Halda Model P 1956
This is an extremely rare (because of the cork platen), 1956 HALDA Model "P", portable typewriter in outstanding condition with hard case and original metal ribbon spools. This typewriter is in superb, original working condition. The cork platen roller is ready for many more years of good typing service. It has been serviced, adjusted and appropriately cleaned and lubricated. The cosmetic condition is outstanding. If you are looking for a "top", perfectly working, example of the Halda Model P, this is your opportunity.
This is a rare example of a Halda typewriter with a cork platen roller. I am afraid that I do not know much (not as much as I should) about the use of cork platens in place of rubber. On European typewriters, I mostly see them from the mid 1950s. Some people say that they were used due to rubber shortages, but I am skeptical of that. Some people say that the cork was preferred due to its consistency of "softness" and it's durability. I am inclined to agree with that more. There is something special about the feel of typing on a typewriter with a cork platen. Perhaps it has a little softer feel, but I am not sure about that. Perhaps there is a certain "crispness" to the letter characters that it types out. No matter what, it is a special typing experience.
The condition is outstanding and all original. The finish of the body is in excellent condition with no discolouration or fading of the green that one sometimes sees on these Haldas. The only flaw in an otherwise nearly perfect cosmetic condition is the scratch that can be seen on the front of the typewriter directly below the space-bar. This is where the metal hasp has worn against the body of the typewriter during closing. It is relatively unobtrusive and rather difficult to notice "in real life". The chrome pieces are uncorroded and shiny. The keytops show some signs of use (fingernail scratching--ugghh) but this is not particularly noticeable and doesn't, of course, interfere with use.
Mechanically, this Halda is in perfect working order. The carriage movement is smooth and gentle; the typing is snappy and sharp. It has gone through all the usual tests (see below) and come out with flying colours.
The typeface is Pica (10 cpi) and this typewriter has been outfitted with a new, two-colour BACO ribbon (the choice of discerning collectors). It comes with its two original metal spools in like-new condition. The metal spools are in perfect condition--a very important consideration if you have ever tried to find spools for a Halda Model P. The keyboard is QWERTY. This is the original keyboard configuration; it has not been modified in any way. (Halda lovers will recall that many Haldas have Scandinavian keyboards with the unhandy placement of the period and comma, etc.) This machine was manufactured in 1956. The serial number is: P-79395.
The platen, as mentioned, is cork as are the paper feeder rollers and the paper bail rollers. All the cork parts are in fine condition although the platen and the left paper bail roller have some wear. There are some slight indentations on the left side of the platen roller, however they are to the left of where a normal size sheet of paper would be used. I have, though, typed repeatedly over the areas where there is indentation and the typed characters still came out clean and clear. So I have no concerns about anyone using this typewriter for regular use without any problems in the typing imprint. In addition, I have done typing tests over the entire length and circumference of the platen roller and the imprint was really quite perfect. Take a close look at the typing sample and you can see the crisp, clear letters that this typewriter produces.
The rubber feet on the base of the cover are soft and undamaged. The large rubber piece on the base plate that holds the typewriter to the desktop is in excellent, soft condition. It is a tribute to the conditions in which this machine has been kept for the last 62 years that the rubber on the base is all still supple and appropriately soft.
The case is in nice, but somewhat worn, condition although it is quite solid. The leather of the handle has some age and use-related damage, nonetheless, the overall handle is strong, solid and usable. The hasp and lock work well.
For some comments on a similar machine, please see:
http://xoverit.blogspot.nl/2014/04/green-design.htmlThis extraordinarily fine and rare example of a HALDA Model P 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.
This typewriter has been conserved to our highest standards. It has been fully serviced, adjusted and aligned, cleaned inside and out, and is ready for some serious typing.