A Remington Monarch

Tweeting with @NicoleJensen (and @PattyCam) recently, and recognising that I have a lot of writing to do, I got nostalgic for the feel of a real typewriter.  So of course like everyone these days I go on eBay, and there’s a fantastic portable typewriter for sale (8 minutes to go) from arfandmarf, ready for my credit card love:

This 1964 Remington ‘Monarch’ typewriter is in excellent, near pristine condition.   It has its original (quality) case with key, original instructions, a cleaning kit and even the original semi-circular  ‘restrainer’ (designed to keep the type levers secured during transit).

This typewriter has been carefully maintained since new – it comes to the successful bidder cleaned, serviced, lubricated and working PERFECTLY – AND I DO MEAN PERFECTLY!

The ‘Monarch’ was introduced in 1961, and the second (updated version) was introduced in 1964 – this typewriter is one of the second versions.   The updated, fully-featured version has minor improvements, including cosmetic improvements (such as the use of chrome):  this typewriter’s quality is superb (sublime, in fact) and, having owned more than 50 typewriters, I can honestly say that this is the only portable I have owned that matches (and exceeds in most cases) the quality and performance of most full-sized typewriters (quality full-sized typewriters!).

Everything about this typewriter smacks of quality!   It even has a red-coloured touch-pressure control knob which allows the ‘touch’ pressure to be varied at will.

OK, I appreciate that the purchaser will probably just want to display the typewriter (and why wouldn’t you!) because of its fabulous 60’s clean retro lines, but I just had to make the comment that this is a superb machine to actually type on.

The typewriter’s body is metal.   It has lovely, clean lines, and a predominantly two-tone colour scheme in dove grey and soft-white:  the undersides of the keys are a fabulous, funky, dark brown.

The ribbon is in excellent condition and the type is 10 characters per inch:  the type is level.

The case is a quality, sturdily constructed item with a secure latch and internal heavy foam bolsters designed to secure and protect the typewriter during transit.   The original key is included.   The quality of the case is in keeping with the typewriter’s quality.   The case shows some signs of wear, but is in overall very good and totally functional condition.

This typewriter was manufactured in Holland, and the case was manufactured in West Germany.   The typewriter’s serial number is ‘CY 47 54 37’

POSTAGE:  (REGISTERED POST ONLY FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL TYPEWRITER) – $15 ANYWHERE WITHIN VIC; $20 ANYWHERE WITHIN NSW, THE ACT AND METROPOLITAN ADELAIDE.   BIDDERS FROM ELSEWHERE ARE ENCOURAGED TO EMAIL FOR A POSTAGE QUOTE – PLEASE PROVIDE POSTCODE.

So now I am the proud owner of this machine (well, proud when it arrives and hopefully it is in as good condition as described, as I do intend to actually write on it):

Actually I am thinking I’ll combine high and low-tech solution, being to type on it (nice tactile feedback) and then for second draft scan, ocr, and re-read and re-draft into the PC.  Let’s see how long my $87 ebay purchase-on-a-whim lasts :).