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Vintage 1950s/60s light green moulded plastic toy typewriter | H is for Home

We added this vintage toy typewriter to the H is for Home shop recently. A child’s Mettoy ‘Prefect’, it was one of 3 typewriters that we picked up – all in the same town… all on the same day!

Vintage 1960s 'Lilliput' typewriter | H is for Home Vintage 1960s 'Lilliput' typewriter | H is for Home

In addition to the ‘Mettoy’, we bought this ‘Lilliput’ junior typewriter with its cute tartan carry case…

vintage 1970s electric blue portable Smith Corona designed by Ghia | H is for Home vintage 1970s electric blue portable Smith Corona designed by Ghia | H is for Home

..and finally this absolutely mint electric blue Smith Corona example designed by Ghia – a company more famous for designing cars – Alfa Romeos, Fiats, Volkswagens… and even a Ford Cortina!

vintage 1970s orange Silver Reed 'Silverette' typewriter | H is for Home

We love a nice typewriter. We’ve sold a few others in our web shop – this yellow Silver Reed ‘Silverette’ was a favourite. And the boxed 1950s tin ‘Mettype’ that was snapped up on day 1 of our Child’s Play section launch.

vintage 1950s red tin Mettype typewriter | H is for Home

It’s a shame that first the word processor and then the personal computer brought on the swift demise of the typewriter, however they still have a place in many people’s hearts. Tom Hanks is a famous celebrity collector of typewriters – lugging them home from his travels round the world!

vintage 1970s/80s 'Valentine' typewriter designed by Ettore Sotsass

They’re obviously still usable (we know a good ribbon shop by the way)… and they can look just great on a desk or shelf – especially when they are as gorgeous as this iconic model… the ‘Valentine’ designed by Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti… sheer beauty!