FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
People with old typewriters have a lot of questions, I've found.
However, before you hop onto the e-mail bandwagon, take a look through this list, or consult one of the real internet typewriter experts. As I've said on other pages, I don't consider myself an expert. I just know where to look and where to find the experts. Put me somewhere between neophyte and dilettante.
And for the record, the information on this and other pages isn't necessarily the truth. It's just the truth as I know it or believe it to be. Smarter people can and should set you straight.
There are a lot of very informative web pages. Check my collection of typewriter links. Someone out there surely has the answer, even if I don't.
But the basic questions are:
In truth, most likely not as much as you think and not NEARLY as much as you want it to be worth.WHAT IS MY OLD WHATEVER WORTH? For a general discussion, see my What are they Worth page. If you're planning on selling on ebay, do a little research first. Find out what other typewriters like yours are selling for on ebay. Then price yours accordingly. No matter how much you hope,
First, I'd like it known that I am NOT in the appraisal business. If you ask nicely, I might give my opinion. But that's all it would be. My opinion. My opinion and $2.25 will get you a double cappucino at about any Starbucks. Ya gets what ya pays for.
Your Underwood #5 is NOT gonna bring you $3,000 (which is what one eBay seller was hoping for recently).Antique typewriters are only valuable to antique typewriter collectors; and there really aren't all that many of us. It's estimated there there are less than 1,000 worldwide. Personally, I'd put that estimate on the high side. And most of us are looking for the same rare, valuable machines.
With only a few exceptions, most 'old' typewriters are worth $20 to $50. Some will go as high as $100 to $150. But, like everything else, it depends on the kind, the model, the condition and the age. And on finding a buyer. An old typewriter is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. You can ask whatever you want, but unless someone wants it ...
One quick note to all you with Royals: Unless your Royal is a No. 1 Flatbed, a No. 5 Flatbed
or a No. 10 with 2 beveled glass windows in each side, it isn't worth much.
VERY FEW Royals, unfortunately, are collectible.The first rule of thumb: If it looks like what you think of when you see the word typewriter, the value is limited. If it looks, well, unusual, the value's going to be greater.
For instance, almost everyone who's seen an old typewriter has seen an old Underwood. The reason: There are a LOT of old Underwoods. It was/is the most successful of all typewriters. There were millions and millions of them manufactured from the early 1900s on. And the reason: they were/are very good machines. And very well made. And in particular, very durable machines. Meaning they lasted. They're still around because you almost can't kill an Underwood. That means, grandma's old UnderwoodNo. 5, even if it's in mint condition, probably won't bring much more than $50. And usually a lot less. Sorry. Supply and demand.
Old Underwood portables suffer the same fate. There were a lot of 'em made and sold. They survived. You're looking at $20-$30. The one exception here are the Underwood portables with three banks of keys. They'll bring $20 or so more, depending on condition.
Almost all old Royals, too, fall in the too many, not too collectable category. For the most part, you're looking at $20 to $30. There are exceptions here, however. The Royal No. 5, commonly called the 'Flatbed' is bringing $70 to $100, depending on condition. The Royal No. 1 Flatbed is more rare, meaning it will bring a bit more. The Royal No. 10, with its attractive beveled glass windows, can bring $60 to $80 (on a good day). But look for theNo.10 with 2 windows on each side; 1-window models are worth less. Also, if you find a Royal Grand or gold-plated Royal portable, call me.The Royal portables with the key bank that fold away are pretty,unique little machines. They're also not all that rare. They're considered collectible, but not all that valuable.
Remingtons are another matter. Most Remingtons made AFTER about 1920 have little collectible value (with the exception of the 1925 Remington Electric). Those BEFORE 1920 are a different matter. The old upstrike models (so called because the type bars struck the platen from below) can be worth hundreds, depending on model number. A Remington No.2 (there was no No. 1; it was the Sholes and Glidden, the first typewriter) could bring close to $1,000, if it's in good condition.
