Hermes Baby--Military Issue 1936

We are excited to offer this extraordinarily rare Hermes Baby typewriter. Manufactured in 1936 this may be the only known example of an authentic Hermes Baby in original army-green finish that is extant today. It is in fine overall condition and has been professionally restored. 
This is an original and authentic Hermes Baby typewriter from the pre-World War II period (1936). It was found in western England in a small village but, sadly, there is no earlier provenance known. It is complete (including metal cover with intact leather handle) and is in surprisingly good working condition. This typewriter is beautiful, fully functional and historically interesting. Despite the absence of any Hermes logos or other imprints we know that this was made in Yverdon, Switzerland by E. Paillard & Company by the indication "Suisse" on the right side of the carriage rail. This identifies it as being a Hermes typewriter and not a "Hermes clone" which were made by British Typewriters Ltd. in West Bromwich, England and marketed under the name Empire. The serial number, 89XXX, corresponds correctly with the model style and numeration of Hermes Babys manufactured by Paillard in 1936.
It is most probably a typewriter ordered and used by the military services of the Kingdom of Great Britain--either for direct military use or for official war correspondents. It is also possible that this typewriter was among the Hermes Babys that were used by the US military during World War II. The Hermes Baby is referenced in the book: American Journalism: History, Principles, Practices; edited by W. David Sloan and Lisa Mullikin Parcell (2002). The authors state that in World War II"...correspondents received a Baby Hermes typewriter in addition to the regular M-1 rifle." In 1936, Great Britain was beginning to restore their military to a state of readiness as a consequence of the political and social developments in Germany. It is possible that this typewriter was requisitioned during that build-up of the military. 
Widely considered to be the first truly portable typewriter, the Hermes Baby was compactly designed to measure just 2.5 inches thick, weighed less than 10 pounds including the metal carrying case. It was a true precision instrument with smooth moving mechanisms and solid craftsmanship. After the war, the ultra-low profile Hermes baby became the standard travel typewriter for writers and reporters around the world. It was a small typewriter that had all the functions and smooth operation found in larger portable typewriters of the time. This was the world's first true laptop communication device. When it was first introduced, the Baby gained quick success and became the "must have" typewriter for novelists, celebrities, reporters, and journalists of the time. Designed for Paillard by famed Italian designer Giuseppe Presioso, the beautiful lines of the Hermes Baby changed typewriter design forever. The Hermes Baby is reputed to be the typewriter of choice for Ernest Hemingway's work as a war correspondent.
This Hermes Baby has the original "army green" painted body finish, and the beautiful deep red of the margin mechanisms. It has not been over-painted or retouched. This is a fully-working typewriter. The only parts of this typewriter that are not original to its manufacture are the rubber feet of the base and the main-spring drawstring. (It pains me that I was not able to find an original 1930s catgut drawstring that fit properly.)  It comes with the Acme seal indicating that it was fully restored by us in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the historical nature of this typewriter we cannot provide a mechanical warranty as we normally do. At this point in its life, I don't believe that it would be prudent to use this typewriter on a daily basis or for your next novel. Nonetheless, it will serve perfectly well for the odd letter or for some light typing work. 
Regarding the rubber: Platen Roller probably original and has the very surprising and soft hardness rating of 92 (Shore A, Ideal being 85-95). The Paper Feeder Rollers are smooth and soft. The Feet, as mentioned, are new rubber.
Regarding the chrome: Some signs of use or wear but overall condition is quite good.
Regarding the Body condition: Signs of use and wear
Regarding the mechanical condition: In good , solid working condition, properly adjusted, cleaned and lubricated.
Regarding the Case/Cover: The cover has wear and light damage, perhaps from being thrown into foxholes or the back of Personnel Carriers. Nonetheless, the leather handle is intact and strong. The cover fits properly and closes correctly.
The keyboard is standard US/UK (QWERTY), and the typeface is Pica (10 c.p.i.). The keyboard has the all-important "@" key.
This superb example of an early Hermes baby 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. It will be fully insured for shipment. We guarantee safe delivery and provide careful and attentive after-purchase advice and assistance from the date of purchase to the end of eternity to ensure your full satisfaction. We have shipped safely to the outback of Australia, the Sultanate of Brunei, Japan, China, Dayton Ohio, the Isle of Wight, Ecuador and hundreds of places in between. So have no fear.
If you have any questions or wish to see more photos, please don't hesitate to contact us.