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!
In addition to the ‘Mettoy’, we bought this ‘Lilliput’ junior typewriter with its cute tartan carry case…
..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!
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.
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!
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!
I just came upon your blog and I think it's fun and creative, I will definitely follow it…and the typewriters are great too!
That Mettype typewriter is 'oh-my-goodness' kind of wonderful 🙂 I love tin toys
I have a lilliput typewritter but can't get a ribbon. I was wondering the name of the shop where you get your ribbons?
Hi David – the shop is in Leyland, Lancashire and called AMJ Ltd.
They do stuff online too – here's their web address.
http://www.typewriterribbons.co.uk
I too love typewriters. For me the best things are about them are the sound they make and the type face that you get that's always a little bit broken up and not quite straight. Yes you can get replicas but never the same as the real thing.