There are a lot of Corona No. 3s (folding Coronas) out there, so don't expect more than $50. Every collector should have one, and there are plenty to go around. I have 3. Most Coronas and the later L.C. Smith and Corona and Smith-Corona models are at the same level, are the old L.C. Smith models. Monarchs fall in about the same category, but they're a bit more rare, so they can bring a slightly higher price.
The other fairly common old collectible typewriter family is the Oliver, and frankly, they're my favorite. Unfortunately, they're not all that rare. They were fairly numerous from about 1890 to 1920. And since they're built like little olive green tanks. most have survived in fairly good condition (given their age). That means they aren't worth the big bucks they seem like they should bring, given the unusual design But like other varieties, that depends on models. A No. 1 could bring around $1,000. a No. 2 $125 to MAYBE $200. A No. 3 $75 to $150. And from then on, your looking at $50 to $100. Excellent condition could raise it slightly, poor condition lowers it quickly.
Smith Premiers, particular the early upstrike models, can bring $150 to $300 or $400. The No. 1, with it's beautiful scrollwork, maybe even a few dollars more. The frontstrike Smiths won't make you rich. Figure $50 to $80 .
Then you get into the more exotic models. Blickensderfers are rather exotic looking, but a lot of them have survived, so expect $75 to $300 tops. (Of course, there are exceptions...). Hammonds, $75 to $500; Varitypers $75 to $150 or so; Williams $200 to $1,500; Wellington/Empire/Adler $150 to $300; Fox $50 to $250; Woodstock $20 to $50; Franklin $250 to $600 or so; Pittsburg $250 to $650; Daugherty $350to $600; Postal $150 to $800; Caligraphs $100 to $2,000 depending on model number and condition.
There about a bazillion other kinds and models out there (and this isn't even taking into account the index machines). The general rule of thumb: The less it looks like a 'typewriter,' the more it's probably worth.
A funny thing about old stuff; the more successful an item was, the less valuable it's going to be. Some of the most valuable old typewriters were the mechanical monstrosities; the experiments; the departures from the norm; in short, the failures. They're unique, unusual, strange, and most of all rare. Rare means valuable. And valuable means collectible.
My collectibility yardstick draws the line in the mid 1920s. Anything made before that time I consider collectible, or at least worth a look. Most machines made after that draw a lot less interest. Of course there are always exceptions.HOW OLD IS MY OLD WHATEVER? The general rule is: If it LOOKS like a typewriter, you're looking at probably 1920s or later. If it has an open frame (where you can see the inner workings and all the gizmos and gadgets that makes it make words) it's more likely pre-1920. If the type bars type on the bottom of the platen (that's the round black cylinder the paper wraps around) you're looking at 1880s to 1910 or so.
If it has sheet metal, it's most likely post 1920s. If it has plastic, post 1930s. Crinkle finish? 1930s or newer. Rounded, streamlined corners: 1930s or newer. Serial number over 2 million: 1930s or newer. (Serial numbers, by the way, are important to collectors. They help date and identify the machine. Better collectors than me can actually tell you the year and month of manufacture by the serial number. Look for it.)
However, if it doesn't really LOOK like a typewriter, then most likely it's old.
If it doesn't have keys but instead uses some kind of plate, dial or chart and a pointer or wheel used to select the desired letter, then it's an index machine. That means it's older. Maybe even turn of the century. You're looking at at least $100. Maybe up to $1,000 or more. An old Edison Mimeograph, which is essentially a fancy index typewriter, recently sold at auction for $34,000. If you find one, call me. The exception to this rule is the Simplex Typewriter. It started out in about 1895 as areal index typewriter, but quickly evolved into a toy. These things are everywhere. A lot of collectors have bundles of these, but few will pay more than $50 for one in mint condition. They're toys. Some collectors also collect toy typewriters. But they don't collect them as typewriters.They collect them as toys. There's a difference.
