1936 Hermes Baby Typewriter
This Hermes typewriter is in extraordinarily fine condition. It has the original ribbon spools that match the finish on the typewriter (look at other examples for sale and you will see that having both is uncommon). The leather handle on the case, also often missing, is in excellent condition. The QWERTY keyboard is original.
The Hermes Baby is an iconic super-portable typewriter and was partially responsible for a shift in the manner in which typewriters were used by the general public. It's portability, utility and durability were brilliant achievements in mechanical design when it was first manufactured in 1935. This Hermes comes from only the second year of production of the Baby. The Hermes Baby was widely used by war correspondents during World War II and was the portable typewriter of choice for many well-known writers and journalists including: John Steinbeck, Tennessee Williams, the war correspondent Marguerite Higgins, Francoise Sagan, Max Frisch, Frederick Forsyth, Joe Brodsky and even Ho Chi Minh.
This is an exceptionally nice HERMES Baby typewriter in fine original condition. Conserved and restored to full original functionality. Fully working and in extraordinary condition after 85 years. It is completely original in all parts (except for the needed replacement of the rubber feet), has not been repainted and no decals have been replaced. It was manufactured in Switzerland during the second year of production for the Baby model typewriter.
This is a fully-working--as original--typewriter. The only thing that you have to do is sit down, put paper on the roller and start typing. If you are looking for a cool super-portable, that is a pleasure to type with, this is a typewriter to look at seriously.
All keys type smoothly, the chrome is in good condition with some minor spots of age; all levers and functions work as originally. It comes with its two original metal, ribbon spools. The platen is of a good softness (~94 on Shore A scale, 85-95 considered ideal) and is smooth and clean; the quality of the imprint can be seen on the typing sample. (The platen rubber can be replaced upon request of the buyer at an additional cost of 95€.) The Paper Feed Rollers are soft and grip the paper well. The platen release mechanism in the left platen knob is in perfect working order, and both knobs are in perfect condition. Every mechanical function of this typewriter has been inspected, cleaned, adjusted and aligned to make it work perfectly for another 80+ years. The felt liner on the base of the typewriter is in excellent condition as is the wool "soundproofing on either side of the interior of the body. It is very rare indeed to find a Hermes where these parts are clean and intact.
This Hermes has an original QWERTY keyboard with symbols for accents needed for French, German etc. The typeface/font is Hermes Pica (10 cpi). The enduring shine on the spacebar is a wonder to behold. The painted finish on the body of the typewriter is in excellent condition, is all original to the typewriter, and has very little sign of wear. The keys are in fine condition.
The original case/cover is in excellent condition. The chrome is uncorroded but has some small usage scratches on the two bars at the back. The leather is in excellent condition as can be seen in the photos. It is pliable and not "dried-out".
For a very interesting review of the Hermes Baby, please see: https://ryanshockeydavis.com/2019/02/20/bartlebys-machines-hermes-rocket-hermes-baby-typewriter-review/
For a fine discussion of the history of the Hermes Baby typewriter, see: http://typewriters.ch/collection/hermes_baby.html
And also: https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/01/hermes-featherweight-and-baby.htmlLike all of our typewriters this one comes with the "Acme" lead certification seal attached to the typewriter which permanently identifies it as a genuine Acme-restored typewriter and provides for a one year warranty. We provide careful and attentive after-purchase advice and assistance from the date of purchase to the end of eternity to ensure your full satisfaction. In terms of an investment, the Acme Seal proves that this machine was restored by the Acme Type Machine Company. This can add value in the event that you wish to sell this typewriter in the future.
This extraordinary and fine example of a Hermes typewriter will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to preserve its condition and beauty. We have a lot of experience in shipping typewriters and have an excellent track record for proper packing and safe delivery.
See my buyer reviews on Etsy and you will have confidence in your purchase.
Don't hesitate to contact me for more photos or any other explanation of anything.