Continental 100 Typewriter from 1939—a Luxury-model Typewriter
A Continental 100 typewriter from 1939! Few typewriter models have the status among some typewriter aficionados as the Continental 100. It stands high alongside the Hermes 3000, Erika Model M and Halda portable among others. The reason for this status is the brilliant melding of form and function, the sublime combining of aesthetic design and inspired engineering, and, of course, its rarity. This was a "luxury model" typewriter when it was manufactured and remains so today. On top of that, having been manufactured just before the opening salvos of World War II, it is representative of a moment in European history at the height of modern design and technical capability.
This extraordinary typewriter is a 1939 Continental 100 in extraordinarily fine condition. It is available with either QWERTY or QWERTZ keyboards. It has been serviced, adjusted and appropriately cleaned and lubricated. The "tabulator" feature has one of the smoothest movements of any typewriter—the carriage moves to the next tab-stop with a stately and elegant motion. Being a very expensive machine, there were not a large number of these typewriters manufactured. Very few of these come onto the market nowadays, most being carefully guarded by the collectors and writers who own them.
Acme typewriters have been the choice of discerning collectors and writers more than 1,000 times since we began selling online in 2016. They are fully guaranteed to work. Most shipments to the US arrive in 3 days--often much faster than most domestic shipments within the US. Acme typewriters are carefully selected, beautifully restored and come with a one-year mechanical warranty and lifetime customer-service. Each comes with a metal seal, attached to the interior, identifying it as a fully-restored Acme typewriter. Many new dealers strive to imitate us--none succeed.
The design aspects of this typewriter are inspired genius. The Ribbon Cover is composed of three escalating levels inviting the typer "into" the typewriter. The contrasting texture side panels give a wonderful sense of depth and richness. The design of the paper bail alone can bring palpitations to my heart through its elegance, beauty and effectiveness.
One engineering marvel to note on this typewriter is the combined margin and tab function lever. It allows for multiple Margin settings as well as the usual tabulator settings. It takes a little getting used to but is an extraordinary mechanical innovation that has not been repeated on other models or brands of typewriter.
The mechanical condition: We have thoroughly serviced, cleaned and adjusted this beautiful typewriter to its original mechanical condition. It works as originally, typing well, all levers and keys work in their original manner. The complex tabulator and margin setting features work as new. The platen roller is in very fine condition, clean and smooth, and with a fine softness reading of ~93 (Shore A scale--Ideal = 85-95). The Paper Feeder Rollers are in fine condition as are the rubber feet on the bottom assuring good grip on the desktop.
The cosmetic condition...well, take a look at the photos and you can judge for yourself. The body finish is excellent with only some small points of wear or rubbing. The chrome-plated parts are in very fine condition with almost no signs of usage. The platen roller knobs are intact and solid. The logo "decals" are original and show only light wear.
The typeface is Pica (10 cpi) and it has been outfitted with a new BACO ribbon (the choice of discerning collectors), on two original metal ribbon spools.
For some discussion of the Continental 100, please see:
https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/09/seeking-solace-in-continental-portable.html
http://xoverit.blogspot.com/2016/10/continental-100.htmlThis fine example of a Continental 100 will be packed and shipped with the greatest care to preserve its condition and beauty. It will be fully insured for shipment. We have a lot of experience in shipping typewriters and have an excellent track record for proper packing and safe delivery.
Check out our reviews--or talk to a collector who has an Acme typewriter--and you will have peace of mind in your purchase.