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Portable Typewriters » Need help identifying an Olympia » 21-11-2016 10:08:50

Javi
Replies: 16

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Fleetwing wrote:

Don't "oil" it -- especially if you were thinking of WD40. Generally speaking these machines should work without lubrication just fine, and in fact, doing so might gum it up later. If everything seems to be working smoothly, then no need to do anything more than blow out the dust and maybe clean off the body shell with a mild cleaner.

Agree! Never use WD40 or anything like that. Blowing it should be enough, but if you decide to oil it, use the lightest lubricant possible and always with care. Too much of it and you´ll get the opposite effect in no time!
 

Type Talk » Whose to say what THE collectible typewriters are? » 18-11-2016 17:01:14

Javi
Replies: 32

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The earlier Universals, sadly. Somehow, it happens more or less the same as with the Underwood 5: they are far from rare, but people have decided they look like being awfully expensive. But why? Is it because the Underwood badge makes it more collectible? Even machines without the ribbon cover (a common disease, that one) ar found at outrageous prices. I think it is a matter of inertia. People find these typewriters offered (and never sold) at an outrsgeous price and everyone folows the trend.

As for the Olympia, bullseye! It is that machine, and IMVHO it never should go over 10 - 15 €. Not the worst typewriter of the world, but an insult to other Olympias like the little Splendid 33. Thing is you consistently bump into them at 60 €...

Type Talk » Whose to say what THE collectible typewriters are? » 18-11-2016 07:26:55

Javi
Replies: 32

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TypewriterKing wrote:

To be honest, I was looking for, well, I really wasn't all that sure, since I've done all my typewriter collecting from a hole in the ground, with no regard to what was "in," or "expensive," or "popular." I wondered what was in these categories. Like anything else, there are those who collect typewriters as some collect record albums, dolls, and coins--strictly for the monetary value. Now, I can tell you if you go into collecting typewriters for their value, be prepared to have a lot of real estate to house them. Also, like back in the early days of typewriter invention, the quickest way to lose money and go broke is to get into the typewriter business. I've been in it strictly for the enjoyment of it, and in the process, met alot of distinct individuals--both human and typewriter.

Totally agree! The most important part of collecting should be enjoying it.

As for trendy, overpriced and other undesirable stuff around me... here we go:

1.- Olivetti Valentine (A pity it has to be that way...)
2.- Bubblegum pink Olivetti Pluma 22 (or Lettera 22, depending on where you are).
3.- Underwood Universal (A bad surprise, this one)
4.- Olympia Traveler de Luxe (the curved one, not the colorful. Usually found at 5 x its price)

And I should mention the Underwood 5. In Spain it´s ridiculously overpriced taking into account how common it is. It´s hard to find it below 120 €, and it sometimes becomes insulting at over 400 €. Oh, and condition is irrelevant. Be ready to spend a lot in a rust bucket, according to the "market"
 

Type Talk » Whose to say what THE collectible typewriters are? » 17-11-2016 10:20:31

Javi
Replies: 32

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TypewriterKing wrote:

In my mind, anyway, just about every typewriter has a backstory. It is this very reason why I started, and continue to collect typewriters. I don't care how collectible one machine is over another, or even it it is in like-new condition.

Spot on. Or at least I definitely agree with you.

Typewriters are machines that last for so long they´re bound to have a backstory. I have quite a few of them with good stories that make me feel "forced" to keep them working as a sign of respect. A good example is a Brother Valiant which has travelled all around the world (literally), is quite battered but it still works at its best after I´ve replaced a ribbon spool. The backstory of a machine is part of its... personality. I mean, maybe I´m going a bit too far with this, but I perceive typewriters as distinct individuals. Each one has its own features, backstory and little details that make them unique. That´s why I think every typewriter is good for me, all of them bring something different along. This is where the original question of the post comes back:

Who´s to say what is collectable and what not? And why?

Honestly, I think it´s a mix of personal preference and history. There are typewriter models with so much history on them that they´re always a good addition to any collection and for sure anyone (I´m not limiting it only to collectors) would appreciate its value. History cannot be contested (mostly), and I think it´s safe to say that the Underwood 5 is a more relevant model than the Silver Reed S200. That has collecting value by itself, I´d say.

