1 of 1- Michaeldwilson
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Victor portable typewriter
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
- TypewriterGuy
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Re: Victor portable typewriter
Your off the yahoo group aren't you? Me too...
Anyways, what I have found out is that they were only made for about a year, and were cheaply made (Thus, the zinc rot).
You probably have already seen this, but heres the link to where I found this,
Back from a long break.
Starting fresh with my favorite typer. A Royal Futura!
- Michaeldwilson
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Re: Victor portable typewriter
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
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Thread Starter- Uwe
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Re: Victor portable typewriter
Michaeldwilson wrote:
it has what someone has described as "zinc rot,"
I can't wait to see photos of this so-called zinc rot. Not ever having handled a Victor, can you tell me which components on the machine are actually made from zinc? And how did whoever gave you the zinc rot diagnoses determine it to that as opposed to oxidation? I'm curious, because although I've never encountered any zinc issues with typewriters, I have had to deal with plenty of aluminum oxidation cases.
The pronoun I has always been capitalized in the English language for more than 700 years.
- Michaeldwilson
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Re: Victor portable typewriter
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
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Thread Starter