A Small Update

Finding time this week to do a blog update has been a challenge. Last Thursday was Open House and I had the opportunity to meet many of my student's parents. The parents had a chance to met the typewriters. In addition to nostalgic reminiscences there was an overwhelmingly positive response to the Classroom Typewriter Project. So many parents popped in and said, "It's the typewriter guy!" There are certainly worse things to be called.

The ribbons are in the machines and they are a resounding success. We had a chance to use them today. Many of my students never used one before, so this was an entirely novel experience for them. I can easily imagine the conversation around the table at the end of the school day:

     "So, what happened at school today?"
     "Nothing. I used a typewriter in class today.
     "What year are you in?"

The CTP: Facilitating unusual dinner-time conversations since 2010.

It's Good News

You Will Be Jealous!

The new school librarian came into my room today with 3 dozen of something every typewriter user needs:

New in blister-pack. Only the packaging plastic is yellowed.

According to the packaging each little clip can make over 1200 corrections. For three dozen 12 tab packages, that would be 24,000 corrections. Well, I'm set for a month.

Suggestions Welcome

Fun: Texas Border Style

Decorated parade wagon sponsored by Royal Typewriter.
The Robert Runyon Photograph Collection,
courtesy of The Center for American History,
The University of Texas at Austin.

Green With Envy

I must be getting better at painting typewriters because this one took far less time that I anticipated. The celery green really is the balm that sooths my ire over not being able to find a nice mint HH.

What's It Worth To Ya?

Craft people fascinate me. They have such a good eye for color and whimsy. That's why I like to browse through Etsy. Some things are a little over-priced, but it's nice to know that someone's not going to snipe your auction. Jerks. Anyway, I was looking around typewriters and Etsy seller Meedily has this typewriter for sale:

Hosted by Etsy. 

The list price is $399.00 with $51 for shipping. I love Royal HHs. They are my favorite typewriters and I have always wanted one of them in color. They are rare, but are they $450 rare? I would never deny someone some well-earned money, but I think that the price is just too high for a desktop machine. (My own HH was just $18) What do you think? Fair price or a little on the high side?

While doing some chores I started thinking about a value book. My wife and I have been collecting Heywood-Wakefield for many years and the price guide gives a good idea as to the real rarity of a piece. Moreover, the price guide offers a good starting point for how to tell a deal from a rip-off. It would be really useful to have something like this for the typewriter collecting community. When you are trying to negotiate a price it's helpful if you and the seller have a good idea as to the real value of an machine. So, someone, get working on that, please.