In today's age, where digital is all-encompassing, to have an old typewriter is to kiss the history of the past with the present. The return to decrypt the beautiful memories of when we used to write letters on paper.
Many content creators use computers and cell phones to write. I do it too, but I have old typewriters by my side that keep me company and when I see them they fill me with satisfaction and even inspiration.
My paternal grandfather used them a lot, my father too, and I got to use them. First as a child, as a game. I liked to touch their keys, and see how those metal sticks hit the inked tape to tattoo with letters the whiteness of a paper.
Later, in my pre-college days, I used it to write small papers. Now they breathe at home, and I've managed to gather a nice collection. Today I want to share with you some of these machines: 3 Underwood and 3 Remington.
Underwood
Underwood Standard Portable:
I bought this beautiful portable machine on the Internet. When I went to pick it up, I was surprised to discover that the seller was a colleague involved in general practice.
She was selling various antique items, and I got this little gem in good working order.
It is a vintage machine with 3 rows of keys, from this New York brand, one of the most famous of its kind. It was marketed in the 1920's, and she had it with its original protective box with metal clasp.
The two models below are like two war tanks. They did not limit themselves in casting quality metal to last for many years, hence the weight they have. With a large design for fixed table use.
The other two are Underwood No 6, from 1936, and were made with 4 rows of keys. You will see two versions, one in black with off-white keys, and the other with a military look due to its matte gray paint and green keys.
Remington
Remington is a brand of a business with family lineage, between father and sons. Born in New York, United States, more than two centuries ago.
Well known among firearms and hunting enthusiasts, because its first products were precisely of this type.
It reminds me of my college years, where I practiced precision shooting a lot.
I used to visit the farm of a friend who had a rifle of this brand, which used .22 caliber bullets.
Remington later dedicated itself to the manufacture of typewriters, achieving success in the variety of its models.
They are machines of great construction, since they used quality metallic materials.
Remington Portable model 5:
This portable from the 30's, I bought it online. At home I have it on a little wooden table, under a rounded glass. That way, when you look at the glass your eyes go straight to it.
Since there are other antique equipment in that area, it enhances that vintage feel that I like so much.
Remington Portable No 2:
It is a machine that came on the market in 1928. It has a peculiar detail, when moving the metal knob located on its right side, it raises all its hammer bars.
It reminds me of a male peacock, which opens its long feathered tail to attract females in their amorous courtship and seduce them with its beautiful colors.
Hammer bars without elevation.
Hammer bars with elevation.
Remington 12:
I left my favorite typewriter for last. Made at the beginning of the 20th century with first class materials. Majestic for its design and open frame. Its mark in large and in gold color, with its stamp of authenticity in red.
This model was also rebuilt by Remington, for its commercialization in Havana.
They were sold in the famous old bookstore La Moderna Poesía, located on Obispo Street, a few meters from the National Capitol.
I am sure, that many people in Hive, may have at home one of these machines, or simply, embrace the nostalgia of those beautiful times, where we happily waited for that letter written on paper, either by hand or through my beloved typewriters.
Own photos. Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100
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Text by Andrés Brunet
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