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RESERVED! 1952 Halda Model "P" Typewriter
  • RESERVED! 1952 Halda Model "P" Typewriter

    € 1.100,00 Normale prijs
    € 990,00Verkoopprijs

    For many typewriter enthusiasts, the Halda Model P is their "holy grail" of typewriters. Why? Due to an impeccable combination of elegant design, rich colour, unusual rarity, exceptional utility and excellence in manufacture.

     

    YOU CAN BUY YOURSELF A CHRISTMAS PRESENT—WITH A DISCOUNT! BUT, PLEASE NOTE: SHIPMENT WILL BE MADE DURING THE WEEK 03 —07 JANUARY. EARLIER PICKUP IN GALLERY IS POSSIBLE.

     

    This typewriter is an extraordinary example of the Model P, in exceptionally fine condition, with a new platen! The original hard case, also in exceptionally fine condition, has a handsome, historic steamship company label. This Halda has, of course, the original metal ribbon spools--and perhaps most importantly, the original QWERTY keyboard (NOT Swedish QWERTY where the shifted period (full stop) is awkward to use).

    This Halda typewriter comes from a well-respected Dutch family descended from a Haarlem-based artist of the late 18th century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the family was involved in business and governance in the Dutch colonies in Indonesia. One family member, while in Batavia (now Jakarta), purchased this typewriter at the finest office-goods company in Indonesia: G. Kolff & Co. It was carried back to the Netherlands, in 1952, on the Stoomvaart Maatschappij Nederland ("Netherlands Steamship Company") also known as the Netherlands Line. The exact ship is lost to history. This was at a period in history, after the independence of Indonesia (1949), when the Dutch were repatriating investments and Dutch citizens back to the Netherlands.

    This Halda is in excellent, original working condition. It has been serviced, adjusted and properly cleaned and lubricated. The cosmetic condition is excellent also. This typewriter is the same model as the Halda typewriter that was known to have been owned and used by Ernest Hemingway and one example is in the Victoria Museum in Australia among other museum collections. These Halda typewriters are justly renowned for the wonderful feel of their typing action and for the beauty and simplicity of the design--not to mention the rich green textured finish. 

    If you are looking for an example of the Halda Model P, this is your opportunity. Whether you want it as an investment or as a daily-use typing machine, It has everything: in top working order, and in professionally restored and excellent original cosmetic condition. It is a pleasure to type with: smooth, soft, sure and solid. The finish of the body is in wonderful condition with some very minor wear on the frame around the space-bar. 

    I do not brag when I say that I believe that I have restored and repaired more Haldas, in the modern era, than any other restorer and have advised on repairs to Halda owners/restorers around the world. These are difficult machines to work on so please beware if you are searching for a Halda and discover one that you think is a "real find!". Even the adjustments that are simple on most typewriters can be very difficult to achieve on a Halda--and therefore quite expensive when you take it to your local repair-person. And note that if the original ribbon spools are not with the typewriter it will not work correctly. 

    The typeface is a lovely Elite  (11 characters to the inch) and this typewriter has been outfitted with a new bi-colour ribbon. It comes, as noted, with its two original metal spools. The QWERTY keyboard is the original keyboard configuration; it has not been modified in any way. 

    The platen roller has been replaced with new rubber by the oldest rubber factory in the Netherlands The paper feeder rollers are in excellent condition. The rubber footing around the baseplate of the typewriter is (unlike many Haldas) in perfect condition and grips the desktop well. The chrome is in very nice condition except for some light spots of corrosion here and there. This is very minimal and can be seen on the photos. 

    The original case is in extraordinarily fine condition showing only the most minimal signs of wear. The hasp and handle are, as seen in the photographs, in nearly perfect original condition.

    For some comments on Halda typewriters, please see:
    https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2011/11/halda-portable-typewriter-linking.html
    http://xoverit.blogspot.nl/2014/04/green-design.html

    This typewriter is not inexpensive. The price reflects the rarity of the original QWERTY keyboard, the outstanding condition and the rarity of examples of this model typewriter that ever become available on the market. This typewriter has it all for a collector and for a user. And, as an investment, I don't expect this typewriter to ever decrease in value. This Halda comes with the "Acme" lead certification seal which permanently identifies it as a genuine Acme-restored typewriter. In terms of an investment, the Acme Seal proves that this machine was restored in 2023 by the Acme Type Machine Company. This can add value in the event that you wish to sell this typewriter in the future.

    [Note regarding colour: The colour is very difficult to properly photograph and changes with the light condition. Despite my best efforts as a photographer it is difficult to capture the beauty of the true colour. Set designers, interior designers and others for whom colour is critical, can contact me for more photos and to discuss.]

    This extraordinary and fine example of a Halda 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 on Etsy 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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