Great looking typewriter. I still don't have any experience with these.
I don't see any reason not to try switching those typebars, as long as the two machines have the same typeface and pitch. If it's like most typewriters, this is a slightly tricky job but far from impossible.
Oh boy. Messing with the typebars sounds a lot like an adventure my wife and I had trying to put a barrel half back together. You, know - those half whiskey barrels sold for planters? Ours had dried out and a couple of the staves had slipped out. The more we messed with it, the more staves fell out, as all the while we were laughing hysterically! Thanks for the great memory. Hope your adventure is more successful, if less amusing.
Congratulations on such a fine looking typewriter! I picked one up last week. Too bad, mine does not look as nice as yours. Nice typer though until the draw string got twisted around the mount for the drum and I ended-up without tools and had to cut it to free it while on my trip.
I can understand your reluctance to meddle but weighed against a positive outcome, it must be worth a try. I'm guessing you could switch key tops easily enough too?
If it's an apology, remember that the typewritten page is a work of art -- errors and all. No apologies. Though away, Philosophothought, please though away.
I recently picked up an identical typewriter on Gumtree. It needs the ribbon spools replacing because the last owner left it in her car (not advised in Australia) and they melted! Must have been a low grade plastic because the body of the machine is fine. Where's the serial number on these Contessa's? Thanks. :)
Beautiful machine! I'm not a fan of anything produced after WWII, but yours always look stunning. The color in the pictures are indeed a bit "Chernobyl Orange". It reminds me of an inside running joke we have in my local hackerspace! ^_^
Great looking typewriter. I still don't have any experience with these.
ReplyDeleteI don't see any reason not to try switching those typebars, as long as the two machines have the same typeface and pitch. If it's like most typewriters, this is a slightly tricky job but far from impossible.
You surely must! The Contessa is definitely better than some full-size portables.
DeleteMy main concern is keeping all of the other typebars in their place during the operation.
Oh boy. Messing with the typebars sounds a lot like an adventure my wife and I had trying to put a barrel half back together. You, know - those half whiskey barrels sold for planters? Ours had dried out and a couple of the staves had slipped out. The more we messed with it, the more staves fell out, as all the while we were laughing hysterically! Thanks for the great memory. Hope your adventure is more successful, if less amusing.
DeleteCongratulations on such a fine looking typewriter! I picked one up last week. Too bad, mine does not look as nice as yours. Nice typer though until the draw string got twisted around the mount for the drum and I ended-up without tools and had to cut it to free it while on my trip.
ReplyDeleteIf it types any bit as well as this, you'll be very glad. :) Good luck on getting it back working.
DeleteI can understand your reluctance to meddle but weighed against a positive outcome, it must be worth a try. I'm guessing you could switch key tops easily enough too?
ReplyDeleteBill Wahl had one of those for awhile and I got to try it out. I was not displeased. (:
ReplyDelete"Marp" -- a Tacoma version of Meh?
ReplyDeleteIf it's an apology, remember that the typewritten page is a work of art -- errors and all. No apologies. Though away, Philosophothought, please though away.
It's like a more satisfied version of meh. Indifferent, though vaguely satisfied. I just made it up for this typecast anyway, though. XD
DeleteI recently picked up an identical typewriter on Gumtree. It needs the ribbon spools replacing because the last owner left it in her car (not advised in Australia) and they melted! Must have been a low grade plastic because the body of the machine is fine. Where's the serial number on these Contessa's? Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I've never heard of anything remotely like that occurring!
DeleteThe serial number is stamped under the row of number keys.
Got it, Thanks. 5448344. I'll stick it on the database. :)
DeleteBeautiful machine! I'm not a fan of anything produced after WWII, but yours always look stunning. The color in the pictures are indeed a bit "Chernobyl Orange". It reminds me of an inside running joke we have in my local hackerspace! ^_^
ReplyDeleteWell, my goal is to flatter typewriters in photos as much as possible!
DeleteI have one but its not advancing while I Go writing... Help please to know what zap. Thanks
DeleteHelp! This is my first typewriter. How on earth do u change the ribbon?
ReplyDeleteAre there differernes between a Contessa and a Contessa de luxe?
ReplyDeleteHave one coming! So excited!
ReplyDelete