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| 1939 Erika 5 Tab 773804/5 |
In all the excitement, I forgot to mention that the print quality is among the very best of all portables of any era, partly due to the surprisingly nice platen. The case is probably my favorite of any typewriter as well. The base is detachable and the typewriter's feet pop into 4 pegs on the base without any need for screws or latches.
Sent from my new Erika 5 Tab
I still very much love the Bijou 5 I got off Rob a couple of years ago. A tab machine! I must keep my eyes out for such a beast.
ReplyDeleteThey're really something special.
DeleteI never really use it, but that light red key really completes the keyboard.
This is a thing of beauty! It is the way the corners are rounded and how the upper body (can't call it a ribbon cover really - can you) flows around the typeslugs and embraces the spools on a perfect level what makes this machine so appealing to me visually. And the distinctive touch makes the picture complete.
ReplyDeleteIt really is the swooping section around the type basket that sets this apart, but the way that it lines up level with the spools that makes it perfect. The older style of 5 with the exposed spools looks cute (and of course I want one!) but it isn't quite as perfect as this style.
DeleteIt really is a work of art!
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful machine.
ReplyDeleteSweet! And beautifully photographed, as always.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, great photography! I like the more curvy 5 a bit more than this square one, but whit these pictures and in this condition (those keys, ooooh) I'm slightly doubting if I shouldn't buy another. They are truly wonderful machines. Just like you say, a very light touch!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to some day getting one of the early ones, from 1928 or '29, with the old style logo. If they're anything like this one, then I wouldn't hesitate to call them the best portable of the 20s!
DeleteI just bought a dusty 5 in Seattle, and it is rapidly turning into the best $67 I've ever spent...if it works this well before cleaning and lubrication...I can only imagine
ReplyDeleteI have a 5 tab that the carriage doesn't move forward when typing, it does tab and returns. Any help is appreciated I want to use it to type our units reenacting forms.
ReplyDeleteI finally have an Erika 5 Tab with the later covered ribbon spools, like the later Erika M! There is no Erika decal behind the type keys though.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate all your advise, knowledge, and contributions to the Typosphere… thanks!