Take a click back into Ancient Times, where typewriters were just everyday items.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

1894 Blickensderfer No. 5 Typewriter



Here is an 1894 Blickensderfer No. 5 typewriter that I got for Christmas. This amazing typewriter is in great shape, and still functions, although the ink ball needs ink. The Blicks did not have ribbon, but an ink ball/cylinder that inks the character right before it hits paper. You can see more about it on my official website, and on my YouTube channel: BKtypewriters101

Sunday, December 23, 2012

My New Olympia SG 1 Typewriter (Senatorial Font)


                                                     (Click on Pictures to Enlarge)

 
I picked this up Saturday at an Antique shop nearby for only $30, which is a great deal. This SG 1 has a weird Senatorial font, which almost looks robotish. It types very smooth, and feels great to the touch. It could benefit from a new ribbon, but for now it is fine. This typewriter is massive, but Olympia used the large size wisely. There are so many features, and the carriage comes off with only 2 switches, and some strength. These bad boys are extremely heavy. We have made a dust cover for it so that when I'm not using it, it will not get dusty, since I plan on using this one quite a bit. It is very clean, and only needed a light dust off when I bought it. Overall, I am extremely happy with it!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

My WWII German Field Typewriter


Here is probably one of the most valuable typewriters I have in my collection:
WWII German Field Typewriter. Many of these machines, called the "Olympia Robust" were also made after the war, but this one that I have was captured by an American Soldier and brought back as a war souveneir. (On the case, it has the man's name, and army serial number) Another thing you may notice right away is that is has a QWERTY keyboard layout, not a German QWERTZ keyboard that it would originally have. My theory on this is that the man who brought it back was able to change the keys around for use at home (when doing research, it showed he was a "semi-skilled mechanic" and probably could have done this. The keyboard still contains the Umalauts above the U,O, and A. It also still has (not rubbed off) the German Nazi SS symbol above the 5 key. The shift keys, along with the shift lock, and margin release key (I think) are also in German. There is also the instruction maunal pasted to the inside of the case (top - not in picture) which is written in German. I would have loved to know where this typewriter was caputred, and where it was.. What battles it was in. This typewriter was made for clacking away on the battlefield, not a calm peaceful office. Who knows who used it back in its day.

The man who brought this typewriter to America died in 2011 the same day his wife did. I got this typewriter at a bidboard auction for a steal in October 29, 2011. Only $75 won it for me. This one still works, although I never type on it. It is probably worth around $800-$1,000.

See my YouTube video on this for all of the information, and to see the bottom of the case where the man's name is located.

My YouTube channel: BKtypewriters101

Sunday, December 9, 2012

1936 Remington Noiseless Typewriter


Here's a Remington Noiseless Portable typewriter from around 1936. This one is in great cosmetic condition, all the labels in wonderful condition, but it has some mechanical problems...
1. One of the clips that holds the paper in place is missing (you can see one is on the left, but not on the right side of the platen)
2. The carriage return lever has been snapped of at some time...
3. The carriage string is broken...
4. The ribbon vibrator is bent slightly (I need to bend it back into place)
5. I need a new ribbon for it, if I ever get it working.
With all these (some minor, and some major) mechanical problems, I only paid around $30 for it... But I still belive it's worth it. The cosmetic condition is just amazing, so It's a great decortation piece. All of the labels are still in excellent shape too.