Finally, don't believe anyone who is trying to sell an old machine from the 1850s or 1860s. Typewriters weren't invented until 1874.
You're not going to find 'em down at the Autozone or at Wally-World. (Although I've heard that a milking machine part down at Farm & Fleet can be converted into very nice rubber typewriter feet with just a little adaptation...) About the only way to find parts for most old machines is to contract other collectors (see above). Paul Robert, a collector & restorer extraordinaire has put together a very nice Web site that not only includes valuable how-to tips on restoring machines, but contains a parts exchange page as well. Check it out. Collectors are eager to help each other out. Mainly because we're our only source. But also because, I've found, typewriter collectors and universally very nice, gracious people.WHERE CAN I FIND PARTS FOR MY NEARLY MINT WHATEVER No. 2? This is probably the only question I can actually answer: Most machines (with the exception of the earliest, rarest models) use a standard half-inch ribbon. They are still sold at office supply stores, although you may have to take them off the plastic spools and rewind them on your machine's metal spools. (Wear rubber gloves; that ink takes FOREVER to come off. Trust me).WHERE CAN I FIND A NEW RIBBON FOR MY OLD WATCHAMACALLIT?
If you want the authentic silk ribbon, however, you've got a problem. Most ribbons sold now are nylon or cotton. I don't know of a regular source for silk ribbons. Probably one of the experts cited above does. If that's what you want, contact 'em. I believe some more industrious collectors are making some for their own and friends' use. If you want silk, be their friend.
Also, Jay Respler at Advanced Business Machines Co. makes it his business tyo sell typewriter ribbons. Your first stop should be there.
Check the yellow pages; there still are a few typewriter repair shops in existence. Then check business machine repair folks. Ask if they can fix it or ask if they know a retired typewriter repairman. Many keep a list of a few guys 'just in case.'WHERE CAN I GET MY BUSTED-UP WHATEVER No. 7 FIXED? Check the Help! column of your local paper.
Finally, do what most of the rest of us do: Ask other collectors and fix it yourself. It's more fun and more rewarding anyway.
Probably not, but there's always a slim chance. Ask me, but don't hold your breath. If it has any value, I might. If not, I might be able to put you in touch with a group of other collectors; one of 'em may want it. I'm not a dealer; I'm a collector. And I'm not really looking for anything made after about 1920. I'm especially NOT looking for any Royals,L.C. Smiths or Underwoods. I've got plenty, thanks. I try to answer all email requests that offer to sell typewriters, but sometimes the task of telling another person 'No' brings out the procrastinator in me. A rather small collecting budget is another limiting factor.WILL I BUY YOUR GRANDMA'S OLD TYPEWRITER? Write to me. I probably can't help you, but I'll bet I can tell you who can. I can't promise to answer every email I get (life gets a little busy at time) but I will try. It may take a couple of days, so be patient.ANYTHING ELSE?
Like I've stated elsewhere, I'm not an appraisal service; old typewriters are worth exactly what someone's willing to pay, no more no less. There aren't enough of us collecting to establish any benchmarks. There are guidelines, but others know these more than I.
I'll try to answer any e-mail question about antique typewriters that I can. But, like I've stated elsewhere I'm far less than an expert. I know a little about old typewriters and I know enough to know that I know very little.
A lot of the time, the answers will be: Ask one of the REAL experts. Someone like RichardPolt, Darryl Rehr, Typex , Paul Roberts or Mike Campbell.
Or check some of the reference material. One book that's most frequently cited and that I use more than any other is 'AntiqueTypewriters & Office Collectibles' by Darryl Rehr. It's still in print, although it's a couple years old now. You can order it from his web site. Other books I recommend are 'AntiqueTypewriters: From Creed to QWERTY' by Michael Alder and 'Century of the Typewriter' by Wilfred A. Beeching.
updated 07.27.06
