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SORRY, SOLD! 1940 Continental 100 Typewriter
  • SORRY, SOLD! 1940 Continental 100 Typewriter

    €1,400.00Price

    The description is long, but I encourage you to read it all.

    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 after 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. There were dark years in Europe to follow.

    This typewriter has it all for a collector and for a user, however, it is not inexpensive. The price reflects the rarity of the QWERTY keyboard, the outstanding condition and the rarity of examples of this model typewriter that ever become available on the market. And, as an investment, I don't expect this typewriter to ever decrease in value.

    Like all of our typewriters this is a fully-working typewriter. It 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 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. 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 typewriter is a 1940 Continental 100 in superb, original condition. This typewriter is in excellent working condition. It has been serviced, adjusted and appropriately cleaned and lubricated. The cosmetic condition is outstanding.

    The Continental 100 was considered a top-of-the-line, deluxe model typewriter when it was produced. 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 who own them. 

    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 wonderful softness reading of 91 (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 light rubbing. The chrome-plated parts are in very fine condition with extremely light 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 you can see from the photos the crisp, dark and clear impression of the characters on the paper. This typewriter has been outfitted with a new BACO ribbon (the choice of discerning collectors), on two original metal ribbon spools. The keyboard is QWERTY with accents for European languages.

    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.html

    This extraordinary 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.

    Please read the Introduction on the opening page of our Etsy shop for helpful details about our shop, warranty, policies, etc.

    Check out our reviews on Etsy--or talk to a collector who has an Acme typewriter--and you will have peace of mind in your purchase.

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