It seems to have been a good couple
of weeks. I have added 4
typewriters. The other three will be
discussed in future posts. For now I am
happy to have acquired a Blickensderfer No. 7 that seems overall to be in
wonderful shape. Functions correctly in
all manner. I purchased it locally
through Craig’s List for a descent price.
The machine had belonged to the sellers grandfather who just passed
away. That gentleman had been a doctor
in Indiana and apparently this machine had been purchased new by him and used
personally in his practice. The serial
number places manufacture in 1905.
I believe I could leave this
typewriter as-is, but I want to clean it up further. This gives me pause. Not really sure how far I want to take the
clean-up. Do I refurbish as I have just competed
on the Oliver? Or do I just do simple
cleaning and let it go at that? Also
concerned about the wood? This is the
first typewriter I have owned that come in a wooden case.
I will follow established rules for
preservation of antique wood. I am
struggling with whether to leave the patina on the typewriter or polish it up? Typewriters seem to be common enough that it
is not the last time I am likely to come across this make/model, so maybe
either approach is not really important?
Just pondering the options. May let this machine just sit for a while, as
I decide how to proceed.
More to come............
Definitions:
Blickensderfer: Typewriter system designed by George Canfield Blickensderfer in 1891. Brand was manufactured for almost 30 years.
No. 7: Model of the Blickensderfer produced between 1897 and 1908.
Blickensderfer: Typewriter system designed by George Canfield Blickensderfer in 1891. Brand was manufactured for almost 30 years.
No. 7: Model of the Blickensderfer produced between 1897 and 1908.
Choosing how to approach the cleaning of a machine is always a tough decision. On one hand, there is the desire for a "Out of the factory" brand new sort of look, which many people desire regardless of the age of a machine, so as to show off its beauty. But on the other hand, the machine is a hundred years old, and the patina is now just as much a part of the machine as its keys or bell. Sometimes, allowing something to show its age justifiably makes it more beautiful then if it was perfectly clean.
ReplyDeleteI wish you luck in your decision, and congratulate you on an impressive acquisition.
Thanks, it is always hard for me to make decisions on such matters. It becomes somewhat easier because the value range in either condition is not extravagantly different.
ReplyDeleteBruce