A few years ago I decided I liked typewriters. It was watching the documentary “California Typewriter” that pushed me over the edge, but I’d already developed a taste for antique machinery by restoring and using a 100-year-old Singer treadle sewing machine.
There is something ridiculously satisfying about using your hands to produce something physical without the nagging distractions of the computer and the constant temptation to edit as you write. A typewriter lets you slow down, think, and get lost in the process of putting your thoughts down on paper.
Here is a list of the typewriters I currently own.
Olivetti Lettera 22.
Serial Number: S 637521
Probably 1956 – The Typewriter Database entry has some slight discrepancies, but this is my best estimation.
Made in Glasgow
Erika 12
Serial Number: 2067232
1961 according to the Typewriter Database
This model has an interesting typeface: Ro87 Elite Cubic, which I really love. Especially the M and W. How did I get to the point that I’m geeking out about the shape of a typeface’s particular characters? The mind boggles…
Groma Kolibri
Serial number: 688022
Probably 1960. The Typewriter database is not abundantly clear for this serial number.
Triumph Norm
Serial Number: 1101644
1956 according to the Typewriter Database
The best machine for typing is the Triumph. It’s larger and more robust than the other three. The Lettera and the Kolibri are both ultra portables, and the Erika is somewhat larger.