But in the end it´s up to yourself to decide. What if I don´t like the Underwood 5? Or what if I prefer the Remington 10 over it? Or what if I simply hate the Royal 10 because they betrayed the cool design of the Flatbed? What if I... whatever? That question is the answer: I decide, you decide, everyone decides. And I´d like to send a clear message aimed at overpriced and trendy typew

Type Talk » Typewriter injuries » 17-11-2016 06:03:22

Javi
Replies: 22

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The worst of all for me: Optima M14.

Tank-sized, tank-like armour plating, tank-ish tonnage and lots of sharp edges and corners.

The aforementioned minefield stopped being a problem for me when I relocated the typewriters from the basement to the top floor. Down there the problem was that the minefield was so dense that I could not walk past it!

Standard Typewriters » olympia SG1 » 12-11-2016 06:18:45

Javi
Replies: 12

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In Spain I´ve never ever seen a SG1, so the price could range for a pittance (not probable but you can always find a bargain) to outrageous. As far as I have "suffered", overpriced typewriters are the ones that are already on the market. I mean, if everyone is selling Underwood 5´s at a 3-figure price, you´ll probably do the same with yours. Inertia, maybe?

But if somehow you have something "uncommon" like a SG1, maybe you just ask yourself how much do you want to get for it. Maybe you just want other person to enjoy it, or maybe you want to get richer than Bill Gates in one go. Thing is you don´t have a lot of overprized examples floating around. I mean, how the Underwood 5 can be SO overprices here if it´s fairly common? Same Goes for the Corona 3, and to some extent for the Hispano Olivetti M40.

In addition, I should mention I DO WANT a SG1, and so far the nearest I can find are in Germany... If normal shipping gives me nightmares, I don´t want to think about international shipping

Standard Typewriters » 1970s Olympia SG3 » 10-11-2016 15:59:34

Javi
Replies: 27

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I could write a long and tortuous book about damaged typewriters during shipping (three just during the last week ), but there´s something that reduces the risk of getting a thrashed machine: talking to the seller about it. Most people is sensible enough to listen, and if shipping gets a bit more expensive because the pack is larger and heavier (because of the extra protection) think of it as an investment. If the typewriter arrives destroyed the repairs are going to be far more expensive than the next shipping fare. Anyway, there´s always the risk of bumping into someone who says "oh yeah, of course I´ll be careful" and then sends you the typewriter wrapped in a @*%# piece of cardboard which isn´t even a box.

Regarding the typewriters themselves, I can say German SG3´s are better than Mexican ones. For sure the SG3 is one of the best typewriters of its time (although I prefer the Olivetti Linea 98, but that´s another story), and you´ll be get a reliable beast. As for Hermes, I´d say they´re always more expensive. Standard sized ones are pretty hard to find in Spain, at least scarcer than Olympias, and for sure that is reflected in the price. And as for reliability... Olympias are tougher, I´d say. I have 4 Hermes, and all of them have their battle scars. Olympias have the shocking habit of working even after being dropped from any height

Type Talk » Tying on Postcards » 07-11-2016 11:36:44

Javi
Replies: 7

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TypewriterKing wrote:

Send your letters in code--any system you and the receiver of this letter could work up. It could be fun sending and receiving letters this way, and who in the world could decipher (or would take the trouble to--average snoops are lazy idiots besides) them?
 

It´s not that it could be fun, it´s that it IS GOING to be fun! I´m going to pester some of my friends with that
 

Type Talk » Keychopper Alerts » 03-11-2016 12:43:49

Javi
Replies: 34

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What I received was that shipping costs were too high anyway. Translation: I didn´t listen and I don´t want to consider the ebay international shipping program which effectively halves international shipping costs.

In these cases I like to swear and curse a lot.

Type Talk » Keychopper Alerts » 02-11-2016 15:03:27

Javi
Replies: 34

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I´ve sent my message as well. Let´s hope the machine can be saved...

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