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SORRY, SOLD! The most perfect Hermes Typewriter? 1938 Hermes Baby Typewriter
  • SORRY, SOLD! The most perfect Hermes Typewriter? 1938 Hermes Baby Typewriter

    €1,350.00Price

    This is the sort of typewriter that sets a restorer's heart racing: an iconic model, from an early year, in almost perfect condition. It does not mean that our restoration was any easier, it means that the satisfaction with the finished product can be that much greater. And we are very, very satisfied indeed.

    In extraordinarily fine condition, inside and outside, this typewriter was manufactured in 1938. It was purchased by a family that relocated to Amsterdam after the tragic, accidental bombardment of Nijmegen in 1944 and was held by the family until recently when it was acquired by Acme.

    I will let the photos speak for themselves as regards the external condition. If you are interested in purchasing this typewriter, you can contact me for more photos at a better resolution, that include photos of the interior mechanics during restoration. The following description is rather long, but I encourage you to read it all. 

    Some notes for the discerning buyer:
    1. The Hermes decal, rear panel text and body finish are all completely original to the machine. There have been no touch-ups to the crinkle-painted finish or other areas.
    2. The only replacement parts (that is, parts not original to the manufacturing) are new rubber feet and two rubber bumpers on the space bar.
    3. The platen is smooth and clean with a durometer reading of ~95. Although harder than ideal, the imprint is still good. We can discuss replacement of the platen rubber, should the new buyer wish it.
    4. The chrome pieces are in very fine condition.  There is some light deterioration of the chrome on the ribbon raiser, possibly due to chemicals in the ribbon laying against it for many decades. The deterioration is light, still shiny, and is hidden by the ribbon.
    5. The felt lining under the top cover and on the base is in exceptionally good condition without moth damage (common to these typewriters) or other deterioration. 
    6. The leather handle is pliant and strong. Some of the thread stitching has gone with age but the handle is still intact and very usable.
    7. The chrome on the case front is in fine condition. The mottling in the photos is a reflection from the table top on which it is photographed.
    8. Astoundingly, the areas of the front corners of the body to the left and right of the keyboard show barely any signs of use. These areas are commonly quite worn on early Baby's.
    9. The keyboard is original QWERTY with symbols for accents needed for French, German etc. The typeface/font is Hermes Pica (10 cpi). A new ribbon has been installed on the original, painted ribbon spools.
    10. The enduring shine on the spacebar is a wonder to behold. The keys show no signs of wear. Note that on the backspace key and the letter "T" there are minor losses of the white material inlaid on the keytop. We have chosen to not restore these, opting instead for authenticity of the original machine.

    11. This Hermes is fully functional as originally received from the factory.

     

    The Hermes Baby is an iconic super-portable typewriter and was partially responsible for a shift in the manner in which typewriters were used by the general public. It's portability, utility and durability were brilliant achievements in mechanical design when it was first manufactured in 1935. This Hermes comes from only the third year of production of the Baby. The Hermes Baby was widely used by war correspondents during World War II and was the portable typewriter of choice for many well-known writers and journalists including: John Steinbeck, Tennessee Williams, the war correspondent Marguerite Higgins, Francoise Sagan, Max Frisch, Frederick Forsyth, Joe Brodsky and even Ho Chi Minh.

    For a very interesting review of the Hermes Baby, please see: https://ryanshockeydavis.com/2019/02/20/bartlebys-machines-hermes-rocket-hermes-baby-typewriter-review/
    For a fine discussion of the history of the Hermes Baby typewriter, see: http://typewriters.ch/collection/hermes_baby.html
    And also: https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/01/hermes-featherweight-and-baby.html

    Like all of our typewriters this one is ready to type with and 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 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 and fine example of a Hermes 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.

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

    Don't hesitate to contact me for more photos or any other explanation of anything.

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