Antique Typewriters: Mechanical Writing Machines & Office Collectibles
Antique typewriters are the mechanical and early electric writing machines produced from the 1870s through the 1970s that revolutionized communication, business, and literature. From rare early index machines to iconic mid-century portables, typewriters attract collectors drawn to their mechanical ingenuity, industrial design, and cultural significance. The market ranges from affordable 1940s-era portables to five-figure rarities from the earliest years of the industry.
History & Major Manufacturers
The first commercially successful typewriter was the Sholes & Glidden (manufactured by Remington, 1874). The industry expanded rapidly, producing hundreds of competing designs. Major manufacturers include:
- Remington (Ilion, NY, 1874): The pioneer, later Remington Rand
- Underwood (New York, 1895): Dominant market leader by 1910
- Royal (New York, 1906): Known for sturdy office machines
- L.C. Smith/Smith Corona (Syracuse, NY, 1886): Leading portable maker
- Oliver (Chicago, 1895): Distinctive visible-print "bat wing" typebars
- Olivetti (Ivrea, Italy, 1908): Celebrated for modernist design, especially the Lettera series
- IBM (1933 electric): Pioneered the electric typewriter market
Types & Categories
- Index Typewriters: Early machines using a pointer and index plate rather than a keyboard (1880s-1900s)
- Frontstrike/Visible: Standard keyboard machines where typing is visible; dominant after 1900
- Portables: Compact machines in carrying cases, popular from the 1920s onward
- Blind Writers: Early machines where text is hidden under the carriage (pre-1900)
- Electric: IBM Selectric and other powered models from the 1930s onward
- Toy Typewriters: Miniature working machines for children (Marx, Simplex, etc.)
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Era | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sholes & Glidden (Remington No. 1) | 1874-1878 | $15,000 - $75,000+ |
| Malling-Hansen Writing Ball | 1870s | $50,000 - $150,000+ |
| Oliver No. 1 | 1890s | $500 - $2,000 |
| Early Underwood No. 1 | 1896-1900 | $300 - $1,200 |
| Hammond typewriter | 1880s-1900s | $200 - $800 |
| Olivetti Lettera 22/32 | 1950s-1970s | $75 - $300 |
| Royal Quiet De Luxe portable | 1950s | $50 - $200 |
| Index typewriter (various makers) | 1880s-1900s | $200 - $2,000 |
| Toy typewriter (Marx, Simplex) | 1920s-1950s | $30 - $150 |
Condition Factors
- Mechanical function: A working machine in proper typing condition brings significant premiums
- Platen condition: Hardened, cracked, or missing rubber platens are common and costly to replace
- Decals and finish: Original painted pinstripes, decals, and japanning add substantial value
- Cases: Original carrying cases for portables increase value by 25-50%
- Keytops: Original glass or celluloid keytops must be intact; missing or mismatched keys devalue
- Completeness: Original ribbon spools, tools, and instruction manuals enhance value
Collecting Tips
- Pre-1900 machines are the most valuable, with the earliest commercial models bringing five figures
- Index typewriters offer fascinating mechanical variety at relatively accessible prices
- The Olivetti Lettera series attracts design collectors and writers who still use them
- Typewriters associated with famous authors (documented provenance) bring exceptional premiums
- The Early Typewriter Collectors Association (ETCA) maintains a comprehensive machine database
- Shipping typewriters safely requires specialized packing due to their weight and fragile mechanisms
- Working condition dramatically affects value; functional machines outsell non-working examples by 2-5x