Torpedo 18B Typewriter
We come to the third and last of the results of my September typewriter acquisition binge. And possibly the best one.
ZetiX was spot on with his x-ray vision identifying the contents of that gray case on the left being a Torpedo Model 18B.
Robert Messenger provides an excellent presentation of the evolution of the brand, which originated from a typewriter factory near Frankfurt in 1907. Mr.Messenger refers to the Model 18 as "Magnificent" and "
Of all the interesting typewriters I own, the Torpedo 18 is my favorite writing machine for its light and precise action".
Well, I would agree, and at least in part because it is so similar to my venerable high school Olympia SM-3, as I explain below.
.
 |
| 1961 Torpedo Model 18B |
Isn't that a lovely thing? It took me longer than it ought to type out the following, as I would stop so frequently to pet it or just stare and admire.
 |
| The font is similar to, if not the same as Olympia Script No. 75 as shown in the 1964 NOMDA Blue Book on Ted Monk's page. |
 |
| Of course it has that paper support that extends to double as an end-of-page gauge. And basket shift and the numeral "1"! |
 |
| Shiny precision |
This one lives in the office as a daily user. I think if I continue collecting in this direction, there may be a typewriter traffic condition here.
Mmm! It was worth it. Looks like it's made of white chocolate.
ReplyDeleteThe A and B designate whether it has a tabulator and carriage ratchet silencer or not. A is the more stripped-down model, and B, like yours, has the tab system. They manufactured the two versions simultaneously throughout the history of model 18.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, Nick - I hadn't realized that a carriage ratchet silencer was one of its features. The carriage return is smooth and quiet.
DeleteThat white torpedo and the purple ribbon is an absolute thing of beauty.
ReplyDeleteOh my, love that script typeface! Very elegant looking machine.
ReplyDeleteThe 1-1/2 spacing option gives the loops and swirls the scope they need.
DeleteThat's very nice! My coral-colored one is very similar otherwise.
ReplyDeleteSee one this morning! I'll buy soon!
ReplyDelete