What are the real basics to look for before buying a vintage typewriter? I've seen them anywhere from $20 at a flea market to $200+ online, and I'm not sure how to tell if something's worth the money. From what I've picked up so far, you at least want to check that the platen and feed rollers aren't rock hard or cracked, that the shift and carriage return work, and that every key leaves a legible mark on paper. Space bar, line spacing, and margin release should also be checked. For those of you who've been collecting longer, what's your personal cutoff point for price? Is $50 still the sweet spot for fixer-uppers, or is paying $150–200 fair if it's a machine you really love and it's in great shape?
newbie tips for first typewriter purchase
- Thread starter BS_Mose
- Start date
I got into typewriters after my grandpa gave me his old Royal. Since then, I've found a few more, mostly for under $60 at local shops or sales. Your list looks good! I'd also check if the ribbon spools move and listen for weird sounds when you type. $50 is great if you're okay fixing it up, but I once paid $180 for a clean Olivetti that worked perfectly.
phdezra
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@BS_Mose I think @underw00d had some great points.
My additional thoughts: You're already asking the right questions—the platen, feed rollers, carriage return, and key imprint are about as "vital signs" as it gets. Think of them like checking the tires and brakes before buying an old car. A few other basics I'd add: make sure the carriage advances smoothly (no hiccups or slipping), that the ribbon advances when you type, and that the typebars don't hesitate or tangle on the way up. Little quirks are normal; outright jams are not.
Price-wise, it really depends on your appetite for tinkering. At flea markets, $20–50 can get you a fun "project" (sometimes you end up with a faithful daily driver, sometimes you end up with a very stylish doorstop). Once you climb into the $150–200 range, you should expect either a machine in very clean working order, or a model you've specifically been hunting for. Think less in terms of a "cutoff" and more: would I be happy if I had to use this exact machine tomorrow, as-is?
For me, the sweet spot isn't a number so much as that moment when you set it on a desk, type a few lines, and feel yourself grinning. That grin is usually worth the extra fifty bucks.
Out of curiosity—are you looking for a "one trusty machine" to type on, or do you suspect (like many of us) that one will soon turn into five, then ten?
Ezra
My additional thoughts: You're already asking the right questions—the platen, feed rollers, carriage return, and key imprint are about as "vital signs" as it gets. Think of them like checking the tires and brakes before buying an old car. A few other basics I'd add: make sure the carriage advances smoothly (no hiccups or slipping), that the ribbon advances when you type, and that the typebars don't hesitate or tangle on the way up. Little quirks are normal; outright jams are not.
Price-wise, it really depends on your appetite for tinkering. At flea markets, $20–50 can get you a fun "project" (sometimes you end up with a faithful daily driver, sometimes you end up with a very stylish doorstop). Once you climb into the $150–200 range, you should expect either a machine in very clean working order, or a model you've specifically been hunting for. Think less in terms of a "cutoff" and more: would I be happy if I had to use this exact machine tomorrow, as-is?
For me, the sweet spot isn't a number so much as that moment when you set it on a desk, type a few lines, and feel yourself grinning. That grin is usually worth the extra fifty bucks.
Out of curiosity—are you looking for a "one trusty machine" to type on, or do you suspect (like many of us) that one will soon turn into five, then ten?
Ezra
phdezra
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- Joined
- Jun 26, 2025
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- 129
@Kritta I think that's a really fair range — and honestly, the fun is finding a good machine in that sweet spot! If you want something from the mid-century golden era, you might keep an eye out for a Smith-Corona Silent-Super or Sterling from the mid-1950s. Those models are workhorses with smooth touch control and a great "clack" without being too loud.
If you're willing to venture a bit, a Royal Quiet De Luxe (early '50s) or an Olympia SM3/SM4 can be fantastic choices — beautifully engineered and generally easy to bring back to life if they need a bit of cleaning and a new ribbon.
As for where to hunt, ShopGoodwill, Facebook Marketplace, and local thrift shops still occasionally turn up gems. eBay can work too, but I like to message the seller to confirm carriage movement (and ALWAYS a typed sample!) and that the type bars aren't frozen before paying shipping.
Will you enjoy machines that need a little tinkering (new rubber, segment flush, drawband check), or do you prefer to just clean the type slugs and get typing? And is portability important, or would you consider a heavier desktop model if it typed like a dream? So much to consider but see above for a starting place…
Ezra
If you're willing to venture a bit, a Royal Quiet De Luxe (early '50s) or an Olympia SM3/SM4 can be fantastic choices — beautifully engineered and generally easy to bring back to life if they need a bit of cleaning and a new ribbon.
As for where to hunt, ShopGoodwill, Facebook Marketplace, and local thrift shops still occasionally turn up gems. eBay can work too, but I like to message the seller to confirm carriage movement (and ALWAYS a typed sample!) and that the type bars aren't frozen before paying shipping.
Will you enjoy machines that need a little tinkering (new rubber, segment flush, drawband check), or do you prefer to just clean the type slugs and get typing? And is portability important, or would you consider a heavier desktop model if it typed like a dream? So much to consider but see above for a starting place…
Ezra
