Continental 100 Typewriter (1939)

Few typewriter models have the iconic status among typewriter aficionados of the Continental 100. It stands among the Hermes 3000, Royal Quiet Deluxe, Smith Corona Clipper, Erika Model M and Olympia SM4 among others. The reason for this iconic status, in my opinion, 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 at the very eve 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 extraordinary typewriter is a 1939 Continental 100 in superb, original condition with hard case and two original brushes. This typewriter is in perfect working condition. It has been serviced, adjusted and appropriately cleaned and lubricated. The cosmetic condition is outstanding. (This typewriter has not been re-painted or modified in any way from its original state.)

This is a typewriter model that I was not sure that I would ever have come through my hands again. It was considered a top-of-the-line, deluxe model typewriter when it was produced. The cost of this machine, new in 1939, was around 440 Swiss francs. Converting that to today's US Dollars for comparison equals a value, today, of about 1,400$. 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 fine, very typable condition with a wonderful durometer reading of 92 (Shore A scale). Probably it was replaced a few decades ago. The Paper Feeder Rollers are in excellent, soft condition as are the rubber feet on the bottom assuring good grip on the desktop. If you wish, it is possible to have the platen renovated at a cost of 125$ (115€).

The cosmetic condition...well, take a look at the photos and you can judge for yourself. The body finish is superb. The chrome-plated parts are in very fine condition with extremely light signs of usage. The platen roller knobs are intact and solid. The only condition issues to note are a tiny (pin-head size) paint chip on the left front edge of the ribbon cover, a very small area of corrosion on the bottom edge of the upper back panel and a couple of scratches below the spacebar. The top side of the paper rest has some nearly invisible "craquelure" and a tiny point of paint loss on the front edge towards the right side. The logo "decals" are original and show 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, two-colour BACO ribbon (the choice of discerning collectors), with grommets, on the two original metal ribbon spools.The keyboard is QWERTZ with accents for European languages.

The case is in fine condition however with some marks of use and age. The lock works well but is lacking the original key. The handle is solid and intact. The interior is very clean with all original fittings intact and usable. The blue felt base of the interior is in good condition but showing some signs of age. It is, though, intact and has retained good colour. The rubber feet on the exterior of the base panel are still soft, intact and very usable on a desktop.

For some discussion of the Continental 100, please see:
http://maschinengeschrieben.blogspot.com/search?q=Continental+100
https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/09/seeking-solace-in-continental-portable.html
http://xoverit.blogspot.com/2016/10/continental-100.html