Typewriter FAQs

Lots of people ask me the following questions. Here are some references I recommend. (Oh, and don't forget to check Richard Polt's vastly superior typewriter FAQ, as, unlike me, he is an actual collector.

Q: When was this typewriter made? What is it worth? Tell me more about it.

I am not an expert on typewriter makes and models. But luckily, some people are.

Will Davis maintains extensive online archives that talk about typewriter makes and models. Hope he writes a book someday.

The people at the portable typewriter forum are experts. Ask them your question.

The Typewriter Serial Number Database might be able to help you find your typewriter's year of manufacture.

Check your local library for Century of the Typewriter by Wilfred A. Beeching. Good history overview with serial numbers and photos.

Q: Can you help me sell my typewriter?

No, I'm sorry. I don't do anything related to selling or rehoming other people's typewriters.

Q: I need a ribbon. Where/how do I find one?

Tom Furrier of Cambridge Typewriter in Arlington, MA sells ribbons by mail. He surely knows what kind of ribbon you need, and is just a nice guy all around. His contact info is:
P: 781-643-7010
info@cambridgetypewriter.com

I am fairly certain that Dennis and Matt McCormick at Ace Typewriter in Portland, OR also sell ribbons by mail. Call them to ask. (503) 286 2521 They are stand-up guys and did great clean up work on one of my machines for a very reasonable price.


Mr. Typewriter.com and mytypewriter.com also sell ribbons. Any of these folks will be able to help you identify what type of ribbon you need.

Awhile back I posted about the future of typewriter ribbons, if you're interested.

Q: Where can I get my typewriter repaired?

Richard Polt maintains an extensive list of repair shops. If you want to try it yourself, see if you can dig up a copy of The Typewriter Repair Manual by Howard Hutchison online or at the library.

Richard Polt offers a primer on basic typewriter restoration if you just want to clean it up.

Q: Where do I find a typewriter?

You can find serviced, refurbished typewriters at Blue Moon Camera and Machine, Ace Typewriter, and Cambridge Typewriter.

There are of course many other options for typewriter shopping if you don't want a refurbished machine. I wrote a series of articles about many of the other options ... ebay, antique stores, etc. Here is the first in the series. Links to the other articles are at the bottom of that one.

Good luck!