There are few things that destroy typewriters ability to function; rust and a split platen. This beautiful black beauty, amongst other technical difficulties, came with a platen split all the way down its length. We are fortunate that there is still one (yes, only one) company in the US that recovers platens and feed rollers, J.J. Short. We sent the platen to J.J. Short located in Macedon NY and it came back in factory perfect condition. Now we … [Read more...]
Have we become “Typewriter Men”?
This is another interesting article on our most favorite topic... Typewriters! https://medium.com/backchannel/the-last-of-the-typewriter-men-729f150c5083 Also check out “Jay Schweitzer of Gramercy Typewriter Co., New York City” by Jason Duaine Hahn on Vimeo. The video is available for your viewing pleasure at https://vimeo.com/48513101 … [Read more...]
Royal KMM desktop from 1948
This Royal KMM 12, serial number 3658086, is a dusty little wonder and has many keys sticking or totally frozen in place. It looks like there was some water infiltration on the left side. We’ll start with a good cleaning, remove the platen to check rollers and go from there. I had a wonderful Valentines day with Mr. Montgomery and this KMM. After a good inspection the 4, 5, E, D, and X keys are completely frozen. It looks like something was … [Read more...]
Underwood Champion from 1933
This nice Underwood example, serial number S11-688989, came into the shop in October, and with the work backlog we finally got some quality time with it. This beauty had been sitting in a garage for decades and it showed. Mold on the platen, saw dust everywhere; as I was cleaning it popcorn kernels fell out! I’m becoming quite enamored with the patina tobacco stains engrain into the typewriter. The golden brown just flows off. The machine had … [Read more...]
Remington Rand Desktop
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...]