1 of 1
| Type Talk » Pressure washing (with water(!)) Bad idea? » 11-12-2019 01:43:37 |
- Michaeldwilson
- Replies: 16
-
This is an old thread, but maybe people are still interested. I was watching the documentary "California Typewriter" (highly recommended) and the repairman took three typewriters to the car wash and power washed them.
| Typewriters - Private Sellers Only » For auction: Victor portable typewriter, serial number 0012103 » 14-2-2016 17:42:03 |
- Michaeldwilson
- Replies: 0
-
…
For auction: Victor portable typewriter, serial number 0012103
This is an extremely rare Victor portable typewriter. According to noted collector Thomas Fürtig, only six examples of this machine are known to exist.
You may read about the history this typewriter in the following issue of the newsletter ETCetera, Journal of the Early Typewriter Collectors’ Association, March 2006, No. 73, edited by Richard Polt.
Robert Messenger, owner of the Australian Typewriter Museum, has written the following blog post that mentions the Victor portable typewriter:
From a superficial examination of this machine, I have identified 5 clear issues:
1. Although it feels solid, the frame is deteriorating. It has been suggested to me that the reason is “zinc rot,” but I cannot say this for sure.
2. When typed, all keys return to the halfway position and no more.
3. The Q key is missing, and the type arm is broken at the near the top where the typeface attaches.
4. A screw is missing from the back of the machine.
5. The drawstring is not attached.
I will ship internationally. The buyer assumes all costs for shipping. I will ship using any reasonable method the buyer wishes, including having the machine professionally packaged and shipped.
Large pictures are available at the following URLs (click the picture to enlarge):
[url]
| Portable Typewriters » Victor portable typewriter » 10-2-2016 19:08:42 |
- Michaeldwilson
- Replies: 4
-
Hi Uwe,
I've typed with a couple of people who tell me that one of the reason this machine failed is inferior materials. I don't know if it's zinc or not, but I do know the only other example of this typewriter I have seen has a broken frame but not much "zinc rot." Let's see if I can post pictures now.
Mike
| Portable Typewriters » Victor portable typewriter » 10-2-2016 18:58:39 |
- Michaeldwilson
- Replies: 4
-
Yes, I'm on that group too! I've had some great discussions with people from the Yahoo group. That is the article I wanted to link to. I also have pictures when I'm able to add the links.
Best,
Mike
| Portable Typewriters » Victor portable typewriter » 10-2-2016 14:48:59 |
- Michaeldwilson
- Replies: 4
-
Hello all!
I luckily found a Victor portable typewriter in pretty good shape. It is missing the typeface for the Q letter (along with the tip of the broken type arm for the Q letter). And it has what someone has described as "zinc rot," although the frame remains solid. The keys all only raise about halfway but I don't want to try to lubricate it since I'm no expert.
There's not a lot on the internet about these machines. I have exchanged some email with Robert Messenger. I can't yet post a link to Mr. Messenger's post nor pictures until I've made more than two other posts.
I wonder if anyone here can tell me more about it. I appreciate any insight.
Thanks,
Mike
1 of 1
