Elite Typeface - 12 CPI
A German Torpedo 18b rebranded for sale in the UK that ticks all the boxes of what a portable Typewriter should be.
The pinnacle of mid-century portable Typewriter form, function, and performance. There is no finer machine in my opinion, after typing a few lines with one you’ll likely agree.
Torpedo was a West German Typewriter company that made very fine writing machines, and the 18b is the culmination of decades of design improvements. Before I acquired this one, my first, the collector I was trading with for it cautioned me by saying, "Careful... This will likely ruin a lot of other machines for you.".
It was said to be tongue-in-cheek, but after the first sentence typed on it I understood EXACTLY what he meant. Simply put;
I've laid hands on a LOT of machines over the years and for actual writing, this model is without an equal as a “daily driver”. That's saying a lot, there's some absolutely fantastic portable Typewriters that were manufactured over the last 100 or so years. But this one is the best.
It is quick. Shockingly quick. Quick enough to keep up with computer touch typists once they get the hang of using a Typewriter versus a keyboard. It doesn’t have touch control, it doesn’t need it.
It is precise, it is DELIBERATE.
When asked what my favorite Typewriter is, this exact machine is the answer when it comes to portables, and will likely be the answer 20 years from now. It was my very first Torpedo, it changed my perspective on what a high-end Typewriter should feel like- just like my first Olympia. Olympias are my favorite brand, but the Torpedo 18b is my favorite machine.
This beautiful Bluebird has been a part of my personal collection for about 7 years, and I have adored being its custodian the entire time.
But times dictate necessity, and it’s become essential to let some of my more prized machines go to new homes in order to keep up with the rising costs of, well… Everything. Sigh.
This has a brand new platen recovered by the fine folks at J.J. Short & Associates in New York.
The elite-sized typeface is crisp, well defined, and wonderfully compact at 12 characters per inch. It’s an actual UK model- was imported from England from a kind gentleman willing to pack it up and send it across the pond. And so, it has ALL the fractions, a pound sign, and the coolest part? Brackets! I’ve not seen them on any portable to my recollection, only larger standard machines.
It has been one of my go-to machines for years for everything from poetry, short stories, correspondence, and label making. Since it’s a smaller size than the larger pica and produces a perfect imprint, I recommend a nylon or silk ribbon.
This machine is expensive, and it's worth it.
It has been fully cleaned, serviced, oiled, adjusted, and comes to you ready to help tell your own story.
Comes with everything you see and more;
The stunning Typewriter & handsome hard case, a reprinted owners manual, your choice of ribbon on vintage metal spools, an OFFICIAL Nashville Typewriter sticker, and even some paper to get you started on the path to distraction free writing and analog independence!
UPS ground shipping is FREE in the continental US, and estimates are available upon request for international clients.
* Expedited shipping options are available at an additional charge *
Elite Typeface - 12 CPI
A German Torpedo 18b rebranded for sale in the UK that ticks all the boxes of what a portable Typewriter should be.
The pinnacle of mid-century portable Typewriter form, function, and performance. There is no finer machine in my opinion, after typing a few lines with one you’ll likely agree.
Torpedo was a West German Typewriter company that made very fine writing machines, and the 18b is the culmination of decades of design improvements. Before I acquired this one, my first, the collector I was trading with for it cautioned me by saying, "Careful... This will likely ruin a lot of other machines for you.".
It was said to be tongue-in-cheek, but after the first sentence typed on it I understood EXACTLY what he meant. Simply put;
I've laid hands on a LOT of machines over the years and for actual writing, this model is without an equal as a “daily driver”. That's saying a lot, there's some absolutely fantastic portable Typewriters that were manufactured over the last 100 or so years. But this one is the best.
It is quick. Shockingly quick. Quick enough to keep up with computer touch typists once they get the hang of using a Typewriter versus a keyboard. It doesn’t have touch control, it doesn’t need it.
It is precise, it is DELIBERATE.
When asked what my favorite Typewriter is, this exact machine is the answer when it comes to portables, and will likely be the answer 20 years from now. It was my very first Torpedo, it changed my perspective on what a high-end Typewriter should feel like- just like my first Olympia. Olympias are my favorite brand, but the Torpedo 18b is my favorite machine.
This beautiful Bluebird has been a part of my personal collection for about 7 years, and I have adored being its custodian the entire time.
But times dictate necessity, and it’s become essential to let some of my more prized machines go to new homes in order to keep up with the rising costs of, well… Everything. Sigh.
This has a brand new platen recovered by the fine folks at J.J. Short & Associates in New York.
The elite-sized typeface is crisp, well defined, and wonderfully compact at 12 characters per inch. It’s an actual UK model- was imported from England from a kind gentleman willing to pack it up and send it across the pond. And so, it has ALL the fractions, a pound sign, and the coolest part? Brackets! I’ve not seen them on any portable to my recollection, only larger standard machines.
It has been one of my go-to machines for years for everything from poetry, short stories, correspondence, and label making. Since it’s a smaller size than the larger pica and produces a perfect imprint, I recommend a nylon or silk ribbon.
This machine is expensive, and it's worth it.
It has been fully cleaned, serviced, oiled, adjusted, and comes to you ready to help tell your own story.
Comes with everything you see and more;
The stunning Typewriter & handsome hard case, a reprinted owners manual, your choice of ribbon on vintage metal spools, an OFFICIAL Nashville Typewriter sticker, and even some paper to get you started on the path to distraction free writing and analog independence!
UPS ground shipping is FREE in the continental US, and estimates are available upon request for international clients.
* Expedited shipping options are available at an additional charge *
