Don't have a typewriter yet?
Or looking for your next treasure?
Purchasing typewriters is a quick and easy way to get hooked on typewriter-fever. Instead of risking vague descriptions and blurry photos on eBay or Etsy (where unkempt typewriters thoughtlessly demand mint-condition/fully-restored prices), sourcing your next typewriter from a reputable technician ensures that your machine is guaranteed to meet the mark. All typewriters sold by Swanberg Typewriter Repair are backed by a 90-day, full-service warranty, so you can rest assured that you'll receive the best possible machine for your needs.Â
Some helpful questions you might consider when hunting for a typewriter:
Do you plan on traveling with your machine, or will your machine find its forever-home centered on your desk?
Are you interested in typing in a unique typeface such as Cursive Script, Italics, Sans-Serif, etc.?
Are you searching for a beautiful antique showpiece, a workhorse, or something in between?
What features are you interested in (tabulator, bi-chrome ribbon, variable/half line spacing, touch sensitivity)?
Is there really such a thing as too many typewriters? Answer: No.
If you're looking for something special, don't hesitate to reach out with any specific requests (make, model, color, typeface, etc.) as I have dozens of machines in the shop and waiting to be serviced to be listed here. If I don't have quite what you're looking for, I would be happy to help you on the hunt!
Shipping will be charged at a flat rate to cover the shipping label/trip to post office/packing materials etc. Typical shipping costs are between $40-60.
This machine is a beautiful Sears-branded portable typewriter, clad in a stunning metallic copper paint with white accents and keyboard. Under the hood, this is a Royal Sabre typewriter, and therefore is built to high quality, American-made standards. It types well, and after a full clean and service, is ready for a new home. Unfortunately, there is a bit of scarring on the paint (see photos). Great for a beginner! Original case included.
$180.00
Here is a lovely example of Smith Corona's mid-60s, Space Age design, paired with a beautiful Drop-Caps Script Cursive Typeface. If you're looking for a great Cursive typewriter that doesn't break the bank, then this is it! With its wide carriage, it is also fully equipped for a wide variety of craft projects. Fully cleaned and serviced. Original metal case included.
$280.00
This machine represents another of the best Olivetti brand typewriters I have had in my workshop. This particular machine is the Lettera 22, ultraportable model and comes in a stylish leather case. The paint, which I might call "Office Olive" is a subtle gloss, beautifully polished. This machine also features a sought-after Elite Bookface type style (see photos).Â
Great for Ultra Portability! $260.00
This is a beautiful, Alpine Blue Smith Corona Silent Super model, the absolute best of the best portable typewriter offered by Smith Corona during their prime. This one looks and works like a dream. Adjusted for inflation, this machine would have cost over $1600 new! Fully cleaned and serviced. Pica typeface. Original Holiday Case included.
$320.00
This is a beautiful, leaf green Smith Corona Silent Super model, the absolute best of the best portable typewriter offered by Smith Corona during their prime. This one looks and works like a dream. Adjusted for inflation, this machine would have cost over $1600 new! Fully cleaned and serviced. Pica typeface. Case included.
$280.00
If you're an author or simply looking for the best writing instrument money can buy, I would say this is it. By the early 70s, Olympia had spent decades fine tuning their SM series portable typewriters. This machine represents the culmination of that effort, and it shows. More than that, you can feel the quality German engineering in each keystroke. If typewriters were cars--I often say--this would a Mercedes Benz. This machine is a well-used gem from my personal collection. Original padded case included. Fully cleaned and serviced. 11CPI standard typeface.
Great for Heavy Use! $420.00
This is another machine from my personal collection. (I'm doing my best to downsize!) It's a very fine example of a 1940s Smith Corona 4-Series Silent. But this one has a few custom-ordered specialty symbols, likely used in the medical or pharmaceutical field (♂ and ♀ gender signs, greek letter μ, and º). This machine would be a perfect gift for those in the medical or pharmaceutical fields or a rare collectible for a typewriter enthusiast. This machine has been fully cleaned and serviced and includes the original case.
$260.00
If you're looking for the best, smallest typewriter available, this American-made ultra-portable Smith Corona may be it. This typewriter represents what was perhaps the best-performing ultra-portable machine of the era, and still holds up magnificently. Being from the first year of production (this machine has only a four digit serial number!), it features Smith-Corona's classic "racing stripes" and brass logo, valued highly among collectors. Standard pica typeface. Includes original case. Fully cleaned and serviced. (Mug for size.)
