Optima Progress 3 1955
This is an Optima Progress 3 typewriter with original QWERTY keyboard . It is in superb original condition and is working perfectly. The bronze colour of the finish is all original, has not been repainted and is completely uniform in finish colour. It comes with the original insertable, adjustable paper holder (which is often lost on these typewriters). This typewriter has been fully restored: inspected, cleaned, lubricated, adjusted and aligned. Everything works as it should. This Optima has the Acme seal, identifying it as an authentic Acme-restored typewriter and comes with a 6-month mechanical warranty.
These early Optimas have a wonderful swiftness and lightness of touch. It is a good typewriter for writing a novel, daily writing or the occasional personal or business correspondence. (See links below for a review.)
Cosmetically, this Optima is in superb condition. The finish colour is uniform, there is no sun-bleaching or other changes to the colour. (Please note: Due to my rather poor skills as a photographer, the body finish may appear discoloured in certain areas. This is usually due to reflection from the oil painting hanging above the table or from other externalities and does not reflect and discolouration in the actual typewriter.) It is completely unblemished. The keys are in the finest condition with no fingernail-scratching or other blemishes. The chrome is shiny, bright and uncorroded. There are a couple of slight scratches on the lower, front edge of the right side carriage panel that are difficult to discern but are there.
Mechanically, this Progress 3 is working perfectly. It is clear that this typewriter was not heavily used. All the mechanical aspects were carefully inspected and, where necessary, were properly adjusted and aligned. The platen roller is clean and smooth and has a very fine hardness reading of ~89 on the durometer (Shore A scale--ideal being 85 to 95). The paper feeder rollers are in excellent condition and grip the paper well. The rubber feet are in as-new condition. Both the paper feed rollers and the rubber feet have fine durometer readings as well: ~80 for the feet and ~73 for the paper feed rollers.
Based on the serial number (906054) this machine is from 1955.
The typeface/font is a bright and clear Pica (10 c.p.i.). The keyboard is an original English international QWERTY and has accent keys for French, German and Dutch languages. This typewriter comes with a new, BACO, two-colour ribbon so that you can start typing immediately and with pleasure.
This Progress 3 comes with the original hard case, in excellent condition. The external metal parts are uncorroded and shiny, the handle is strong and the hasp is in perfect working order. The interior is exceptionally fine condition with few blemishes on the interior. There is a business card for a typewriteer repair business taped to the inside cover. The exterior is in fine condition with very minimal signs of use. the rubber feet are in very fine condition and soft.
For a general discussion about Optima typewriters, please see:
https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/01/optima-elite-portable-typewriter.htmlThis extraordinary example of an Optima Progress 3 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. It will be fully insured during shipment.
Notes on the 6-month Mechanical Warranty: Should anything require repair on the typewriter the Acme Type Machine Company (an established company in the Netherlands with Chamber of Commerce registration 74166247) will repair it free of charge when shipped to our workshop. Due to the costs of shipping and the possibilities therein for damage during the shipping process we will work with you to make any required adjustments or repairs at home prior to taking the step to ship it to our workshop in Holland. Should it be preferable due to costs involved, we will also discuss the possibility of bringing it to a local professional typewriter repair service to make the necessary repairs.
The warranty does not cover damage due to mishandling, incorrect use or dropping the typewriter, or for ordinary typewriter maintenance such as ribbon changing, platen roller renovation, character adjustment due to extensive use etc.If you have any questions or wish to see more photos, please don't hesitate to contact us.