Number 11 is a 1939 Underwood Ace that I got at the flea market. I paid $10 for it because it came with the case, but in my early morning excitement (this was the very first booth I stopped at) I didn't bother to do much more than make sure that the keys struck and the carriage moved. While the machine works flawlessly and types so straight you would think you're using a computer, it was absolutely disgusting. I should have haggled a bit more. Ugh. I forgot to take before pictures, but the keys were so mildew encrusted that I resorted to removing the tops of each key and wiping the cardboard inserts clean. The case (the original reason I didn't mind paying $10 for it) has been discarded due to mildew and mold rot. Yuck.
Number 12 is a Remington Noiseless No.5 Streamlined with touch regulator. They made these from 1938 to 1942 and I'm estimating that my serial is going to be a 1940 or 1941. What a stunning little machine! I found it on Etsy, advertised as a 1910 Smith-Corona that was good for "parts, repair, or crafts". I took a huge gamble on it because the wonderfully friendly woman selling it told me that the keys strike but nothing else works. She had another machine in her shop that she had a margin issue with, but she had no clue about it, so I figured maybe, just maybe the carriage lock was on. And anyway, I couldn't let the gorgeous little machine become prey to a key cutter, especially with those brilliant red keytops. I talked her into a lower price and got this gem for $45, including shipping. And, to my delite, the carriage lock indeed was on and this little beauty is now one of my top performing machines. One thing I think is really cool, and you can't see it in the photo, but instead of having a "tab" key, it has a "self-starter" key.
Number 13 is an Underwood Jewell with an attached writing lamp. I can't find any information on the Jewell models except that they have a short-lived Underwood logo. I don't know if the lamp was an Underwood option or something that was added to the machine later in its life. I'm estimating this machine was made in the mid 40's to early 50's, but honestly, I have no clue. The database doesn't have the Jewell model listed. I bought it on Ebay for a little more than I'm proud of, a total of about $60 when you add in shipping. But the lamp works and I think that adds a whole lot of character to this piece. It performs well, too. It's got this great loud clack clack clack that we all love about these manuals. I can really imagine someone in their underwear, hunched over a little metal writing desk, cranking out pages of their screenplay in their LA studio apartment. ^___^
Number 14 is a Smith-Corona Skyriter from 1951. Oh, Smith-Corona, you and your beautiful little workers. This is now my favorite machine to write with. Not only does it work like new (and make a nice, beautiful, dark print with every stoke) but it's also the most compact and lightweight of all my portables. I could take it anywhere! I got it on Ebay for only about $15 plus shipping. Only downside, no tab function. But for anyone who is collecting to use their machines, like I do, you really can't beat the functionality of these 1950's Smith-Coronas.
Number 15 is a 1966 Hermes 3000 that I bought from the original owner at a flea market for $9. Everything I've heard about these machines made me want one so badly and then, almost right after I drooled over another collector's 3000, I happened to find one right here in my area. It came with the original manual and both cleaning brushes along with the top portion of the case. I must say, the tab feature on this machine is impeccable and the margins are so easy to set it's a dream. It even has a little ribbon inside of the paper bail that moves when you change your margin settings so you know at glance where your lines end. Another great perk, the paper goes in straight every single time. Not sure how it does it, but I'm in love. The only thing I have a small issue with is that my Skyriter has completely spoiled me and the 3000's letters don't come out nearly as clean and crisp. I'm sure a little adjusting and cleaning would fix this right up though.
Number 16 is a Brother Charger 11 that was rebranded as a Sears /with correction. I picked it up the same day as the Hermes 3000 for only $7. It was white when I got it and I've been itching to do some customization (you can check out the before and after in a previous post) so I stripped it and painted it lime green and olive. I have no idea when these were made, but a few cursory searches lead me to guess this was made in the 70's or even closer to the 80's. It looks like it was only used for maybe a month before it was locked up in its case. It feels dinky compared to my other portables, like I might break the thing, but it types so clean you would think it was printout.
And Number 17 is an Underwood De Luxe made in 1949. I got it from Ebay for about $23 plus shipping. I just got it today and it needs a bit of cleaning (it's covered in dust inside). Also one of the few machines that I've picked up in a while that needs a new ribbon. I like it though. It's got that 40's and 50's charm that draws me into these machines in the first place. It's not quiet at all and, much like the Jewell, it makes that sharp clack with every keystroke. With a little bit of tlc I think I can make this into really beautiful machine.
And that's it for now. I have another Smith-Corona on its way from Ebay, but I think I'm finished buying them online. Part of the fun of collecting these is getting up early on Sundays and going to the flea market with my family. It's like a treasure hunt every time and when I do find a machine, it almost doesn't matter what brand it is or what it looks like. Anyway, I probably should start to be a little more picky about these things or else they might just take over the house...
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