Typewriter Value & Price Guide

Vintage typewriters are more than just writing tools; they are iconic pieces of mechanical engineering and mid-century design. From the sleek portability of the Hermes Rocket to the industrial reliability of the Underwood No. 5, these machines offer a tactile connection to literary history.

Price Range: $175 - $220 based on recent sales

History of Typewriter

The evolution of the typewriter began in the late 19th century, revolutionizing global commerce and literature by standardizing written communication. Early pioneers like Christopher Sholes developed the QWERTY layout to prevent mechanical jams, a design that remains the standard for modern computing today. Throughout the 20th century, manufacturers like Royal, Remington, and Smith-Corona competed to create faster, quieter, and more portable machines. The transition from heavy desktop standards to lightweight portables mirrored the changing needs of journalists and travelers, while the introduction of the IBM Selectric in 1961 marked the pinnacle of electric typing technology before the digital age.

Value Factors for Typewriter

The typical price range for Typewriter is $175 - $220 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanical functionality and the ease of sourcing replacement ribbons or parts.
• Aesthetic appeal, including rare paint colors like the 'Seafoam Green' found on Hermes models.
• Historical provenance or association with famous authors and journalists.
• The presence of unique features such as the 'Noiseless' mechanism or specialized typefaces like cursive script.

Tips for Buying Typewriter

• Check the alignment of the typebars to ensure letters strike the platen evenly without sticking.
• Inspect the condition of the rubber platen, as hardened or cracked rollers can cause paper slippage and poor print quality.
• Verify that the carriage moves smoothly across the rails and that the bell rings clearly at the end of a line.
• Look for original carrying cases and cleaning kits, which significantly increase the desirability of portable models like the Olivetti Lettera 22.

Items in This Collection

• IBM Selectric Typewriter
• Royal Quiet Deluxe Typewriter
• Royal Quiet De Luxe Typewriter
• LC Smith Typewriter
• Hermes Rocket Typewriter
• Smith-Corona Typewriter
• Underwood Standard Typewriter
• Underwood No. 5 Standard Typewriter
• Remington Rand Typewriter
• Remington Typewriter
• L.C. Smith Typewriter
• Royal 10 Typewriter
• Underwood Champion Typewriter
• Underwood Standard Typewriter No. 5
• Remington Noiseless Typewriter
• Remington 5 Typewriter
• Olivetti Lettera 22 Typewriter
• L.C. Smith & Bros. Typewriter
• Smith-Corona Silent-Super Typewriter
• Smith-Corona Super Speed Typewriter