$220.00
This typewriter is another example of a fantastic machine that is suffering cosmetically. The whole body is littered with small hairline scratches and a few deeper scratches. That being said, it is a joy to type on, and is a testament to the Italian engineering of Olivetti in their prime. Fully cleaned and serviced. The case is unfortunately lost to history, but this machine isn't the most portable machine to begin with. Available for an incredibly low price!
$120.00
This German-made portable typewriter is certainly one of the most beautiful machines which have passed through my shop. Rarely are these machines found with QWERTY keyboard layouts. Crinkle-finish burgundy is also a rare find for this or any other machine of the era. Standard pica typeface. Missing case. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$200.00
SOLD TYPEWRITERS
This deep blue Smith Corona Classic 12 model represents the absolute latest of typewriters that I service and sell, and also one of the last quality manual typewriters ever produced (manual typewriter produced today are of the most dubious quality and are mostly plastic---rest assured this Smith Corona is mostly metal!). Despite being less than 50 years old, it still types great like Smith Coronas of years prior, and would serve any user just as well. Original case included has a temperamental hinge, but works if asked nicely. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$120.00
Typewriters rarely get more stunning than gloss black, polished machines from the War era. This machine is one such gem. Not only is it a stunning piece of history for any collector, but it is also a fully equipped writing giant for any writer or creative type. Original case included. Pica typeface.
$340.00
If you're an author, looking for the best writing instrument money can buy, or a hobbyist, ready for the the most excellent typewriting experience available, I would put in my vote for this typewriter. By the early 70s, Olympia had spent decades fine tuning their SM series portable typewriters. This machine represents the culmination of that effort, and it shows. More than that, you can feel the quality German engineering in each keystroke. If typewriters were cars--I often say--this would a Mercedes Benz. This machine in particular is in exceptional condition and for many years was part of the Alison collection. Original case included, though missing inserts. Asking a reduced price simply because the front badge is faded. Fully cleaned and serviced.
Great for Heavy Use! $330.00
A classic American made portable typewriter in Royal's signature, war-era design. This machine is a great machine for a beginner who is interesting in both a reliable machine but also one with historical and aesthetic value as well. Original case included, fully cleaned and serviced.
$180.00
A classic, no-jokes, American-made portable typewriter from the early 1950s. This machine captures the essence of post WWII American production. New designs, high-tech features like Royal's "Magic Margins," and subtle, brown and green color scheme. This is a great machine for a beginner or someone looking for a great, reliable portable typewriter without breaking the bank. Fully cleaned and serviced. Original case included. Elite typeface.
$160.00
This is my personal favorite model of typewriter for heavy use, from the peak years of high-quality, German production. If I didn't already have several similar machines in my collection, I would keep this one for sure. Unmatched in build-quality and type/carriage action. Standard Pica typeface #66. This machine is a great option if you want the best possible quality without breaking the bank. Unfortunately it is missing the case and the paint is faded in areas, but this means that the machine is available at an incredible price! Fully cleaned and serviced.
Great for Heavy Use! $160.00
Here is without a doubt the finest Olivetti typewriter I have yet seen. This beautiful portable typewriter dates to the very first year of production for this legendary machine when they were still being made in Italy at the highest standards of quality. This typewriter types fantastically and is a great example of the unique, light touch of the Lettera 32. It includes the original, proprietary metal ribbon spools and spool nuts as well as its original faux leather case. Like with many, however, the left hand zipper has a small tear near the back, but is otherwise operational, and the case handle is cracked. In any case (pun not intended), carrying this 9 pound typewriter under the arm is quite comfortable and much safer! Fully cleaned and serviced. Pica typeface.
$300.00
This machine is a gem which has for quite some time been a prized part of my personal collection. What makes this machine so unique isn't the beautiful "in-line script" cursive typeface or the dynamic wide carriage, it's the fact that these two features were custom ordered on the same machine. Having a wide carriage is somewhat common in business applications, while cursive typefaces are found on personal machines. Having the two together is extremely rare, and I have never in all my years of collecting seen another. Did I mention that this machine is flawless in every way? It is. You will not find a better example of Olympia's proprietary "in-line script" typeface. Fully cleaned and serviced, case included.
$500.00
Sea-foam Blue Olympia SM4 typewriters rarely come up for sale, and when they do, they are often terribly faded. This typewriter was for quite some time part of my personal collection, and it was well loved! Not only is it clad in a rare paint color, but it features a rare Elite Congress "Bookface" Typeface, making it a true collector's item (not a term I throw around lightly). Fully cleaned and serviced and including its original case.
