The "big one"

[anxious pie]

A friend of mine got me into hunting for old typewriters at flea markets and now I'm hooked on trying to find a real diamond in the rough. I know it might be a pipe dream but what's the one machine that would make you fall out of your chair if you found it? What's the ultimate find for a collector?

 

[Tortured Poets Department]

A friend of mine got me into hunting for old typewriters at flea markets and now I'm hooked on trying to find a real diamond in the rough. I know it might be a pipe dream but what's the one machine that would make you fall out of your chair if you found it? What's the ultimate find for a collector?

For me, the ultimate find would be an early Sholes and Glidden or maybe a minty Hermes 3000 with all the original accessories. That's holy grail... But yeah, I would settle for a smooth Olympia SM3 though. Good luck finding yours. Flea markets are the key

 

[phdezra]

Hi @anxious pie -- interesting question. @Tortured Poets Department nailed it!

A mint Hermes 3000 with all the accessories would be absolutely incredible! Dream-worthy - the smooth action, that perfect touch, plus the original case and manual? Typewriter gold!

The Sholes & Glidden would be amazing too (only about 5,000 ever made, maybe a few hundred survive today - so basically finding a unicorn! ), but honestly I'd be thrilled just stumbling across that minty Hermes at a reasonable price.

Totally agree on flea markets - that's where the magic happens when someone's grandkid doesn't know what treasure they're selling!

Best of luck hunting -- where/what part of USA(?) are you located in, any really good flea markets with "amateurs? Also Sunday Yard or Garage Sales.

Ezra

 

[anxious pie]

Appreciate you both for giving me some great names to look for now. A Hermes 3000 seems fantastic, and finding a real unicorn like Sholes & Glidden would be unbelievable. I'm hunting around the New England area, where there are many old towns and flea markets!

 

[phdezra]

Hi @anxious pie .... New England - perfect hunting grounds! Those old Yankee attics are treasure troves. Fair warning though: you're more likely to spot Bigfoot than a Sholes & Glidden at a flea market But hey, that's what makes the hunt exciting! Happy hunting, and definitely post whatever gems you uncover out there!

Ezra

 

[anxious pie]

I appreciate the reality check on finding a unicorn. 100% the hunt itself is the exciting part! I'll for sure post back here if I find anything interesting on my travels