"Art is my vehicle through life; may we share the ride together." Ron Wickersham

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Look what arrived today!

After impatiently waiting more than a week since I won the e-bay auction, I was beyond excited when the mailman finally delivered this today! I have no idea how old this little machine is, but I am thinking it's maybe from the 1920's or 30's. I'll have to research it. It is the cutest little thing!

It's in very good condition except parts of the case are brittle and little pieces are chipping off. My excitement waned a bit when I tried to type on it. The auction said it worked, but I couldn't get the keys to go more than halfway up - nowhere near the roller. I was feeling cheated and thinking "dummie, believing a stranger's description on e-bay and sending money no less!"
Then I started playing with all the little levers and moved one on the side and, magically, the keys all popped up! When they are in this position, it types! The ribbon is not too bad, but my next project will be to try to track down a new one. If anyone has any ideas on where to get old ribbons, let me know!
The inside of the case is even imprinted. It says "To Benj. Schiro, From Local No. 91, Niagra Falls, NY" Would love to know the history of this!

So, I am doing the happy dance again and feeling very smug about my newest purchase! Will be playing with it soon.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

OMG...it is fabulous!!!

Linda M. Cain said...

We all need a little something to make us smile....my daughter calls it "happy c$@)".

BR said...

Wow, I use to have one of those.... Great stuff girl!

Unknown said...

Oh, SO Cool!!! Put some distress reinker on the old ribbon in the meantime!?!

Robin said...

How cool Susan!!! Can't wait to see what you create with "typed" words on it!!

kim c said...

oh, you lucky girl. what a wonderful find! Hey, since you live locally, did you know there's an "indy etsy" show going on at Will Rogers this Saturday? Just thought I'd share.

Judy said...

Just really cool, Susan! You might try Office Max or even Staples. Believe it or not, my nephew bought an old typewriter and found ribbon at one of those stores. Sorry! Don't remember which one it was.

Enjoy playing with it!

Jaclyn @ themommyrevelation said...

How fun! Can't wait to see what you do with it! :)

Judy Meaux said...

Susan - if you've got the manufacturer's name, you may be able to find them online or you could ask the typewriter manufacturers you can find online - they may have 1 that works or can recommend where you can look next.

I'm asking my Mom for her old Royal typewriter!