I bought my first vintage typewriter today!
This 80-year old Royal was built in 1939, just as World War II was starting. I found it at Gramercy Typewriter Company, the last-surviving typewriter store in New York. Their staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable which was helpful 'cause I'd forgotten some of the quirks of these machines, like how to load ribbon.
The typewriter is in impeccable condition despite its age. It works beautifully and has a ribbon with both black and red ink. (I wanted that.)
These mechanical devices are sturdy and made from heavy metal. Fortunately it came with an original carrying case so lugging it home on the train wasn't as bad as I expected. Still it weighs about 35 lbs. so I got my exercise for the day.
Look out for letters from me!
What fun! I have a vintage typewriter too. I've only used it once. I need to figure out where I can buy a new ribbon for it.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
They're easy to find. Either online or an office supply store.
DeleteThat looks like my grandad's typewriter! His was blue. That is not much different than the big ones I learned to type on. Remember that paper store on Johnson St, where you could pay by the hour to type on a machine like this? That's where I bought your mermaid card. Happy memory!
ReplyDeleteI *love* that store! I blogged about it and wrote to the owner who wrote back. They have another store in Toronto (I believe).
DeleteFirst, huh? Is this the start of a budding collection?
ReplyDeleteI guess my first foray into writing came courtesy of a 1960s-era typewriter my aunt passed down to me. I wonder what happened to it. I was supposed to give it to a younger relative at some point.
Very cool find, my friend.
Yes, I'd like to build a collection, not only of typewriters but also of all old technology. I already have a rotary phone and similar items.
DeleteYay !!!!! what a treat you still find these stores. Here its difficult as there is none and if you need help with them nobody can service them.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad how craftsmen and sellers have disappeared. It's hard to find even a shoe-repairman these days. Everything is designed to be disposed of, not repaired.
DeleteOh, this is just a beautiful machine and work of art ❤️ I have one, too, and it brings me such joy though I don’t use it (perhaps I should!).
ReplyDeleteGive it a whirl! Type letters to friends on it.
DeleteGlad to hear you've bought your first vintage typewriter, Ally. And what a machine it is! The street where my office is used to be Antwerp's typewriter Mecca; I don't think there's even one shop left now. xxx
ReplyDeleteThey're very rare. There used to be "Typewriter Row" here with dozens of stores; now there's only one left.
DeleteHow cool is this! I am glad that you found one that you love and its in great condition! Now type your heart out!!! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteI will! You, too.
DeleteAlly! This is amazing! It looks so awesome! Have you seen the movie Can You Ever Forgive Me, yet? This made me think of it, not for the forgery but the typewriters she uses!
ReplyDeleteI saw that Melissa movie and loved it. I was ogling the typewriters while watching!
DeleteWhat a beauty! I didn’t know there was a typewriter store in New York. I’m also pleased that you found it in the original case. That sounds very rare. I hope yiou will publish a photo of a letter.
ReplyDelete❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
You should visit it! The shop is very small and has about 20 machines on display. 108 West 17th Street (between 6th & 7th).
DeleteEven better than a photo, I'll send you a real typed letter (if you give me your address).
How cool! I was still writing my school papers on a type writer as late as 2005. It's very different! Though mine wasn't nearly as hipster chic as that. Red AND black ink?!
ReplyDelete