I like taking in a typewriter where a machine has some problems. This one came in and the nice person said the space bar wasn't working quite right. Well... it was pretty apparent the typewriter had been dropped and the front of the aluminum frame was impinging on the space bar. This is not a fun one to contemplate as aluminum has a tendency to crack if stressed more than a couple of times. Mr. Montgomery and I came up with a game plan to slowly … [Read more...]
Happy 93rd birthday, Bob Montgomery!
The typewriter repairman, Bob Montgomery, in business for almost 70 years in Bremerton — had some well wishers today, including Don Feldman. Feldman, a collector of old typewriters, dropped him off a present: a German-made Continental Silenta. Everybody wishes Bob the best! … [Read more...]
Buying typewriters
Many of you stopping by the shop ask if there are typewriters we sell. You bet, and your enthusiasm has depleted our stock! We are always on the look out for fine examples we can restore and sell. This weekend I scored some potential beauties so stay tuned as we work our magic. … [Read more...]
Royal Deluxe portable
This fine example of a Royal Deluxe portable has traveled the world. Other than some paper feed problems it needs a general tune up and oiling. Typical of portables (with a case) that have been in storage there is a little bit of mildew. The Deluxe portable came out at the same time as the Touch Control portable of 1936, with even more fancy features: the Deluxe model includes all features of the Touch Control model plus touch-set tabulator, … [Read more...]
Royal Standard Portable with Touch Control
Royal Standard Portable from the 1930’s. By sliding the lever in the center above the keys, the typist varies the resistance of the keys to suit their own personal typing method. This popular Royal offered substantial upgrades from the company's earlier portables. The list of improvements must have sounded outrageously modern and technical to the consumers of the time: touch control, finger comfort keys, genuine dust protection, accelerating … [Read more...]
Remington portable number 3 bright green!
Remington portable number 3 with a nice bright green finish. The case is also in great shape complete with a type bar brush. The Portable No. 3 was manufactured from December 1928 to June 1938 with most made before 1932. To unlock the carriage you pull out on the right platen knob. … [Read more...]
Underwood 3 – B Portable
Underwood 3 – B (type are three to a bar) portable recently bought by a customer at the Pike Place Market Antique shop. It is missing its cover and needs new feed rollers as the paper does not feed. We don’t see too many of these in the shop. Built starting in 1919, Underwood engineers eliminated the need for a folding carriage while managed to get the machine down to the same size as the Corona No. 3. This is a masterpiece of engineering in … [Read more...]
Smith-Corona 200
This delightful powder green Smith-Corona 200 typewriter comes complete with a case. This electric portable is tuned up and ready to go! The typewriter came to us from Sumner Washington in pretty good condition, mostly with years of foundation makeup imbedded in the keys. The sound insulation in the front needed re-adhering and there was some damage to the plastic that was repaired. This typewriter is perfect for someone who enjoys the … [Read more...]
Royal #10
This Royal #10 typewriter is in for a general tune up. The only thing broken is the left platen knob. I don't have any in my parts bin, and I will need to think on either replacing with something similar or just letting it be. First produced in 1914, the upright Royal 10 was quite popular. This was the classic model with beveled glass sides that would become one of the market leaders. Early No. 10s had two windows through which the machine's … [Read more...]
Remington “portable” number 9
What is the prize in the box? This beauty arrived complete with a case. I’m always grateful to have a machine come in that has been under cover and is fairly clean. Many problems just disappear when these fantastic works of art are kept clean and dry. This Remington “portable” number 9 was known as a general 'all-purpose' typewriter." (Feb. 1933-Feb. 1941) The "Remington" on its paper table is a decal, rather than embossed as on the #8. It sold … [Read more...]