Goodness gracious. This weekend went by super super quick, right? It definitely did over here. We actually decided very spontaneously Saturday morning to make the two and a half hour drive to visit my parents, who still live in the tiny town I grew up in. It was a brave decision, because our sweet Ava Pearl is NOT a fan of road trips and she usually screams for a good chunk of every.single.drive. She’s just not thrilled about sitting in her car seat for hours on end and I can’t really blame the girl–I’d hate it too. Anyway, it was a quick trip, but it was still nice to get away for the night. And aside from hanging out with my parents and enjoying a break from regular life, I also got to do a little antiquing. And oh boy, did I get lucky. You guys, I found something I’ve been wanting for a long, loooooong time now: an antique typewriter!! This has seriously been on my vintage wish list for ages now, but I just never came across the right one. Or if I did find one, it was outrageously expensive so I had to pass it up. But this weekend I dropped into one of my favorite antique stores and I came across a whole selection of vintage typewriters. It was like Christmas. I ending up choosing one from 1917 and I am absolutely smitten with it. I rushed home and snapped a few photos so I could share it today!
So much vintage loveliness, right?! This typewriter is seriously so awesome and it’s exactly what I’ve been waiting for all these years. I honestly haven’t been this excited about a vintage find in a long time. Probably since I scored that white card catalog actually. And you want to know the best part?! It only cost $75, which is super cheap compared to some I’ve seen in fancy schmancy antique stores and online. These can easily cost two to three hundred dollars.
You know I have become downright obsessed with black accents lately and this typewriter just fits right into that. And I love how parts of it are faded from years of wear and tear. I even love the keys. They’re covered in glass and all of them are still in great shape. And you wouldn’t believe how heavy this guy is–it probably weighs at least forty pounds.
I can’t help but wonder what kind of journey this typewriter has been on over its lifetime. Do you ever think about vintage finds like that? I wonder who typed on it and what letters were written on this piece. My mind gets lost imagining up all the possibilities. I actually found a model number on the back, so we did a little research and it looks like this guy was made in 1917, which means it’s been around over 100 years now. Isn’t that CRAZY?!
This typewriter has made my antique loving heart so happy and I hope you enjoyed seeing it too. I know I’m totally geeking out over this thing, but I can’t help it. It’s just awesome to finally be able to scratch “vintage typewriter” off my wish list. And even better that I didn’t have to spend a fortune. It makes all that time sitting in the car with a crying baby totally worth it!
I’m so glad you stopped by the blog today!! Here are a few other post you might enjoy:
10 Awesome Vintage Finds from Etsy
Boy, you scored a beauty. And it fits perfectly in your home. Was meant to be, huh?
Defiantly, Tammy. I totally scored with this find!
**Definitely. Not defiantly!
Good Morning!
Wow-love the typewriter! Recently, saw a repro @ Home Goods—which got me thinking about a vintage one. Used to have one, sure it was sold, as many antiques have been in and out of my hands over the years, as my taste changed. It is all fun!!
Also, thanks for all the info on chalk paint. Planning on (chalk) painting an antique trunk that we are using as a coffee table.
Quick note here: your Home is Amazing!!! I used to have a Hosier (kitchen) Cabinet. I really loved it, and unfortunately had to part with it do to a move. It was going to a historic home, which gave me joy. Anyway, it appears that you would have tons of fun with this piece.❤️
Aw how cool is that! Funny story–I actually tried to buy the top of a Hosier cabinet at an auction this past weekend but missed out on it. I wanted it so bad! It needed to be painted and spruced up a bit, but it would have been a fun project. I bet yours was amazing Cheryl! Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. xo
boy does that bring back memories! I learned to type on an old one like that my parents had. In fact it got me thru high school. Wish I had it now but my nephew got it away from my dad years ago lol. I love your antique finds. Our wish list is starting to match lol. I do have a scale like yours haha. Thanks for sharing!
What?! That’s so cool Linda! And high five for having matching antique wish lists. What are you looking for next?!
Beautiful home, and lovely typewriter, I just purchased and antique typewriter today off of Facebook market place! It definitely been on my antique wish list as well! Enjoy!
Oh it really is wonderful, such a great find. Love it.
thanks Marty, I am LOVING it!
I have that same type writer, but yours is in better condition. Mine is a little faded. Nice score!
Oh that’s awesome Stephanie! We are typewriter twins! Which means we are super cool. Obviously.
Worth the wait……I love it!!
haha totally worth it! Even worth the car ride with the crying baby!
You always bring cheer to my day. Love the typewriter. It’s such a great vintage find!
Aw thank you Brenda! You definitely brighten my day with your kind comments. xo
I love it! Been wanting to put my 60 year old one out, just haven’t found the right place. We did use it for my granddaughters wedding for people to write messages to bride and groom. AND Grandsons graduation. The school kids all thought that was neat. By the way I bought it new so I now where it has been.
That is such a cool idea for a wedding Sally! And even better that you’ve owned it for so long. What a treasure!
You scored a beautiful typewriter Sarah! I have a couple of old ones also, so I know that “love” you’re feeling..lol Great find, looks perfect on top of the card catalog!
It’s funny because, we are in the process of moving and I had the same vision in my head…that I was going to put 1 on top of my catalog also..Lol…I love your card catalog better though!
OH wow, how funny! That sounds like a great vision if you ask me Sherri!
So funny…. I just got one on Etsy😍😍😍
Oh yay!! Have fun styling it Sally.
Super cool!!! I have been wanting one myself, but like you said they are always so expensive, so yay for you! It looks wonderful on top of the card catalog.
Yes! They are outrageously priced. Keep looking Brenda, it’s yard sale season now so maybe one will pop up!
Congratulations on your fabulous find! My mind wonders when I see or find these vintage or antiques just what they have been through. If only they could talk I’m sure we would all be sitting on the edge of our seats.
You found a perfect spot for it.
Enjoy your treasure.
Oh wouldn’t that be fun!? I’d LOVE to hear the history on this thing.
I Love it soooo much. I have a much smaller one, not old, old but old to me. Ive used it in my decor for years. I put it with my antique candlestick phone and vintage fan. This one you found is awesome. The price is unbelievable!!!
Great score. you’ll love it for many years to come.
Oh that’s awesome! I’m sure it looks amazing with your fan and candlesticks. Great combo!
How cool is that typewriter! I absolutely love it and it’s perfect for that spot, although I’m sure we’ll see it in various places in the future.
haha yes you are probably right!!
What a beautiful old typewriter! It looks great on your card catalog. Have you seen a new book called “Notes from a Public Typewriter” ? I just saw it on the news the other night. At a little local bookstore in AnnArbor, Michigan they put out a typewriter for customers to use. They got so many responses that they wrote a book. It looks like a fun read!
Oh no, I haven’t heard about that book yet. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation Susie!
Makes me wish my mom had kept hers.I loved typing on the old thing.
I am run into the same problem you did with your bathroom vanity what course of sandpaper did you start out with when u sanded it. I don’t want to mess mine up, but it looks bad right now going to have to redo. Any advise would help. Thank you Pam
As a collector of antique typewriters, I wanted to say that’s a fine-looking early Royal #10 – folks like me would be envious! One question: does it work? 🙂
YES it does work actually!!
sarah..I’m new to your blog an just have to say so enjoy your posts.. 😁 I’ve never have had a problem decorating but find lots of helpful fun hints from you..Like u jan is always decuttler an sort month..organize it all..which I love..just have to say also love the typewriter..great find…have a great day an look forward to the next post..I like u use the chalk paint a lot to change up things
ah thank you so much Sue, I’m so happy to have you here! 🙂