Vintage typewriters span the gap between industrial design, technology, and writing history. Here are the most collected.
1. Sholes & Glidden Typewriter (1874, First Production)
The first commercial typewriter. Mint examples sell for $20,000-$60,000.
2. Hammond #1 Aluminum (1880s)
The early Hammond typewriter. Top examples reach $8,000-$25,000.
3. Olivetti Valentine Red (1969)
Ettore Sottsass’s pop-art portable. Mint with case reaches €1,000-2,500.
4. Ernest Hemingway’s Royal Quiet Deluxe
Provenance pieces from Hemingway are essentially priceless. Authentic examples reach $200,000+.
5. Underwood No.5 (1900-1939)
The most iconic American typewriter. Mint examples reach $300-$1,500.
6. Pencil Sharpener Typewriter (Mid-Century Curiosity)
Various inventor-built combination devices. Top examples reach $5,000-$15,000.
7. Mignon Typewriter (1903)
Index-style early portable. Mint examples reach $3,000-$8,000.
8. Crandall (1879 First Production)
Decorative inlaid early typewriter. Top examples reach $10,000-$25,000.
9. Olympia SM7 Bookkeeping Variant
The most beloved post-war German typewriter. Variants in sealed condition reach $1,500-$4,000.
10. IBM Selectric I (1961)
The revolutionary IBM golf-ball typewriter. Mint examples in original colors reach $300-$1,200.
Authentication and care
Christie’s and Sotheby’s handle major typewriter sales for provenance pieces. The Antikey Chop and Auction Team Breker (Germany) handle specialist collector market. Original ribbons, paper guides, and cases are essential for top grade. Storage requires controlled humidity to prevent rust and rubber-platen degradation.
You Might Also Like