I had recently became interested in manual typewriters.  My mother had bought me one when I was a teenager, I think it may have been a Remington 1930s or 1940s.  I regret not having the machine any longer.  I have an Olympia Traveller C I bought brand new online a few years ago, but I wanted something vintage.  I watched Ebay everyday but was hesitate going that route.  A few weeks ago I noticed an estate sale sign and took a chance I would find something there.  
Not only did I find the Hermes, but a Smith Corona Skywriter which I had been searching for all along.  I couldn't decide which one I wanted because they were both in near mint condition.  I ended up buying both and was so glad I did.  I cleaned up the Hermes and it types great and everyting works.  The Skyriter needed a new ribbon and I wanted to clean the inside but couldn't open it up to do it so I ended up taking it to a typewriter repair shop for a tune up and a new ribbon.  I'm still waiting for it and can't wait to get typing on it.

I felt so lucky to have come across these two machines.  There were actually four machines there which included a IBM selectric and I was tempted to get the selectric also, but I just don't have the room and I wanted something I didn't have to plug in.