Vintage Typewriter Collection
Olivetti Valentine, Underwood Noiseless, Olympia
Buyer Protection covers you up to $2,500 on this purchase if your item doesn't show up or isn't as described. Details
Description
Two very sought-after typewriters (Olivetti Valentine, Underwood Noiseless) and one less so (Olympia Splendid 33 - EDIT: not the case looking on Youtube and Ebay).
Olivetti Valentine (1969)
The Valentine has been in excellent working condition but the left spool cap (not the spool) is now a bit stuck. Not broken, could be easily fixed. A rubber foot came off the case, which I have. Used this a lot and it worked well.
This is a sought-after design classic. See its profile at MOMA: https://www.moma.org/collection/works/4576
These go on Ebay for $500+ Up to $1,000, sometimes more. I've seen them go on TradeMe for $500.
Underwood Noiseless Portable (1935)
Pre-war. This is my favorite machine, of all the typewriters I have owned. It is in perfect working condition. It is quite a rare example and was obviously well looked after. If you are sick of computers and want to write on some old (what was then luxury) technology from the 1930s, you can. I used it a lot, it is a workhorse. Youtube video of a similar model to this beautiful machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwmo3a2mtqo
These go on Ebay for $250 to $750, depending on condition, with working models like this one going for at least $400 bucks. Never seen one on TradeMe.
Olympia Splendid 33 (1960)
This is a cute little machine. I never really used it. It has a common fault that can be fixed easily by a typewriter mechanic. I was going to bother then got busy. Youtube video on the Splendid 33 ultra-portable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nEMXhLWW1M
These are actually quite sort-after, like many of the ultra-portables. They go for hundreds on Ebay as well. Needs some maintenance though, as noted.
Sales and Transfer
I don't really want to separate these machines out. I am clearing house. I am hoping an enthusiastic collector will want to swoop on at least the first two.
I don't really want to have to courier these heavy machines. If you make me a good offer and arrange it I will consider it.
Shipping & pick-up options
| Destination & description | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Pick up (Christchurch City, Canterbury) | Free | |
Questions & Answers (13)
Update: I have heard that a company called Pack & Send may be able to both courier and pack safely these machines for under $100 dollars (to Auckland, for example). I will call them tomorrow for a personalised quote and update y'all. Trade Me Seller Comment 3:45 pm, Sun, 27 Apr Please note: if you are not in Christchurch, shipping will involve going to the courier and getting these weighed, and protecting them for shipping. It will probably be expensive and the purchaser will pay for it after I have calculated the cost (once purchase has been made) - I will endeavor to do that as quickly as possible after sale, of course. Trade Me Seller Comment 10:50 am, Sun, 27 Apr Update: Pack and Send quoted $190 to Auckland. I will check with them by phone today or tomorrow. Trade Me Seller Comment 11:37 am, Mon, 28 Apr Hi, I’m considering an offer but I am in Auckland. Are you able to find the serial numbers? Thanks Trade Me User • 8:50 pm, Sat, 26 Apr Underwood: 576857 Olymipia: OLYMPIA WERKE AG. WILHELMSHAVEN (can't see serial number) Valentine: Have no idea where serial number is. Can't find it. Trade Me Seller • 9:07 pm, Sat, 26 Apr Update: Just spoke to Pack and Send. They can do a courier - expertly packed - o Auckland for $140. I choose Pack and Send because they have a great reputation for professional packing. I will update the shipping costs accordingly. Trade Me Seller Comment 12:59 pm, Mon, 28 Apr Bloody hell. I can't edit shipping costs. What is wrong with TradeMe at the moment? To ship to Auckland it is $140 and the purchaser will pay for that. Trade Me Seller Comment 1:02 pm, Mon, 28 Apr Hi, what is the issue with the Olympia? Many thanks. Trade Me User • 12:57 pm, Sun, 27 Apr I was told it, specifically the carriage, needed lubricating and that it otherwise required a general service. But I'm not a mechanical expert. It worked fine for a while before the letters started to seem a little bunched up. Trade Me Seller • 1:22 pm, Sun, 27 Apr Hi, does the Valentine also come with the case? Many thanks. Trade Me User • 1:01 pm, Sun, 27 Apr Yes, of course. In the photo it is sitting on top of it. Trade Me Seller • 1:19 pm, Sun, 27 Apr NB: I'm going to weigh these guys sometime over the next few days and get a shipping quote for those in Auckland or elsewhere, then add that shipping quote / cost. Trade Me Seller Comment 1:35 pm, Sun, 27 Apr So, doing a quick estimate on NZPost website, it looks like the shipping cost is quite high because of the weight. About $160 for next-day delivery and about $100 for courier economy (both options with signature - because of the cost) Packing material, given these are mechanical items, is going to be so much again on top of that. So just bare in mind. I will go to NZPost in 2 days to check / confirm and determine final shipping cost. Trade Me Seller Comment 1:50 pm, Sun, 27 Apr PLEASE NOTE, PS: The shipping price will have to be communicated separately because TradeMe will not let me edit my auction to add the shipping quotes I got from Pack & Send. Trade Me Seller Comment 1:24 pm, Sat, 3 May PLEASE NOTE: As I have already flagged above, the winner of this auction will have to either pick up (for free) or pay for shipping, which I have determined as best I can will be about $160 - at least - to Auckland. Before shipping, the cost of shipping, which I will arrange as quickly as possible with professional packing and sending service Pack & Send, will be communicated separately to the winning price sent through automatically (because only "pick-up" was chosen at listing). Trade Me Seller Comment 1:22 pm, Sat, 3 May Free typewriter ribbons added Trade Me Seller Comment 1:55 pm, Tue, 29 Apr