Vintage Typewriter

Vintage Typewriters

In an age when standalone typewriters and word processors have been almost entirely replaced by computers with word-processing software, it may be a surprise that there's still a demand for vintage typewriters. One of the best features of even antique typewriters is that they are surprisingly robust; many are still working even decades later.

Even though the electric typewriter was invented as far back as 1902, when people think of vintage typewriters it's the manual models that come to mind first. A traditional manual typewriter relies on a lever action: you press the key that trips the hammer, which presses the letter into the ribbon and the ribbon onto the paper. As the hammer comes back down, the roller advances one space and you are ready to continue.

Many early typewriters were extremely heavy, with steel or iron bodies. They were fine for use in the office, but not much good for anyone on the go. The introduction of portable typewriters changed all that. Often coming with its own case, a portable typewriter is usually a good choice for anyone who wants to use a vintage typewriter on a regular basis. They do tend to move more on the desk than a heavier office machine, but the trade-off is usually worth it.

When looking for a vintage typewriter for regular use, your best choice is usually a mid-century portable machine in good condition. Most of these machines are easy to set up and reliable. They also tend to have an easier action than pre-war machines, which can be tiring to use for long periods. Coronas and Royals are often good choices for writing.

Sometimes people want a vintage typewriter more for its appearance than functionality. Vintage machines make great conversation pieces, the older and more unusual the better. However the real trick is stopping with just one; a single decorative piece can easily form the backbone of a collection.