Your Favorite Portable from the 1920s

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Posted by TypeSlug
28-12-2024 10:26:10
#1

The 1920s was a big decade for portable typewriters. In a lot of ways, the technology came into its own during this time. Many big players worldwide entered the market, laying the groundwork for the mid-century machines we all know and love.

So here's a fun question for discussion:
Which machine is your personal favorite from this era (1920-29)?
Why do you like it?

Or, if you don't have a '20s portable, which one do you want to try the most?
 


Typewriting is writing minus the drudgery  -Underwood Advertising
 
Posted by Pete E.
28-12-2024 16:40:07
#2

Hi Typeslug,

Good topic to start up.  Hope Members chime in.

I found my collecting interests solely in the 1950's to the late 1970's...and have focused there.  75 machines in my collection. All working 99-100%,

I did reach out for a 1947 Royal QDL...but that was my one-and-only-time doing so.

The older machines just do not "speak to me" as the saying goes.
.

 
Posted by SoucekFan
30-12-2024 17:40:28
#3

For looks, the Corona 4 would be my favorite, though I never type on mine because it has a fragile feel to it, especially the carriage.  For actually using as a portable outside of the house, I prefer the Remington 2, because the geared typebar action—which I normally don’t care for—is really good for typing in positions that are unideal, such as on a coffee table in a hotel room, or in one’s lap. Overall, my choice would be the Royal P. My Crinoline Blue Royal P is one of my prettiest typewriters, for a 20’s machine it has a nice action and carriage return feel, and Royal is the brand I am most familiar with servicing and repairing. My second favorite overall would be the Underwood 4-bank, because it also looks great and has a decent action.  My favorite era for typewriters is the mid-late 1930’s, though, and I do most of my typing on standards.
 

 
Posted by M. Höhne
31-12-2024 07:14:28
#4

Great analysis of the question, SoucekFan! Got me thinkin'. (Wish this forum had an upvote system.)

 


 
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