Featured Now I've Done It ~ An Oliver No. 3 Typewriter

Having always been intrigued with 1880-1920 era mechanical antiques, I have acquired an Oliver No. 3 circa 1905. These are visually quite something (fully visible)and an engineering marvel from the dawn of the typewriter age. The refurbishing journey begins - luckily there are many resources for such machines.

 

That's beautiful. So sculptural.

Debora

 

I like it!

Caution, its enchantment could lead to a maddening desire ...

 

I love it!

 

Stunning piece Drew-You've pierced my Steampunk heart !
I beleive Roaring's just raised the bar. This piece was valued at $98,000 in 2017.
The nickel plated deluxe Malling-Hansen Writing Ball (1867) is among the most sought-after typewriters in the world.
PS-Who the heck needs to own a house anyway-they won't tax you every year on this !

 

I had never seen that! Breathtaking.

Debora

 

Beautiful, Drew!
It reminds me of the Concert Hall in the Sydney Opera House:

 

It's a marvel.

 

Appreciate the concern, but the madness may have already taken hold of me.

 

These Olivers, nick named the 'Bat Wing' have been seen in many movies and TV shows through the decades. Here is Christopher Plummer as Rudyard Kipling in 1975's 'The Man Who Would Be King'.

 

I had this Remington #7 (1908). It was a portable, complete with carrying case. Probably didn't weigh much more than 20lbs. I read that this is the model Jack London used when writing his books.



The keys struck the bottom of the platten. You don't see the first line you typed until you have finished typing three or four lines.

 

I found one of these Blickensderfer no. 5 portable typewriters about 3 years ago at an estate sale hiding under a shelf in a basement for $20. Brought it to the shop to clean and price. One of our young employees became so enamored with it we decided to give it to her for her 18th birthday a couple weeks later.
It is apparently the first patented full keyboard portable. Not exactly rare but loads of fun to find and gift.

 

@Drew - That ought to keep you busy for a few days!!

Tres cool!!!

 

My grandfather had a similar typewriter in his rolltop desk. There are some things that I wish had stayed in the family...

 

I have that same Oliver. It was my great grandparents. When my grandparent's passed, it was to be sold at auction with most of their other furnishings. When it came up for bid it was bringing next to nothing so I bought it ($10 if I remember correctly). I was 12 and it was my first auction purchase. This, along with a walnut spool bed in pieces that did not sell and came home with me, started my lifelong obsesssion with antiques.

 

Beautiful start to antiquing, Brad.

 

Awwww that's a fine story.

 

Great that you captured it - they're not rare, but striking looks and being a fully visible down strike machine make them a favorite with collectors. A book just came out this week - pricy at $79. PS; look for the 2011 1st Oliver book by the same author.... should be able to find one for $20 or less. https://olivertypewriters.com/