Remington No. 2 Typewriter Value Guide

The Remington No. 2 is a landmark of industrial design, recognized as the first commercially successful typewriter to feature a shift key for upper and lower case letters. Produced by E. Remington & Sons between 1878 and 1890, this up-strike machine played a pivotal role in establishing the QWERTY layout as the global keyboard standard.

What affects the value of Remington No. 2 Typewriter?

• Mechanical functionality is critical, as these machines are often found with seized typebars or degraded rubber rollers.
• The presence and condition of the original wooden base and the bentwood tin-lined cover significantly increase market value.
• Cosmetic preservation of the original black enamel finish and gold leaf decals can drive prices toward the $1,200 range.
• Completeness of parts, including the original ribbon spools and the carriage return lever, affects desirability for serious collectors.

How to Identify Remington No. 2 Typewriter?

• Verify the 'up-strike' mechanism where typebars strike the underside of the platen, requiring the carriage to be lifted to see the text.
• Look for the original wooden base and the cast iron frame characteristic of late 19th-century E. Remington & Sons manufacturing.
• Confirm the presence of the revolutionary shift key, which distinguishes the No. 2 from its predecessor, the Sholes and Glidden.
• Check for the distinct gold pinstriping and 'Remington Standard No. 2' decals often found on the paper table and frame.

History of Remington No. 2 Typewriter

The Remington No. 2 was a revolutionary machine that introduced the shift key, allowing users to type both upper and lower case letters from a single keyboard layout. Produced by E. Remington & Sons, it was the first commercially successful typewriter and solidified the QWERTY keyboard as the industry standard.