I thought my readers might enjoy seeing the latest typewriters I’ve scrubbed and patched up for sale at The Urban Legend Institute, WordPlay’s fundraising store. Here are some pictures along with some ad copy that I dreamed up.
Why is Paul Auster scowling?
Because he thinks you’re trying to pry his Olympia SM9 out of his hands, that’s why.
But you don’t have to, because now you can join Auster, Neil Simon, J. G. Ballard, and the guy in “Ruby Sparks” with your very own SM9. Packed with features and featuring a legendary easy touch, this typewriter represents the best of West German engineering.
So light! So little! So good looking!
This Dutch-made Royal Companion features streamlined midcentury styling and a super-smooth carriage return. Pop it in your laptop bag and take it for a spin.
Stylin’ with Sears! This little Sears Tutor, made in England, sports space-age styling and its own snap-on carrying case. A light and convenient typer for people on the go.
Here’s a rugged little Smith-Corona Skyriter, the jet-age typer with its very own snap-on case. Pop it in your carryon and you can just ignore the flight attendants when they say, “Turn off all electronic devices”!
Type like Tennessee!
Yes, it’s a Tennessee Williams favorite, the Olivetti Studio 44. Featuring the most forward-thinking Italian design of the 1950s, the Studio 44 is a big, full-featured typewriter — but not too big to fit into a case that you can bring with you onto that streetcar named Desire.
Those are some wonderful looking typewriters.
With a sales pitch like that, those machines will go quick!
Ooh, a Studio 44, and if I'm not mistaken, Ivrea-made. Really nice.
I'm curious, how much is the Studio 44 (if you don't mind)?
There,s actually a delta video that tells you to put typewriters under the seat during takeoff and landing…
I'm curious how all of them will be priced.
Oh yeah, I saw that once. There's also a guy smoking a pipe who gets a tch-tch from a very pretty flight attendant.
We're thinking $75.
Tentatively they are $45-$75.
If anyone online wants one and will pay for shipping, they can be shipped.
Fair price.
I really need to get on the ball about getting my spares out the door.
Very nice machines! I like the Olympia SM9, looks like a scaled-down version of the fantastic SG3.
Nice machines! Are they all still available?
Thanks for your interest. These are all gone, but you can check The Urban Legend Institute's Facebook page to see what's currently on offer.
I weep. Five years later, prices have at least doubled–more like tripled, unless you're very patient and clever.
Yes, our prices for our refurbished machines have more or less doubled. Of course, it's still possible to find some bargains on Craigslist, in thrift stores, etc.