$580.00
This machine is the descendant of the famous mid-size portable, the Olivetti Studio 44, and while the body and design has been updated, there is very little mechanically different between this machine and its predecessor, which means it types great. This machine is among the most complete I have had the opportunity to sell here, including the original case, paperwork, and even a set of two case keys. Fully cleaned and serviced. Elite (12 characters per inch) typeface.
$150.00
This typewriter for many years has been a prized part of my personal collection, but alas it's time to let this one go to its next home. This amazing, 99-year old typewriter is to this day a testament to the quality of the manufacturing of the Underwood Typewriter Co. It types great in a 12-cpi Elite typeface and has served me just as well as a machine half its age. Case included. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$230.00
Occasionally I come across a machine that is so beautifully preserved, yet so old that the only feasible explanation is that it must have belonged to a time traveler. This Smith Corona is one such typewriter, and the photos speak for themselves. Often likened to a grand piano, the Smith Corona Flattop machines of the 1930s are considered among the most beautiful typewriters ever produced, and this Sterling model is a genuine testament to this fact. Not only that, it is also a highly reliable machine, even 89 years later. Fully cleaned and serviced. Original case Included. Elite typeface. Formerly of the Alison collection.
$350.00
Here is a machine that abounds in character. It has certainly seen many miles, and likely won't win many more beauty contests, but this German-made Olympia is ready for many more years of reliable service after being fully cleaned and serviced. Of course, this machine features a rare Spanish keyboard, but is fully capable of writing in English all the same, perfect for a bilingual typewriter enthusiast. Includes original Olympia "streamline" case.
$260.00
Nothing says "early 50s" like a brown Smith Corona with green keys! This is a highly dependable machine and was certainly built to last. Like all Smith Corona machines of this era, it is perfect for beginners or for those seeking a highly dependable typewriter. This particular machine is unfortunately suffering from a bit of rust and some paint damage. In servicing this machine, I did my best to remove any existing rust and halt its further spread. An unlikely bonus: this machine comes with the more desirable "Holiday" case variety, which is much slimmer and more durable metal than other cases available at the time (still typically made of wood). Fully cleaned and serviced, new ribbon included.
Great for Beginners! $140.00
This is very similar to many of the first typewriters I ever had growing up. They type exceptionally well with a soft, easy, adjustable touch. This machine in particular is in exceptional condition and for many years was part of the Alison collection. If you're looking for a typewriter that displays like a beautiful antique collector's piece but also meets the mark in terms of dependability for everyday use, then this is the machine for you! Elite typeface (12 cpi). Original case in great shape. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$220.00
This is another very underrated typewriter, akin to the Royal Mercury. This one, however, sports a beautiful sky blue paint scheme, accented by the bright red "Tab" and "Repeat Spacer" keys as well as the woodgrain front panel. I would describe this typewriter as somewhere between a portable and an ultra-portable. Elite (12 characters per inch) typeface. All metal construction Fully cleaned and serviced, original case included (although the zipper is busted).
Great for Beginners! $150.00
This adorable machine is a 1961 Smith Corona Sterling in a beautiful, highly sought-after Alpine Blue paint finish. With its snow-white keys, carriage knobs, and "Smith Corona" branding and Tiffany blue paint, this machine is sure to make an aesthetic statement in any setting. I've had this machine in my personal collection for quite some time, and it truly is a collectors' piece: including a bold, checkered case, original case key, and even the manual and warranty certificate (still sealed in the plastic)! Pica typeface. Fully cleaned and serviced.Â
$280.00
This machine is certain one of the nicest cursive typewriter I have ever had the pleasure of working on, and by far the nicest cursive Smith Corona I have had! It will be hard to let this one go! Being in a rare color (Alpine Blue) and typeface makes this typewriter a true collector's item. Original case included. New Blue ribbon pre-installed. Fully Cleaned and Serviced.
$300.00
I wasn't convinced by Joe Van Cleave's testimonial of the merits of this machine until trying this one, and I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised. This particular machine has a great, fluid type action and an elegant, understated design. The machine and the case are not horribly yellowed as many of these Mercurys are. All metal body. Great machine! Fully cleaned and serviced, new ribbon, with case. Standard Elite typeface.
