Typewriter Talk / Looking for typewriter brands/models that fits my wish list. . .

**Posted by Pete E.** 02-5-2024 07:18:46

Hi Sky,

It is blue-nylon from Lanie @ Ribbons Unlimited. I would have loved it in silk, but not offered as such.

My machine only takes 1-colour ribbon since it has the cursive script with its extra long "tails" on some letters.

The "black" in the upper position of the ribbon colour selector is a good indication that machine would be cursive.
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**Posted by ren33** 02-5-2024 11:03:32

Thank you, Pete and Sky, for your responses, which have been VERY helpful. In terms of the Ekectra 120, does it, also, come in a regular font (not in cursive)? Also, I found these two Electra 120 and wondering either of your thoughts on which one might be better to purchase as a starter typewriter to build my collection of usable, good-quality vintage typewriters:

This one is from a Goodwill seller that needs to be shipped and that no-doubt needs to be serviced (is it worth purchasing and trying to clean/replace parts on my own? I can follow direction quite well if I see a video on how to do it.). The price on this is too good to not consider it: https://www.ebay.com/itm/355666274995?

This one is one sold by someone I can drive out to:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/304967089107355/?

Thoughts?

**Posted by ren33** 02-5-2024 11:13:52

P.S. Is there a website where I can input information on a vintage typewriter (brand and model name, model year, etc.) and get an idea of what a reasonable price range would be for it?

**Posted by Pete E.** 02-5-2024 11:33:14

Hi Ren,

The one on eBay (Goodwill) looks like a decent buy...especially if you can nab it for under $ 20 or so. Their shipping is very reasonable. Looks like it does not have its case...but a dust cover would keep it dust-free when not in use in your home.

On the Electras where you have "red" at the upper position of the ribbon colour selector lever, you can bet that it is some standard font and not cursive.

The Electra would probably need a deep clean and new ribbon...and maybe drive belts (o-rings) as well.

The other machine on FB-Marketplace is definitely worth the drive to look at it and take it for a test-type. Price is great as well.

I do not think there is such a pricing-guide for vintage typewriters. At least, I am not aware of such.
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**Posted by skywatcher** 02-5-2024 23:59:45

Hi Ren

To add to what Pete says about the typeface on these Electras, if the far left and/or the far right key cap is a different color, the machine has a standard pica (10 characters per inch). The colored key caps indicate the machine has the Change-a-Type option where the outboard caps and type bars can accept different caps and corresponding type slugs. I once bought a broken Smith-Corona Galaxie-12 just because it had the happy-face/sad-face slug and key cap. All the best,

Sky

**Posted by robmck** 03-5-2024 00:23:12

skywatcher wrote:
I once bought a broken Smith-Corona Galaxie-12 just because it had the happy-face/sad-face slug and key cap.

I had no idea anyone made that. Sky, do you happen to have a photo of it? I'd love to see it.

**Posted by ren33** 23-5-2024 00:20:51

Thank you, both, for your helpful input! I have taken your advice to heart and still looking for vintage models in good condition with the criteria and and models that you have suggested in your responses. With that said, I recently came across this one on FB marketplace and wondering your thoughts on the quality, price, usability of this brand/model of vintage typewriter:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1143356466842515/

What are your thoughts on it? Is this one particular listing worth looking into?

**Posted by Pete E.** 23-5-2024 07:27:51

Hi Ren,

If that is a drive-able road trip for you, be sure to go see it in person and make sure everything is working.

I have a 1958 Remington Quiet-Riter which I got from Shop Goodwill for $ 42 and a bit of shipping. Mine is in the sand-rose colour with green key-tops.

Mine needed a deep cleaning and a new ribbon. I did rplace its interior felt-pads as they had that typical old-typewriter moldy smell and did a few minor paint touch-ups here and there.

It is a very good, solid and competent typewriter. Without its case weight, it comes in at 15.8 lbs. which is a bit big on the portable side.

I tend to over-look my Quiet-Riter as it just does not fill me with passion/emotion when I see it. But when I use it for its 2-3 day use-cycle on my desk, I always feel bad that I tend to forget it is in my collection. On my particular machine, I tend to slow down my natural typing speed/pace as it feels like my machine needs to keep up with me.

Here are some photos of my machine...in case you cannot see much from the FB Marketplace sales add...to give you some idea of what the machine and its case looks like :
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**Posted by mikeytap** 23-5-2024 16:47:13

Pete I feel the same way about my Rem QR. It sits long periods on the shelf, but when I use it I'm always impressed. It doesn't have the design finesse of German machines but it's solid like household appliances from that period that are still working. (don't get me started on Samsung kitchen appliances)

**Posted by Pete E.** 23-5-2024 17:37:11

Mike,

I am a pro at fixing ice-makers on Samsung refrigerators. Nothing but the ice-makers seem to cause us problems.

Very nice looking Remington, there !