Pound for pound, typewriters hold on to value
T H E A R I Z ONA R E P U B L I C
S AT U R D AY , OCT OBE R 19 , 2 013
Question: I have three older typewriters that I am curious about. I bought them for less than $25 each at yard sales. They are an Olympiette 3, a Smith Corona #4 and an Underwood from the 1930s. I have two questions: Should I hold on to these machines as investments? And where can I buy ribbons and get them repaired? ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
Answer: The first commercially successful typewriter was the Sholes and Glidden introduced in 1874. Collectors divide typewriters into three basic periods: Pioneer, from 1874 to 1890; Classic, from 1890 to 1920; and Modern, all machines manufactured since 1920. Of the three machines you listed, the Olympiette 3 is the most valuable. It was German-made during the 1970s and built to last. This model generally sells in the $150-$250 range. The other two machines are fairly common; each can be found locally for less than $100.
Should you hold on to them as an investment? I hope my answer strikes you as satisfactory: During the last three years of monitoring prices in shops and at antique malls, I have seen the retail prices of older typewriters double and, in some cases, even triple. Most of the older Royals and Underwoods — the workhorses in many American offices throughout the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s — sell well in Phoenix and often in the $50-$150 range depending on model and condition. If you find a machine marked Royal Grand, you have struck collector gold in that it is the most valuable machine of its brand. I recently saw one sell in Tucson for $1,500.
To purchase ribbons locally, contact K&M Computer, 5235 S. Kyrene Road, No. 110, Tempe. For repair, ribbons and information about older machines, con- tact Anthony Castillo, TTS Business and Products, 325 Nassau Blvd., Garden City South, NY 11530. His website and e-mail are www.typewritercollector.com and typebar@aol.com.
Q: While bottle digging in Virginia with my son, I found a piece of an Oliver farm plow. Do you think it has any value to a collector?
A: Being an old ranch kid, I know firsthand that the Oliver plow was popular on farms and ranches throughout the country. Prices vary, but the Oliver twogang disc plow manufactured during the early years of the last century is worth about $95 complete. Since you have a piece of that plow, it is an interesting artifact but not of any real value to a collector. One of the better references in this field of collecting is “American Farm Collectibles: Identification & Price Guide” by Russell E. Lewis and published by Krause.
Q: During the early 1940s, my husband received four Erector sets as Christmas presents. All were manufactured by A.C. Gilbert & Co. The sets appear to be complete and in almost original condition. Each set also has the instructional books on how to make certain projects. I would like to sell them but have no idea of current values.
A: The metal toy construction sets were originally patented in 1913 by Alfred Carlton Gilbert. He sold the first sets that same year at a toy fair in New York. In 1916, after a reorganization of the company, the sets were expanded to include such parts as pulleys, gears, and even small electric motors.
Millions of sets were sold. In 1998, the product was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. For information about your sets and current values, I suggest you contact the A.C. Gilbert Heritage Society, 1440 Whalley, Suite 252, New Haven, CT 06515. Check out its excellent website, www.acghs.org.
Q: I have gone online to your website in an attempt to find out about pressed glass, Depression glass and Noritake china since I am downsizing and need to know where to sell these items. I would appreciate any information you can give me, even the name of someone who is honest and reliable to come to my home and advise me where I can sell my treasures.
A: I always cringe when I am asked to recommend someone “who is honest and reliable,” since I can attest only to the honesty and reliability of Larry Cox. With that said, it appears that you want a professional to come to your house, appraise your items and then direct you to dealers and collectors waiting with checkbooks in hand. Situations such as this happen only in the MGM movies of the 1930s. Put another way, there is no free lunch.
AZ Appraisal & Estate Consultants can help you determine if you have items of real value. Tom Helms is the owner of this company, and he and his staff are all certified appraisers. There is, of course, a fee for this service. With values in hand, you can then begin contacting dealers in our area. It is a good idea to be armed with photographs of the things you wish to sell. When negotiating with dealers, be flexible and willing to bargain. Keep in mind, the dealer must make a purchase at a price where he or she can expect a profit.
To address the honesty issue, don’t assume dealers are out to cheat you. Since starting this column in April 2012, I have visited most of the antique shops and malls in our area and, like Santa Claus, I know who is naughty and nice. The overwhelming majority of dealers I’ve encountered have been helpful, knowledgeable and, yes, honest. A final point: You aren’t really parting with “treasures” but attempting to sell a collection of pressed glass, Depression glass and Noritake china. To see how available these items are and educate yourself about current prices, visit any of the larger malls.
Q: I am writing again since I have not received an answer to a note I sent you a few months ago about my Hummel collection. Can you help me out or at least tell me the name of someone I can contact?
A: Gentle reader, I am sorry your letter wasn’t handled in a timely fashion. I receive several hundred letters and e-mails each month, and my only assistant is my secretary, a rather cranky black cat, who takes notes in short paw and tends to sleep a great deal on the job. It is just a few days from Halloween and, alas, her busiest time of the year.
Cliff Sharrar is a Hummel collector and a vendor at Antiques on Central, 5037 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. This might be a good place to begin your quest.