$120.00
The beautiful looks of the Royal 10 and the modern design of later H and KMM models come together in this uncommon standard. Featuring original glass side panels. This machine also has a decimal tabulator, originally used for bookkeepping. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$240.00
This is a wonderful typewriter for a beginner or as a gift for a child. They are highly reliable and very well built American machines from the peak of typewriter quality design and construction. This particular typewriter is one of the cleanest I have seen a quite a while, and the pearl-silver paint is truly mesmerizing! Original case and a new ribbon included. Fully cleaned and serviced. Elite (12 characters per inch) typeface.
$160.00
I've always admired the subtle design of this Montgomery Ward exclusive model. Sand colored finish all around with white bakelite embellishments and the transparent blue Royal emblem/lid release button. It wasn't until coming into possession of one that I noticed the striking, blue case interior! High quality American made typewriter with standard Pica typeface. Case included. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$140.00
What more beautiful typewriter is there than this gloss black, Art Deco inspired machine with it's stark lines and sloping curves. This typewriter has been excellently preserved and is in stunning cosmetic and mechanical condition. It excels in both form and function. Freshly polished, cleaned, and fully serviced. Original case and key included. New ribbon installed on original spools.
$270.00
This is not only an exceptional machine in terms of performance and quality, but also in terms of visual appeal with its metallic green body, green platen, and green return arm cussion. Most of all, this typewriter's beautiful Cursive, Script typeface, known as "Drop Caps Script" is truly an exceptional feature for any typewriter. This machine comes from my personal collection and has been thoroughly cleaned and well maintained. New ribbon and case included.
$280.00
This is another favorite machine and the forefather of the legendary SM8 and SM9. Very little is internally different from those later models, which means that this machine still types like a dream. For someone looking for a first time typewriter to put in many hours of writing on, this is it. While it's lacking cosmetically (mostly the paint is heavily faded in areas and has some deep scratches), it's top notch in performance and durable quality. If you don't need a glamorous typewriter, but are ready for the highest quality engineering, this is the typewriter for you. "Streamlined" silver case included. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$240.00
This is a wonderful typewriter for a beginner or as a gift for a child. They are highly reliable and very well built American machines from the peak of typewriter quality design and construction. This particular typewriter is unfortunately facing some unmovable issues with its robin's egg blue paint, hence the lower price. Nothing else is wrong with the machine, and it functions perfectly! Original case and a new ribbon included. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$120.00
Every time someone asks me what is the best typewriter for a beginner or for a young writer, I always resort to the Smith Coronas of the 1950s and 1960s. This typewriter performs excellently and is in great cosmetic condition. Features a navy blue/grey color scheme and a standard Pica typeface. Case included. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$140.00
Swiss-made ultra-portable typewriter. This typewriter represents what was perhaps the most luxurious ultra-portable typewriter of the era. With its quick and snappy touch, the Hermes is a fast paced machine, weighing in at only 8.8 pounds. Standard pica typeface. Includes original case. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$220.00
Classic American-made portable typewriter. While not Royal's premier portable machine, the Aristocrat still captures the feel and quality of the era. Standard pica typeface. Missing case. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$120.00
I always have an affinity for green on a typewriter. (After all, my first typewriter was green!) So it's nice to see this subtle green finish on these Smith Corona typewriters. This model is my go-to recommendation for a beginner typewriter. They feel great and are easy to type on. Features a standard Pica typeface. Case included, fully cleaned and serviced.
$180.00
This is my personal favorite model of typewriter, from the peak years of high-quality, German production. If I didn't already have several identical machines in my collection, I would keep this one for sure. Unmatched in build-quality and type/carriage action. Standard Pica typeface #66. Original faux leather, padded case included (with inserts). Fully cleaned and serviced.
$370.00
Classic 1964 Olivetti Lettera 32 in a rare script cursive typeface. Case included; fully serviced. A machine from my personal collection! Not often do you see this typewriter (or any other Olivetti machine) with a cursive typeface--well, here's one! First year of production at their Italy factory.
$360.00
This 1962 Olympia SM4 is an exquisite machine, and one from my personal collection. Including its original wooden case. Fully cleaned and serviced.
$400.00
This 1966 Smith Corona Galaxie Deluxe is a perfect option for a beginning typist. Featuring a unique woodgrain-veneer and case. Fully cleaned and serviced.
This 1960's Smith Corona Cougar is an uncommon model featuring a classic Smith Corona script cursive typeface. Features original lid. Serviced and cleaned.
This 1939 Royal KMM standard desktop typewriter features a pica typeface. It has been thoroughly cleaned and tested. Felt replaced.
This 1936 Royal typewriter features a standard pica typeface and original case. It has been thoroughly cleaned and is in excellent condition. Part of my personal collection.