Tag Archives: cool typewriters
ROYAL Futura 800
The Royal Futura 800 – obviously used a good bit. Still in fine condition, albeit some paint spattering on the ribbon cover.
I’m a sucker for the 50’s Royals that have the red keystone. Press the button, and up flips the ribbon cover.
Purchased at a local antique shop. I’ll be checking in with them from time to time, now that they’ve got MY number…
Underwood 18
I just received the next typewriter for the collection, an Underwood 18. I typed samples as I worked on it to bring it back to life. If I’m reading the http://typewriterdatabase.com correctly, this little critter is from 1965 (serial number 585000 025).
Some of the features on this typer are unusual, at least compared to any of the other machines I own. Here we see the ribbon color selector. It resides to the right of the vibrator, with the ribbon itself going over the selector plate. To change the color you press down, then slide the button to the new position. Slick!
I really like the backspace key – it’s an arrow, right out of the quiver of Legolas! Note the fraction key with the 3/4 and the exclamation point on the lower case position. I have never seen an exclamation point in the lower case position.
The keys appear to be closer together than other small portables that I own. OR – maybe I jest feel like my hands are too big when I type on it. I like the key shapes very much, and they are all in great condition.
I hastily replaced the ribbon with a new (but plastic) reel set. Soon I will re-spool some new ribbon onto these appropriate metal wagon wheels, so that when I remove the basket cover everything will look fabulous!
As you can see from the initial typing sample, the ribbon appears to be blue/red. If you know where I might find a new blue/red ribbon please let me know. As I said in my last typing sample, this gal’s a winner! ~TH~
Typewriters, Up Close And Personal
Scott K. stumbled into my blog, and I subsequently stumbled into his. Scott is a collector from down-under, and here’s a post I thought you might enjoy seeing. Some nice, up-close photos from his machine collection. Really up close photos, he shows you how he took his microscopic images. Enjoy! ~TH~
http://filthyplaten.com/2014/09/17/typewriters-under-the-microscope/
Old Machines, The New Drug
Image
Call Me Crazy But…
OK, call me crazy, but… I’m relearning my typing skills. The last typing lesson I had was back in high school in the latter part of the 19th century, around 1889 I believe. Yep, home position, here I come. To celebrate, I treated myself to a “new” typewriter.
Got this beauty on Ebay, a Royal Mercury from the mid 60’s. I changed the ribbon and it works like a dream. I missed the old ‘clack clack’ sounds, announcing to the world that yes, I’m actually writing.
I’m very pleased that folks still use paper. I really don’t want to start making my own paper…
Here’s a very cool website where you can see some old typewriters – and some not-so-old too. Enjoy. ~TH~