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SORRY, SOLD! 1940 (WW2) Torpedo Model 18 Typewriter
  • SORRY, SOLD! 1940 (WW2) Torpedo Model 18 Typewriter

    €1,200.00Price

    This is an historic and extraordinary TORPEDO typewriter, an early Model 18A, from the early World War 2 period (1940) with the original QWERTY keyboard. It was purchased in Rotterdam only a short time before the horrific German aerial bombardment of the port region in May, 1940. Owned by a Captain serving with the famed Holland-America Line, it survived the German aerial bombardment of Rotterdam--probably because it was carried by him while at sea.

    This typewriter was cared for as an important family memento of a time of personal and national upheaval. In the 1980s it was sold to a collector from whom ACME received it a few years ago. We have many more photos available, so don't hesitate to ask for them.

    The body finish and chrome are as shiny and bright as new and all decals and logos are in an extraordinary state of preservation. Read below for further description of condition.

    This is an uncommon, wartime Torpedo, unusual in that it was built at the Torpedo Buromaschinen Werke A.G. in Frankfurt, Germany and then sold to a potential adversary during the war. Germany was already at war with the US and its allies at the time and directly threatening the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that this machine was manufactured in early 1940 and sold shortly thereafter to the P.J. Olthoff & Sons company (a dealer in office machines) in the important port city of Rotterdam. This was only a scant few months prior to the German bombing of Rotterdam and subsequent invasion of the Netherlands.

    This is a wonderfully beautiful and historic typewriter and is a fully-working--as original--typewriter, as are all ACME typewriters. The only thing that you have to do is sit down, put paper on the roller and start typing. It comes with the "Acme" lead certification seal attached to the typewriter. This seal permanently identifies this typewriter as a genuine Acme-restored typewriter and provides for a one-year warranty at no charge. We guarantee safe delivery and 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 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. And the fact that this has a new platen adds even more value.

    On to the typewriter itself: It is in excellent cosmetic condition and working perfectly. The condition is remarkable in that it was entirely undamaged by either the bombardment, by the salt-sea air or by excessive use. There are exceptionally few signs of use or wear. The chrome is all in fine condition and--amazingly--the platen, paper feed rollers and rubber feet are all wonderfully pliant. The platen has a durometer reasing of 93 (ideal: 85 to 95), the paper feed rollers are clean and soft and the feet undamaged (a common problem on Model 18's). A few of the chrome rings around the typing keys have some very light chrome loss. Everything on this typewriter is original to its manufacture. All mechanical aspects are smooth and "tight" and the typing feel is just great. 

    As mentioned the keyboard is QWERTY with accents for regional languages. The typeface is Pica (10 cpi) and this typewriter comes with its two original metal ribbon spools upon which a new, bi-colour ribbon has been mounted.

    This TORPEDO typewriter comes with its original hard case. The case itself is in excellent condition with only very minor exterior signs of wear and use. The hasp is in good condition and working well. The handle was replaced by the original owner in a wonderful nautical style of knotted rope.

    For a very interesting and informative look at Torpedo typewriters, please see: https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/torpedo-typewriters.html

    This extraordinary example of a wartime TORPEDO Model 18A 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.

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