Nakajima Typewriter 1968

This is an unusual portable typewriter, from 1968 or thereabouts, from the Nakajima All Co. Ltd in Japan. It is in excellent overall original condition with an English language keyboard (QWERTY). This typewriter has NOT been repainted, the colour is original to its manufacture. It HAS been fully restored, cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. It has a metal body, solid construction and is ready for typing again. This Nakajima typewriter will be shipped, fully insured, and comes with a 3-month mechanical guarantee.

Nakajima is more known for its electric and electronic typewriters than for its manual typewriters. However, they, as many other companies, began by producing manual typewriters before shifting over to electric machines. One interesting thing about this typewriter is seeing the various design elements that are Hermes-esque and Oilvetti-esque. Clearly, various ideas were borrowed from both companies and other manufacturers as well. The construction seems typical of manufacturing in Japan at that time which could be quite good despite efforts at economical production. As a typewriter it has a good basic feel but doesn't come up to the exceptionally smooth and tight feel of the "higher end" manufacturers of the period.
 
The great typewriter scholar Robert Messenger has said about the Nakajima typewriter: "As a good typing friend of mine once said, “Never scorn the humble Nakajima”. He was right. Forty years ago a Nakajima could be bought for about one-third the price of an Olivetti, but that in no way means it is one-third the quality. Indeed, the Japanese portables may look a little more basic, but essentially they are just as durable and just as useable as any of the more “prestigious” brand names."

This Nakajima typewriter is in very nice cosmetic condition and working perfectly. It has been serviced, adjusted and fully cleaned inside and out, and has a new ribbon so you can start typing immediately. There are a few points of wear and signs of use here and there but nothing serious. You can see the condition clearly in the photos. As mentioned the body colour is completely original. This is not a modern repainting job. The colour is a rich, reddish-orange or orangish-red (take your pick).

Mechanically this typewriter is in top working condition. All the chrome is unblemished and uncorroded. The keytops are in excellent condition except for a scracth on the right shift key. Everything works as it should and as originally designed.

The platen is a little harder than ideal (96 score on Shore A durometer test) but as you can see from the typing test (see photos) the results are still excellent. We can make this platen new again by replacing the rubber, at a cost of 90$. Just arrange this with us after purchase, if you wish. The rubber paper feed rollers are in very good condition and grip the paper well. As do the rubber feet on the base.

The case/cover is in excellent, original condition. The latches works perfectly. The case is plastic and has no cracks or blemishes.

The typeface is Pica (10 cpi). The keyboard is QWERTY with accent keys for foreign languages. The character imprint is quite good and the alignment of characters has been checked and adjusted.

The serial number is 61207384. There is not a lot of information available to correlate the serial number with date of production. I believe it would date from around 1968 based on the technical characteristics and design considerations.

This fine example of a NAKAJIMA 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.

See my buyer reviews and you will have confidence in your purchase!

If you have any questions or wish to see more photos, please don't hesitate to contact us.