Fleetwing wrote:

Oh definitely -- especially when it's a typewriter that you've had to work on to bring it back to life to some extent. I know I have a special affection for such machines.

The Underwood Touch-Master 5 I recently got (and which you gave valuable advice on) is going to be one of these, I can tell. Cosmetically it has challenges -- scratches and bubbled paint in a couple of places. I finally put it back together today and installed a new ribbon. Nice typing action and everything works smoothly.  One issue with it -- which will be the subject of a separate post over in the Maintenance and Repair section.

I took care of you over there.  I hope it helps.  Let me know how you come out.
 

igotztowrite wrote:

I'm assuming that you already know that I love those beaters. Perhaps on a personal note. I'm adopted, what some may refer to as discarded in a sense. I also tend to be drawn towards underdogs. My most pristine machine is a Rheinmettal. It really looks, works, and feels like it could have just came out of the factory. Well, what I could only imagine how one would be like. Many have comment on how beautiful it is. And do you know what? I rarely use it. It's a fantastic typer. Fast. I love the typing feel but It sits looking pretty.

My main typers that I use, wouldn't get all the ohhhs or ahhhhs based on looks but I love that about them. We've spent a lot of late nights and weekends getting to know each other. I appreciate those gorgeous machines yet, I appreciate those beaters even more. It feels like they have been through more

First of all, not everyone who was adopted was "discarded," in any sense.  It may well be that both parents died or were killed.  The important thing you should know is that there was one or two people who voluntarily made the choice to include you in their family.  You had received their highest honor--you were CHOSEN.  We all on this forum choose and adopt typewriters--from the Rheinmettall you have to the beaters we all have.  I guess we appreciate the beaters more is because we feel more comfortable around them.  If only they could talk, what stories would they tell?  Like my Sul Ross Sixth Grade Center 1952 Royal HH that stood sentinel in the utility room in a school we all thought to be somehow haunted.  My 1947 Remington KMC I put blank keytops and nicknamed the "Blind Bat," was a Military typewriter.  There aren't many machines more of a beater than one used by the U. S. Military.  It even has initials and dates carved into it on the inside--including one from December, 1947!  And who could forget "Big Daddy Chuck," a 1956 Underwood SX-150 that I rebuilt using about half another typewriter (a very early '59 Underwood Touch-Master).  That was a foundry masterpiece--took me four days and nights getting that one together.  I only charged the man $25.00 because he was a very close friend.  He gave me back the typewriter just shortly before he died.  I'm keeping it for him, using it and making sure that it (and he) are not forgotten.  Yes, we have our "Trailer Queens."  Those are the ones we show to others.  They look pretty but we're afraid to use them very much because they are beautiful/rare.  But those old beaters--those common ones with plenty of spare parts still, the ones that look like they have a story to tell--we use those, because not only do they comfort us, but, in a way, we identify with them because of their nontoploftiness, and that they have interesting stories they could tell--again if only they could talk.
 

Yes, I have proudly been able to have that said about machines I've reconditioned and sold over the years.  I've even offered a 30-day guarantee to fix anything on them for free should they need it in that time.  And, for those who weren't able to afford it, but needed a typewriter to use, I fixed them free also.  I never went into typeweriters to make a profit because, in the time of computers, the only ones who really used typewriters were older ladies who were church secretaries and writers.  They needed a way to be able to feel like they contributed to life.  I hope, along with all the fun I've had a-lookin' an' a-pokin' at these critters, that I did part of my bit to help out in this world.  I, along with countless others, feel the need to contribute to life.

I've always been drawn towards the Groma Modell N and T's. Gorgeous styling! I believe my Rheinmetall was made in the early 1950's. It's glossy black with silver and blue decals. My most expensive bought typewriter but when I saw it and tested it, it was worth it. I didn't have to do anything to it. There's a couple who lived in Germany most of their lives and bought their typewriter collection to the States. They have a really nice well kept collection. Nice yet expensive lol

We should start a beaters photo gallery Hahahaaaaaaaa :D