Vintage & Antique Typewriters: The Ultimate Collector’s Guide
Few objects capture the romance of writing quite like a vintage typewriter. Long before laptops and smartphones, these remarkable machines recorded novels, letters, newspapers, wartime dispatches and business correspondence with nothing more than ink, paper and mechanical precision. Today, vintage and antique typewriters are prized by collectors, writers, decorators and historians alike.
Whether you’ve discovered an old typewriter in the attic, spotted one at a market, or are beginning a collection, this guide from Bygone Relics explains how to identify, date, value and care for these fascinating machines.
Contents
- What makes a typewriter antique?
- A brief history
- The golden age of typewriters
- Famous manufacturers
- How to identify your typewriter
- Dating by serial numbers
- The most collectible models
- Portable vs standard machines
- Rare and valuable typewriters
- Condition and restoration
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Current values
- Tips for new collectors
What Makes a Typewriter Antique?
Collectors generally divide typewriters into two categories.
| Category | Age |
|---|---|
| Antique | Pre-1925 |
| Vintage | 1925–1980 |
Machines from the late Victorian period are considered true antiques, while Art Deco, mid-century and Cold War-era models fall into the vintage category.
Interestingly, many collectors also pursue 1980s mechanical typewriters, as they represent the final years before computers transformed everyday writing.
A Brief History of Typewriters
The modern typewriter evolved through dozens of inventions during the nineteenth century.
Early Milestones
1865 – Hansen Writing Ball
One of the earliest commercially produced writing machines.
1868 – Sholes & Glidden
Christopher Latham Sholes patented the machine that introduced the now-famous QWERTY keyboard.
1874 – Remington
Remington began manufacturing typewriters, launching the world’s first commercially successful model.
By the 1890s, offices around the world relied on typewriters, creating an entirely new profession: the typist.
The Golden Age (1900–1960)
Between 1900 and 1960, manufacturers competed fiercely to produce faster, smoother and more attractive machines.
Major innovations included:
- Visible typing
- Ribbon spools
- Shift keys
- Tabulators
- Portable designs
- Colour ribbon selectors
This era produced many of today’s most desirable collectibles.
Famous Typewriter Manufacturers
Remington
Perhaps the most famous name in typewriter history.
Popular models include:
- Remington No. 2
- Remington No. 5
- Remington Portable
Collectors love their elegant cast-iron construction.
Underwood
The iconic Underwood No. 5 became the standard office typewriter of the early twentieth century.
Features:
- Open-frame design
- Glass keys
- Durable mechanisms
Royal Typewriter Company
Royal produced some of the most beautiful Art Deco machines ever made.
Popular examples:
- Quiet De Luxe
- KMM
- Arrow
Smith-Corona
Known for reliable portable machines.
Highlights:
- Silent
- Sterling
- Skyriter
Olivetti
Italian manufacturer celebrated for combining engineering with industrial design.
Most collectible:
- Lettera 22
- Valentine (designed by Ettore Sottsass)
The Valentine has become a genuine design icon.
Hermes
Swiss-made Hermes typewriters remain favourites among professional writers
The Hermes 3000 is widely admired for its exceptional typing feel.
How to Identify Your Typewriter
Start by examining several key areas.
Look for the Manufacturer
Usually found on:
- front panel
- paper table
- ribbon cover
Find the Model
Examples include:
- Underwood No. 5
- Royal Quiet De Luxe
- Olivetti Lettera 32
Locate the Serial Number
Common locations include:
- beneath the carriage
- inside the frame
- rear of the machine
The serial number is often the best way to determine the manufacturing year.
Dating Your Typewriter
Most major manufacturers published serial number records.
Example:
| Manufacturer | Serial Records Available |
|---|---|
| Underwood | Yes |
| Royal | Yes |
| Remington | Yes |
| Smith-Corona | Yes |
| Olivetti | Many models |
| Hermes | Many models |
Collectors frequently use online serial number databases to narrow production years.
Understanding Keyboard Layouts
Not every typewriter uses QWERTY.
Common layouts include:
- QWERTY
- AZERTY
- QWERTZ
- Cyrillic
- Japanese
Unusual language keyboards often increase collectability.
