Topless Typewriters – A New International Trend

What have I started? My last post on typewriters on eBay mentioned a portable for sale with no ribbon spool cover – something the seller had somehow just overlooked or neglected to mention.

Within days, a number of typewriters began to appear on eBay without ribbon spool covers – and in only a few cases was this vital bit of information pointed out to potential buyers.

Here’s one example, which the seller is saying is a Pinnock made in Holland (?) – although how he or she knows that is not indicated. There appears to be no name or country of origin badge anywhere.

So far there have been no bids at $14.99. But the description is enticing:

“Please take your time to look at the pictures taken in natural light as this forms part of the description." Umm, run that past me again!?

"This typewriter would look fantastic in any retro-inspired home. Housed in it's [sic] original case, this typewriter also comes accessorized with a cover. A preloved vintage item, this typewriter shows wear and tear in accordance with its age. Cosmetically, in good condition, however, missing is the cover that goes over the hammers, doesn't effect the typewriter at all though. [One could probably get away with saying that about a Rexina, Adwoa!]

"Functionally, the typewriter seems to work well- I tested it by typing each key once (and once only- I didn't want to waste too much ribbon!). Overall, this typewriter is in a very good-excellent vintage condition. Be sure not to miss what a fantastic statement this typewriter would make to any gorgeous home!" A coverless plastic fantastic in a retro-inspired home? Yeah! Why not?

This Olympia Traveller Deluxe S is listed for $29.99 in the US. “Original 1970's Typewriter With Carry Case. In Great Condition! And Excellent Working Oder [does the seller mean odour? It smells as it works?!] However, it does need a new ribbon.

“The manual typewriter stopped production last year, the Indian firm ‘Godrej and Boyace’ [sic] announced its closure in April last year. This has created a real buzz from collectors and as a result made the classic typewriter a great future investment, they will slowly all disappear in to collections and become an item of rarity.This is a perfect investment & usable item and will put a smile on a collectors face. This one is missing the plate which covers the ribbon area.

“Perfect as a gift, especially for Valentine's Day!!!”

Do people in the US celebrate Valentine’s Day at a different time of year from the rest of the world?

For $90 one can buy a “rare [!] and working vintage Adler T-A Vertriebs-GmbH Portable Typewriter', Actually, it's a Tippa, and the seller would know that if it had its ribbon spool cover. "Photos is the actual item and will be sold 'As-Is'.” No mention of the missing ribbon cover.

Same thing, at 99c, for a Hermes electric – except in this case someone actually bought it!

There have been no bids yet at $29 for this “Cool Retro Brother 3912C Portable [?] Electric Typewriter – “In working order except for the ribbon needing a re-ink." It takes cartridges, not a ribbon, and cartridges might be a bit hard to "re-ink". Better still, one wouldn't see the cartridges if it had a cover.

Over on TradeMe in New Zealand,  someone has listed this Olympia Splendid. “A delightful vintage/retro ornamental typewriter (I have no idea if it still goes) with plastic cover. It has Olympia Werke Ag. Made in Germany on the underside. The bottom plate it sits on comes loose however this is not important if you are not moving it around and want a display piece. Highly sought after pieces in vintage and retro homes.”

But perhaps a missing ribbon spool cover and a loose bottom plate aren't all that important after all. Especially when there is nowhere to put the ribbon spools, anyway. How about this item listed in NZ? “Imperial 66 typewriter as seen on photo. `Frame` is missing.” Not to mention the carriage!!! At least it’s still got its dust cover!

Or this Hermes 3000: “Old green typewriter.” Ever thought to have a look at the name. It's on the front there, centre of photo. Now, slowly, after me, "H ... e ... r ... m ..." Just as well they can play good rugby over there.

This Erika on Australian eBay has had no bids so far at $50. The positioning of the carriage for the photo unnerves me somewhat. As does the sideways photo trying (and failing) to focus on the “J” key (though it's not mentioned in the description). That’s off an Underwood, isn’t it?

But wait one momento … the unnerving carriage position may not effect a sale. Take this Corona 4, which sold for $52 in Australia after 19 bids. It was pick-up only, fortunately, as I can’t imagine how it might have been packed and posted in this condition:

“I have here an original Corona Four Portable Typewriter, in its original Box, A friend gave it to me many years ago.  The box is in not bad condition, the typewriter I have no idea how to use, it seems to be stuck to the right.  I have no use for this old momento [sic].”

On the basis of this sale, it’s no wonder optimism continues to ride high – and it seems the new buzz words, replacing “funky” and "atomic”, are “baby” and “art deco”.

This Remington Envoy III series model, believe it or believe it not, is listed for $199!:

“Vintage Retro BABY ART DECO BLACK REMINGTON REPORTER TYPEWRITER. These are OLD and Collectable. The item looks Art Deco to me with the stylish shiny black top with its sharp edge. Its [sic] a really great piece. So compact it was made without the No 1 button, you have to use the letter ‘L’.” At a rough guess, I'd say Art Deco ended at least 20 years before this machine was made.
OK, so you were tempted to look at this post because you thought you might see a topless typewriter writer. All right then, here you are: