi there!

    I have a slightly different need. My 1949 Olympia SM-1 needs minor repair. It works just fine, except that the metal plate that goes between the lower part of the platen and the typebar guide has warped due to age. The effect is that when I get to the left part of the paper I am tying on, the uppercase letter print a tad higher than what should be.

    I need to find someone to bend the metal plate back into shape for me, or replace it with a spare part from another 1949 Olympia SM-1. (Methinks the latter is an impossible dream, though.) Any referrals?

    Glad I found your blog. It’s nice to see a kindred spirit around. :)

  • Ferdinandbaarde

    I have vintage underwood typewriter, It might interest you