Typewriter Evangelist

Part 2. Dead Kat — as for original typewriter paper, I obtain mine on eBay: it’s possible to buy unopened boxes of 1960s, 70s, 80s typewriter paper (I usually buy boxes of 500 sheets). It is not cheap but definitely worth it. Let me know and I will send you the links to those who sell. — David

This 1949 Olympia SM1 with a maroon crinkle finish is among my all-time favourites. It is rare that a typewriter is both photogenic AND a great writing machine. The SM1 has both in spades. Irresistible.

At the workshop with today’s discarded and broken typewriters awaiting repair and restoration.

“Waiting for a coffee break is like waiting for a vacation.” ☕️

Wondering why you have the time to stalk me on another platform. Get a life, you sad human being.

The year is 1956. “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Till We Have Faces” by C.S. Lewis are first published. The English poet Ted Hughes and American poet Sylvia Plath marry. 1956 is also the year that this Rheinmetall KsT (mark III) typewriter is made in East Germany.

Plug an old 110v electric typewriter [such as this 1981 Olivetti Lettera 36] directly into a 220v power supply WITHOUT a step-up transformer — and you WILL fry the typewriter, possibly beyond repair. My advice: do your homework before plugging in or, better still, go manual :-)

Franz Kafka preferred writing longhand, but he also possessed an Oliver Model 5, known as the ‘batwing’ typewriter. Gothic, clumsy, beautiful … the Model 5 is — if well maintained — a fine typewriter that was popular throughout Europe in the early 1900s.

That’s is a beautiful machine in superb condition. Increasingly hard to find. I hope it brings you joy 🙏🏼

Yes, whenever I find a vintage typewriter, I open the case slowly — hoping that the machine is well preserved. A full manual set is always an unexpected joy :-)

I am not a great fan of post-War Underwood typewriters: they are a little too guilded for my taste. That being said, the “Golden Touch Quiet Tab De Luxe” (not exactly a name that trips off the tongue) has a 1950s vintage charm all of its own.

Lovely 🙏🏼

So true. Guilt in all its forms does more damage than any other human condition. Coming to terms with it — or accepting it — and not allowing anyone to weaponise guilt is the way forward. Easier said than done of course. A great quote 👍

The 12 typewriters of Christmas — from the 1920s to the 1970s: from Remington to Erika, Smith-Corona to Continental.

I wish my followers — and everyone else at Bluesky — a peaceful, healthy and very merry Christmas 🎄

This Smith-Corona Zephyr De Luxe was made in 1938; it has a light touch and a unique, démodé style including black lacquered keys, crinkle finish, and a metallic “De Luxe” banderole.

One of Groma’s unintentionally menacing advertisements for the Kolibri typewriter — revealing its East German origins.

Some additional photographs of my favourite travel typewriter: the 1955 Groma Kolibri in a black lacquer finish. Despite its streamlined good looks, the Kolibri is one of the toughest, most reliable ultra-portable typewriters. It is less than 2.5 inches (6cm) tall, but weighs over 8lbs (3.65kg).

The next two posts are dedicated to one of the most timelessly beautiful and storied typewriters: the Groma Kolibri. Made in East Germany at the height of the Cold War, the Kolibri (which translates to “hummingbird”) has a cult following. This mint-condition 1955 model is my go-to travel typewriter.

In the 1940s, Royal hired designer Henry Dreyfuss to give the Quiet de Luxe a makeover. Dreyfuss consulted secretaries in typing pools.Their pet hate: shiny typewriters — which reflected headache-inducing office lighting. And thus, the age of shiny typewriters came to an abrupt end :-)

Here’s a list of typewriter repair shops in the UK. I think one or two of them might have closed doors during Covid, but those still going will, I am sure, provide you with a quote:

Are there any typewriter repair shops near you? I have no idea how much UK typewriter technicians will charge to replace a ‘36 Elite mainspring,but you can ask them for a quote. I would happily assist but I am several thousand miles away.

A 1940s Smith-Corona Sterling typewriter — the perfect prop for some film noir jazz …

The Erika 10 ranks among the finest post-War manual typewriters (along with the Smith-Corona Silent-Super, Olympia SM9 and Hermes 3000). This 1957 model —with a lustrous black-lacquer finish —is another of my personal favourites.

There is a tragic irony in the fact that this 1939 Erika M — the very pinnacle of pre-War typewriter engineering —was made in Dresden just six years before the city was reduced to rubble.

It is a remarkable typewriter. And one of my personal favourites.

This Bijou No. 5 portable typewriter was made in 1936: the same year that novels by Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier, Graham Greene, John Dos Passos, Henry Miller, John Steinbeck, George Orwell, and William Faulkner were published.

The year is 1960. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is first published. The horror film, “Psycho” directed by Alfred Hitchcock opens in New York. And this Olympia SF ultra-portable typewriter — with black lacquer finish — is made in West Germany.

Every one of these card paintings is exquisitely rendered: an absolute joy. Your dad is a very talented artist.

It is 1942. Commonwealth forces in Singapore surrender to the Japanese; the movie “Casablanca” premières in New York; wolf-pack attacks by German U-boats sink more than 1,000 allied ships. And this Continental Wanderer-Werke 100 typewriter is made in Saxony …

The year is 1959. Charles de Gaulle is innaugurated as president of France; the Barbie doll makes its first appearance; the original Mini car is launched in England; and this beautiful Olympia SM4 portable typewriter is made in Germany …

Personally, I would opt for a smaller 1960s machine with fewer bells & whistles. I have given Olympia Splendid 33, 66 and SF typewriters to younger family members and friends; they are still quite plentiful — with easy-to-source ribbons: reliable, durable, simple, and with a nice touch.

One of my all-time favourites; beautiful!