Manual Typewriter Collecting
You can find all my typewriter collecting posts here:
https://ramblinggit.com/categories/typewriters/
Quick Collecting Information
Getting Started
Best Reference Book: “The Typewriter Revolution” by Richard Polt I highly recommend this as a resource for anyone interested in collecting typewriters it is a great starting point and reference guide.
Online Information
- The Classic Typewriter Information Page
- Jot and Tittle Blog
- Oztypewriter
- The Portable Typewriter Reference Site
- The Typewriter Revolution Blog
- Welcome to the Typosphere
Where to Buy
Online Stores:
Auctions:
eBay.com
Local:
- Typewriter repair shops
- Antique dealers
- Charity resale shops
- Pawn shops
- Estate sales
Quality Budget Models for a Quick Start
Ultra Portables:
- Brother Charger 11
- Montgomery Ward 100 (made by Brother)
- Montgomery Ward Signature 300 (made by Brother)
Mid-sized Portables (Luggables):
- Montgomery Ward Signature 088, 440, 510, 511 (“Nagoya, Japan” made by Brother)
- Sears (various models)
- Royal Quiet De Luxe (1940’s and 1950’s)
- Royal (Safari, Sabre, Futura)
- Brother (various metal bodied, may have push button ribbon color selector)
Special Note:
“Webster” brand typewriters are made by Brother. I have not puzzled out the models to be able to tell you which one is a ultra portable vs. a mid sized, although I can tell by looking at a photograph. It is hard to tell size just by photos. Ask the seller. The metal bodied Websters are good machines.
Brother typewriters are well made, durable machines. Brother, Ward, Sears brands are not considered to be as “sexy” as storied brands like Royal, Smith Corona, Olivetti, etc., so they are cheaper on the collectors market than the fancy brands. That is why I have so many Brother derived typewriters on my budget list. Best bang for the buck.
This is not intended to be a definitive guide, just a quick list. Happy hunting!
