For Your Next Novel, Get a Vintage Typewriter

It feels as though the design-savvies have become more of a collecting bunch--except instead of baseball cards and stamps, we opt for vintage typewriters, distressed maps, and aged copies of Alice in Wonderland. In fact, I got a call from a friend this past weekend, shrieking in an eardrum-bursting shrill, "You'll NEVER GUESS what I JUST SCORED!! A 1935 ROYAL STANDARD TYPEWRITER for $25 AT A YARD SALE!" And I understand her enthusiasm. If I just scored a find like that, I would have squealed high enough for only dogs to hear because I love, LOVE, love vintage typewriters.

If you're into them, and don't mind getting your hands dirty and have some basic machinery knowledge, I'd recommend scouring eBay or craigslist for a good deal. However, if you have $300-$400 in loose change under your sofa cushions and want something refurbished by professionals, check out mytypewriter.com where you can shop--or in my case, drool and wish and hope--in their fantastic collection of classic typewriters.

-Grace

Comments (4)

I love old portlable machines, but mytypwriter.com's prices are ridiculous.

posted by malpede on August 6th 2007 at 4:50pm
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I got an Underwood No. 5 (late '30s) from Goodwill about 7 years ago for only $10! I've always loved typewriters, I like the sound they make, and the bell ring when you reach the margin always made me think I'm accomplishing something!

posted by RJD on August 6th 2007 at 8:29pm
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Makes a great 'objet' but I'll stick to my lap top.

posted by hrhprincessfiona on August 7th 2007 at 12:12am
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I have a German Alpina portable that is metallic green that I just love. It's like typing on an old 1950's Mercedes-Benz or something.
I know an Art History instructor that claims using a mechanical typewriter is more in "sync" with how the brain fleshes out ideas, & that writing can be sped up too quickly with pc word processing software, not to mention the sound of fans & the heat. Later on he then transfers his ideas to computer software. Oh, I guess there's also the carbon footprint to consider these days as well.

posted by Duncan on August 7th 2007 at 8:26pm
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