Type Your Way Into Riches With These Vintage Typewriters
Once humble office companions, typewriters are now cherished collectibles that can command staggering prices at auctions and in private sales. From rare models used by literary legends to sleek designs that captured the spirit of their era, these mechanical marvels are having a serious comeback. Collectors love them for their design, history, and tactile charm—and some of the most coveted examples now fetch eye-watering sums. Let’s explore 20 vintage typewriters that are worth a fortune today.
Sholes and Glidden Typewriter
The first commercially successful typewriter, made by Remington in the 1870s, is a true grail. Its ornate floral design and groundbreaking history make collectors swoon, with surviving examples selling for over $20,000. Mark Twain famously bought one—though he joked it drove him mad.
Tony Casillo, Wikimedia Commons
Hammond No. 1
Patented in 1881, the Hammond used a unique interchangeable type shuttle and curved keyboard. This quirky design, combined with extreme rarity, has collectors paying $5,000 to $15,000. It’s said that Rudyard Kipling owned one, using it for early drafts.
Blickensderfer Model 5
Introduced in 1893, the compact Blickensderfer Model 5 was decades ahead of its time. Its portability and innovative typewheel impressed writers everywhere, selling today for $1,500 to $3,500. H.G. Wells reportedly used one for his sci-fi imaginings.
Picture taken by Ian Ruotsala., Wikimedia Commons
Hansen Writing Ball
This early Danish machine looks like a prop straight out of steampunk fantasy. With its spherical design—and the fact Nietzsche typed on one—it can fetch $25,000 or more. He even declared it helped his creativity, despite frequent breakdowns.
Crandall New Model
Produced in the 1880s, the Crandall dazzled with ornate inlays and colorful decoration. Its flamboyant craftsmanship and scarcity push prices up to $7,000 to $10,000. While not widely adopted by authors, its artistry makes it unforgettable.
Peter Mitterhofer, Wikimedia Commons
Oliver No. 1
Nicknamed “the batwing” for its distinctive U-shaped typebars, the Oliver No. 1 was revolutionary. Collectors prize these early down-strike machines, worth $2,000 to $6,000. Winston Churchill was said to favor an Oliver later in his career.
Corona 3 Folding Typewriter
The world’s first truly portable folding typewriter, the Corona 3 was beloved by globetrotters. Ernest Hemingway toted one through Europe and Cuba, helping push its price to $600 to $2,000. Famous words have definitely flown off its keys.
Royal Model P
With Art Deco styling and vibrant colors, the Royal P shines as both machine and art. Collectors adore its personality, fetching $1,500 to $4,000. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hemingway both used Royals, fueling their romantic reputation.
Maksym Kozlenko, Wikimedia Commons
Remington Noiseless Model 7
Introduced in the 1930s, this machine softened the clatter of typing. Collectors adore its quiet charm, paying $500 to $1,500. Agatha Christie reportedly favored a Remington Noiseless when crafting her mysteries.
Georg Sommeregger, Wikimedia Commons
Underwood No. 5
Known as the “Model T of typewriters,” the Underwood No. 5 ruled early offices. Iconic models fetch $500 to $3,000, especially with provenance. William Faulkner drafted his masterpieces on an Underwood, cementing its literary fame.
Continental Standard
Made in Germany, the Continental was praised for precision engineering and durability. Rare models exceed $2,500 at auction. Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, famously hammered out 007 novels on a Continental.
Sommeregger, Wikimedia Commons
Erika M
Produced in Dresden in the 1930s, the Erika M blended portability with sleek flair. Stylish and collectible, they sell for $1,000 to $2,500. German authors adored them, and some say Kafka tried earlier Erika models.
Tomasz Sienicki [user: tsca, mail: tomasz.sienicki at gmail.com], Wikimedia Commons
Hermes 3000
Beloved by writers like Jack Kerouac and Sylvia Plath, the mint-green Hermes 3000 is iconic. Collectors pay $1,500 to $3,000 for clean examples. Kerouac even lugged his across America for marathon typing sessions.
Sommeregger, Wikimedia Commons
Olympia SM3
A German workhorse with elegant mid-century design, the Olympia SM3 is endlessly reliable. Valued at $400 to $1,200, it’s also rumored that J.D. Salinger typed on one while working in seclusion.
IBM Selectric I
Introduced in 1961, the Selectric revolutionized typing with its “golf ball” element. Early editions now fetch $1,000 to $2,500. Hunter S. Thompson famously relied on a Selectric for his Gonzo journalism, pounding away furiously.
Smith-Corona Sterling
Beloved in the 1940s and ’50s, the Sterling was stylish and dependable. Today it’s worth $600 to $1,200 in rare colors. John Updike is known to have used a Smith-Corona for his polished prose.
P. Musgrave, Wikimedia Commons
Adler Tippa
This compact German portable was a mid-century favorite for travelers and students. Worth $500 to $1,000, it was also the machine of choice for some postwar European journalists in smoky cafés.
Miloš Jurišić, Wikimedia Commons
Imperial Model 50
A sturdy British classic from the early 20th century, the Imperial 50 shines. Collectors pay $1,000 to $3,000. It was favored by George Orwell, who used it for political essays and novels.
Photographer: Mosbatho , Wikimedia Commons
Caligraph No. 2
A rival to Remington in the 1880s, the Caligraph had a double keyboard. Scarcity makes them worth $5,000 to $12,000. Though not linked to one specific writer, early journalists used them to chase deadlines.
1887 Caligraph No 2 Typewriter, Mr. E's Collectibles
Varityper
Designed for publishers and offices, the Varityper justified text with precision. Rare survivors are valued at $2,000 to $5,000. Some mid-century editors swore by them for laying out books and magazines.
Printhusiast, Wikimedia Commons
Remington Portable Model 1
Introduced in 1920, this sleek machine made typing truly portable. Today it sells for $500 to $1,500. Zelda Fitzgerald owned one, pairing literary glamour with everyday usability.
Sommeregger, Wikimedia Commons
Which Old Typewriter Would You Have?
Typewriters are more than just machines—they’re cultural artifacts that tell the story of communication, design, and creativity. From 19th-century curiosities to mid-century icons, these mechanical marvels continue to captivate collectors and investors alike. So if you stumble upon a dusty old typewriter at a flea market or estate sale, take a closer look—it might just be worth a small fortune.
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