The shop owner said, upon my approach to the checkout, "I know what you're going to do with this. You want the keys for making jewelry." While I actually quite love the idea of such jewelry, I knew I wanted this machine as is. "Nope. I want it just like this." I think it adds some authenticity to my writing nook.
Old typewriter numero dos came to live with me a month or so ago. Some girlfriends and I had gone to a few of our favorite haunts, and this one's silver case winked at me from a corner. It's much less exciting than the S&C, but it's also much smaller and lighter. It's a portable HermesBaby Featherweight, from the '60s. It's neat because it disappears into its prim little box. I imagine a war correspondent or some such toting it around.
After the addition of Hermes to the family, misterwrites and I had a conversation about how typewriters would be a sticky item to collect. Typically they're big, clunky. And they just sit, doing nothing. I knew I'd not seek out any other machines.
But then...
Last Friday, when I had the day to myself, I went antiquing. I was taking my time, browsing and enjoying the calm process. And then - what is it with catching my eye? - there is was, my new piece de resistance... a dial typewriter from the 1930s. I had no clue such a thing existed! Turns out, it was created as a toy - but a working one, at that. How could I not get it? Tell me it's not cool.
So, I think it's official. I'm a collector.
35 comments:
Those look very old!
My Mom gave me a typewriter once for Christmas. It had an ORANGE case. Can you tell it was the 70's? I never used it. I think she typed her Christmas card letters on it for a while.
That's so cool. So they're pretty much decoration pieces? Do you keep them in your writing room?
:-) Nice hubby! Must be making up for that thoughtless comment *snicker*
Very cool collection!
Oh, Jenna, they are so beautiful! I envy you.
I got my first (and only) typewriter from my dad when I announced that I was going to become a journalist/writer. I still have it somewhere in Romania and dream about someday having some space in my luggage to bring it over here.
I can see the attraction as a writer, but having flunked my typewriter courses in high school (using old IBM machines) I prefer the puter.
:)
Yep, it's official, girl. Indulge yourself. They're beauts!
Great collection, Janna. And so tied in with your writer identity, making it all the more meaningful. Enjoy!
Nice typewriters. I've never seen a dial typewriter...cool.
-FringeGirl
Oh wow! I've never heard of a dial typewriter. How cool. While the S7C is my favorite of yours, I love the idea of toting a typewriter around. So neat!
Capri K - That rocks! We had an electric typewriter back in the early 90s. Somehow it wouldn't look too cool sitting in my space. :)
Jessica - I do. Though the room is getting filled quickly - so probably another reason not to go crazy with this collection!
Stina - Thanks!
Lori - Absolutely, you've gotta bring that baby home. :)
Rafael - To each their own. ;)
Angie - Yay! Thanks.
Joanne - It fits, right?
FringeGirl - It's definitely my favorite!
Melanie - Pretty spiffy, eh?
Sooooo fantastic, they're gorgeous. Good for you! Everyone should collection something.
I LOVE old typewriters! And hey, if you have room for them, I say go for it. ;-)
That last one is so cool! I have a degree in decorative art history and worked in an antique store for almost two years, and I've never seen one like that.
Rebecca - You know what? You're right! Everyone definitely needs a collection.
Melissa - And if they keep popping out at me, I'll have to! :D
scarlethue - I got it for $15 bucks! Couldn't.pass.it.up.
scarlethue - PS. What a cool degree to have!!
Your post reminds me of "You've Got Mail." I can't remember the name of the actor but he plays Meg Ryan's boyfriend at the start of the movie and he is in love with his typewriters.
I just love the way old typewriters look! Just imagine the experiences they've had! Enjoy your new babies!
Michaéle - Oh, what a great movie! I think it was Greg Kinnear?
Turk - I know! All the things they've written? I just love thinking about such things!
Those looks so cool. I'm short on space but if I could I'd do the same.
Love your collection! Brings back lots of wonderful memories when I sat at my mother's Royal typewriter and wrote some of my first poems and stories. In fact, I have one I typed on onion sheet paper! Way before your time! LOL!
Ahhh! Don't show those to me. I'm a collector, too, and my husband hates it. I think his term is taht I'm more of a horder than a collector. LOL Now, I want some old typewriters. See what you've done?
Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
LOL My mother gave me her old one like your first picture and i got rid of it, your second one is like the one I bought when I was first married and finally sold it at a yard sale but your third one I've never seen before! Cool!
*remembers her Adler manual typewriter from the 70's. And the old Remington that could type French characters too.*
I'm afraid I didn't keep them. I was a terrible typist anyway. I'm much better now, but still terrible. It's just easier to erase my mistakes.
T. Anne - Bummer!
Donna - Shoot, and it's even more telling of my age when I have to ask what is onion sheet paper? ;)
Lynnette - Kindred spirits!
Terri - Ooh! Garage sale season is coming up (and I have high hopes). Maybe I can find more! :)
Janet - True dat. What would we do without computers?
Very cool, Janna!
I learned to type on a clunky,heavy black cast iron (I think it was) typewriter that belonged to my great-grandmother. My mother set it up at home for me to practice typing. You had to hit the keys pretty hard to get it to type.
However, I got an A in typing!
greats fellow collector. I have a slight thing for old books.
OK, that last one is extremely cool and I had no idea either. Just to have them and touch them is a joy. I had one when we had a bigger house. Now I'm without. But my kids have one each from the 50's and it's fun to see them reinvent the whole game of secretary. Remember those times?
OH! I love them love them!
Will you hang them on a wall when you get too many? or build shelves? .... how marvelous an item to collect...
Kathy - A well-deserved A it sounds like!
Josh - I should like to see your old books.
Woman - That rocks! Yet another way to instill some writing interest.
Kat - I haven't thought that far ahead, to be honest. But my plan is to always have a writing space, so as long as I have some corners or flat surfaces, I'm good!
Wow, I had no idea! That is something! That is so cool.
I collect typewriter fonts, LOL. And I write in Q10, so I can hear the little typewriter sound as I write. Is that a little crazy, LOL?
Spy - No, I think that's awesome! :D
There's something very.... official maybe?... about the sound of a typewriter. Maybe I'm just showing my age. Ink on paper is somehow more concrete than words on a screen. Once a typed word is there, it's there for good (and it never mattered how good you got at erasing, the original could still be seen!)
Don't get me wrong, I love my compy, but I'm with you - I'd love to have a half dozen oldies sitting on the shelves with my books.
You know of course, you can't stop now - you must have a Royal and a Underwood before any collection can be remotely complete!
Welcome, Weston! Oh, but the Royals and Underwoods are the expensive boogers. It'd have to be stellar deals... or after I sell a few books. :)
Yup, you're hook! : D
Have a great trip to Fla, Janna, enjoy and be safe!
I still have it somewhere in Romania and dream about someday having some space in my luggage to bring it over here.
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