igotztowrite wrote:

in my opinion, those that buy those higher price ones are doing their part in keeping these beauties around AND like you, keeping those small amount of repair shops from closing their doors.

There are no hard and fast rules. I've found plenty of gems in pristine condition that typed perfectly for bargain prices, and conversely, not every overpriced typewriter is one that has been cleaned and professionally serviced. In my area there are plenty of middlemen trying to make a fast buck by flipping machines, and without doing anything to them that could be considered added value for the buyer. In some cases they actually do things to the typewriter that are detrimental, and would dupe an inexperienced buyer. One guy I know of has been know to simply blast the entire inside of a machine with WD-40, and another likes to repaint them with a rattle can because some people will pay a lot more for a typewriter if it's a bright colour. And don't get me started on all those claims from sellers that the machine was "fully serviced." Most have no idea when it comes to working on machines and think that a fresh ribbon, spraying some oil, and wiping down the paint is fully servicing a typewriter.

Bottom line: There's no guarantee - especially when buying online - that an expensive machine is going to be in better condition than one bought for a bargain price. And for those who don't know the difference they're far better off buying a $30 typewriter than a $300 one if they don't know anything about who is selling it to them. 

Lastly, a vent of sorts: I've bought a few machines from so-called collectors, active online members and was disappointed with one particular seller. Seller said the machine was in working condition and upon receiving it, had all sorts of issues - major major skipping, all feed rollers were shot and paper return is not working properly. If this seller was honest, I would not have paid the high price. My assumption is that these collectors, active online members would be more honest. Lessons are still in the learning for me!

igotztowrite wrote:

Lastly, a vent of sorts: I've bought a few machines from so-called collectors, active online members and was disappointed with one particular seller. Seller said the machine was in working condition and upon receiving it, had all sorts of issues - major major skipping, all feed rollers were shot and paper return is not working properly. If this seller was honest, I would not have paid the high price. My assumption is that these collectors, active online members would be more honest. Lessons are still in the learning for me!

I know what you mean about that. I bought a machine early on in my collecting--paid top dollar for something fully restored, new rubber, etc. Unusual font and I wanted it. Except that it clearly has escapement problems, which should have been mention to me. They would have taken the machine back, but then I'm packing it up, etc. So I've learned from that. I ask and assume nothing.

I am a member of the SG1 club. It arrived safely, dirty dirty dirty. After several hours of PB Blaster, soap and scrubbing bubbles, you know the drill, it's clean.

For the most part, a good typer. It does have some escapement issues.It will type fine, then sometimes stop and start. The backspace key is a bit finicky.  I'm not sure I'm capable of fixing that, so it may have to go off to ACE Typewriter. I'd like it working because I love both the look and feel of the machine.

Ok, seem to be just lucking into machines. $20  brought home this Brother Prestige 720, extended carriage. Great shape, cool copper color. I can't find info on this--I'm missing it somehow in the TW DB. Anybody know about these?