Standard vs Portable Typewriters
Standard
Heavy cast-iron construction, large carriage, office use, typically 10–18 kg.
Portable
Carry case included, lighter weight, travel friendly, typically 3–7 kg.
Portable machines have become especially popular because they display beautifully and are easier to ship.
The Most Collectible Typewriters
Underwood No. 5
Produced from 1900 onward.
Typical value:
$250–700 AUD
Royal Quiet De Luxe
Made famous by writers including Ernest Hemingway.
Typical value:
$150–500 AUD
Hermes 3000
One of the finest typing machines ever built.
Typical value:
$700–1,800 AUD
Olivetti Valentine
A masterpiece of industrial design.
Typical value:
$600–2,000 AUD
Rare Typewriters Worth Thousands
Some machines command remarkable prices.
Examples include:
- Blickensderfer
- Hammond
- Mignon
- Empire
Exceptional examples can exceed $5,000 AUD, with museum-quality rarities selling for much more.
What Affects Value?
Several factors determine price.
Condition
Collectors prefer:
- original paint
- intact decals
- working mechanics
- complete keys
Colour
Most machines are black.
Unusual colours increase demand.
Popular colours include:
- red
- green
- cream
- blue
- pink (rare)
Original Case
A complete portable outfit with its original carrying case is worth noticeably more.
Provenance
Ownership by a notable person can dramatically increase value.
Writers Who Made Typewriters Famous
Many celebrated authors relied on typewriters.
Examples include:
- Ernest Hemingway
- Agatha Christie
- Jack Kerouac
- Tennessee Williams
- George Orwell
Their associations continue to inspire collectors.
Buying Vintage Typewriters
Good places to search include:
- antique shops
- estate sales
- auctions
- flea markets
- garage sales
- online marketplaces
What to Check Before Buying
- Do keys move freely?
- Does the carriage travel?
- Does the ribbon advance?
- Is the platen cracked?
- Are any keytops missing?
A non-working machine may still have decorative appeal but generally carries a lower value unless it is particularly rare.
Cleaning Your Typewriter
Avoid aggressive restoration.
Safe Cleaning
Use:
- soft brush
- compressed air
- cotton swabs
- mild cleaner on painted surfaces
Avoid
- soaking in water
- harsh solvents
- sanding original paint
- replacing original decals unnecessarily
Original finishes usually add more value than over-restoration.
Common Mechanical Problems
| Problem | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Sticky keys | Dirt in typebars |
| Carriage won’t move | Escapement issue |
| Ribbon doesn’t advance | Ribbon mechanism worn |
| Faint print | Dry ribbon |
| Shift sticks | Old lubricant |
Many issues can be resolved with careful cleaning rather than major repairs.
Displaying Your Collection
Typewriters make outstanding display pieces.
Popular styling ideas include:
- wooden desks
- leather-bound books
- brass lamps
- vintage cameras
- old globes
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade paint and rubber components.
Current Collector Trends
Growing interest has been driven by:
- cottagecore décor
- dark academia aesthetics
- analogue writing
- social media photography
- film and television props
Portable mid-century machines remain especially sought after.
Starting a Collection
Many collectors begin with a single affordable machine before specialising.
Popular themes include:
- black office classics
- colourful mid-century portables
- military typewriters
- European designs
- Australian retailer-branded machines
Documenting serial numbers, photographs and purchase history can add long-term value to your collection.
Final Thoughts
Vintage and antique typewriters represent far more than obsolete office equipment—they are beautifully engineered machines that helped shape literature, journalism and everyday communication for over a century. From the imposing cast-iron elegance of an Underwood No. 5 to the sleek Italian styling of an Olivetti Valentine, every typewriter tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship and creativity.
Whether you’re collecting for investment, history or simply the joy of owning a piece of mechanical ingenuity, learning to identify models, understand condition and preserve originality will help you build a rewarding collection that can be appreciated for generations.
At Bygone Relics, we’re passionate about uncovering the stories behind vintage treasures. Explore our growing collection of antique and vintage collectibles, and discover more expert collector guides covering everything from cameras and microscopes to lighters, stamps and historic curiosities.
