Vintage Remington Rand Typewriter, 1947

Presented is a vintage Remington Rand typewriter from 1947.  The typewriter is the portable De Luxe Model 5, issued in a sleek carrying case. Still functional, this classic design features a black crinkle finish, and a QWERTY keyboard. Included in the set of metal rimmed black keys are fun features like a shift key, shift lock key, self-starter key, marginal release, and a back space key. 

A touch regulator is also included in this De Luxe model. The touch regulator is an adjustment mechanism that permits the keyboard tension to be set at any one of five positions, as indicated by the number in the center of the touch regulator slot. This enables the operator to easily set the key action to suit light, medium, or heavy touch, ensuring maximum typing comfort and speed.

The first commercially successful typewriter was designed by Christopher Sholes and Carlos Glidden and manufactured by gunmakers E. Remington and Sons in 1868. In 1886, E. Remington and Sons sold the entirety of their typewriter interests to Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict. Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict manufactured their typewriters under the Remington Standard Typewriter Company name beginning in 1892. The company became the Remington Typewriter Company in 1902, before merging with the Rand Kardex Company in 1927 to become Remington Rand. Remington Rand continued to sell typewriters until around 1955, when it was acquired by the Sperry Corporation.

Among the early famous typewriter users was Mark Twain. Twain said in a letter to Remington, “Please do not use my name in any way. Please do not even divulge the fact that I own a machine. … I don’t like to write letters, and so I don’t want people to know I own this curiosity-breeding little joker,” talking about his 1875 Remington model. Twain was the first author ever to have a manuscript typed. Other famous users include Agatha Christie, Rudyard Kipling, who made good use of the Remington Noiseless model in his later years; and Gone with the Wind novelist Margaret Mitchell, who used a Remington Portable No. 3.

CONDITION:

Still functioning. Metal rimmed black keys. All keys intact and working. Geared typebar mechanism. Marked “Remington Rand” on the scaled paper table. Marked “ De Luxe Model 5” at bottom front of typewriter.   Surface scratches to black crinkle body paint, due to use and wear over time.

In original carrying black case. Case is hinged at the back and has a silver locking mechanism at the front. No key for locking mechanism, but case latch still opens and closes easily and is secure. Case has scratches, wear from past use and travel. 

Dimensions (closed box): 6" H x 13 1/2" W x 13 1/2" D.

Dimensions (fully opened): 15 1/4" H x 13 1/2" W x 18" D.