About Hammond typewriters
The Hammond Typewriter was invented by J. Bartlett Hammond and was first manufactured in 1881. Hammond produced typewriters which were fascinating and luxurious machines for it's time. It innovated the keyboard by curving it to 118 degrees - something uncommon in typewriters for that time. Using the 2-row IDEAL (curved) keyboard the Hammond company emphasizes the exclusivity and different character of its machines. The Hammond Anvil & Shuttle typewriter model was introduced around 1898. Hammond model 12 was introduced in 1905, with a small improvement: vibrating ribbon.
*TYPEFACE: Medium Roman Typeface (font) shuttle. This typewriter comes with an extra shuttle also in medium roman typeface which is only for display purposes. It has slight bending - thus cannot be used for typing.
*COSMETICS: This typewriter is in very good condition.
*MECHANICS: As with all our serviced typewriters - this one is in very good mechanical condition. Fully functional and operational anvil mechanism. This typewriter has been disassembled for cleaning, all the keys and most body parts were disassembled, cleaned chemically and treated for preservation. New ink has been installed. The carriage of this typewriter has previously been broken (see pictures on the right side) and it is professionally aligned and glued, thus this typewriter works and types well and the carriage advances, however I would not recommend regular use. 2 body screws are missing - the screws attaching the body to the wooden plank - however the typewriter is stable as there are 2 extra screws present in the rear sides. It also has original spools made of bakelite which are marked "Hammond". This typewriter is a model 12 produced around 1905, it is 116 years old! The anvil shuttle guide sometimes does not fully come back after each letter - needs assistance. Considering the age of this typewriter the rubber on the roller and platen is decent - no major cracks and holes. It rolls paper - sometimes paper might roll a little sideways - this is due to the old rubber which might have flat spots. The backspace key and space key work perfectly. Overall - this typewriter can be used to demonstrate it's functions in a way to admire it and preserve it for future generations to come.
*CASE: The case is in great condition. Cleaned and waxed with museum-quality wax for preservation, the wood cover is also shiny and still looks amazing.
*OUR RECOMMENDATION: We always recommend to buy such antique pieces for display, demonstration and to enjoy their craftsmanship. As such an antique, rare item, we do not recommend regular typing on this piece.
All our typewriters are delivered to you ready to start typing. All machines have an installed new ink ribbon which should last at least 500 A4 pages.
All our typewriters include a 1 year warranty.