7 Vintage Typewriter Ribbons and Accessories That Sell Well
Typewriters have long been cherished as symbols of vintage craftsmanship and creativity. These machines, which began making their mark in the late 19th century, transformed how people communicated, from writers to office workers. Over the years, the accessories that accompanied them, especially typewriter ribbons, have become valuable collectibles. If you’re looking to add a piece of history to your collection, exploring vintage typewriter supplies could be a perfect starting point.
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Twin-Spool Black and Red Universal Replacement Ribbon
Produced throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, universal replacement ribbons were widely compatible with most typewriters. These ribbons are convenient because they fit portable machines from a variety of brands, making them more desirable than brand-specific ribbons. The twin-spool design ensures both black and red ink are available for two-color typing, which was essential for offices and businesses. These ribbons remain popular for their practicality, selling for around $12 to $18 on the market. They are still in demand for people who want to keep using vintage typewriters today.
What distinguishes these ribbons is their broad usability across different brands and models. Unlike older ribbons that were made for specific typewriter brands, these universal replacements make it easier for owners of various machines to keep their typewriters functional. Their compatibility makes them a highly sought-after item among both collectors and regular users of vintage typewriters. For those working with vintage machines, these ribbons are both affordable and accessible. They’re also practical for restoring or maintaining a typewriter while keeping an authentic feel.
Original Ribbon Spool with Packaging for Major Brands
The original ribbon spool with packaging from brands like Royal or Smith Corona from the 1950s–1970s is an iconic find for typewriter enthusiasts. These ribbons are often still in their original box or wrapping, making them valuable due to their condition and historical accuracy. What sets these spools apart is their brand recognition and the lasting quality of the ink they contain. An original spool with packaging is priced around $20 to $30 depending on the brand and rarity. These items are particularly desirable for collectors looking for vintage typewriter supplies with provenance.
Collectors love these ribbons for their authenticity and the nostalgia they bring, often showcasing a specific era in office culture. Having the original packaging not only preserves the ribbon but also adds an extra layer of value to the item. The condition of both the ribbon and its box is key to its worth, with sealed or near-mint examples fetching the highest prices. These ribbons offer the perfect way to keep your machine original while maintaining its functionality. Whether you’re a collector or a user, these spools are an essential part of vintage typewriter maintenance.
Vintage Typewriter Cleaning Kits
Vintage typewriter cleaning kits, produced mostly in the 1950s and 1960s, were designed to keep the machines in top condition. These kits often contained brushes, oil, cleaning cloths, and sometimes even tools for fixing minor issues. What sets them apart from modern cleaning tools is that they were custom-made for the intricate parts of typewriters, offering a level of care specific to the machine’s needs. A complete vintage cleaning kit can typically sell for $20 to $40 depending on its condition and completeness. These kits are highly sought after by collectors who appreciate original accessories for machine maintenance.
Collectors value these kits because they provide a comprehensive way to care for and maintain vintage typewriters, enhancing the longevity of the machine. The tools in these kits were carefully designed for specific functions, ensuring that each part of the typewriter could be cleaned and lubricated properly. For typewriter enthusiasts restoring machines, having the right cleaning kit is an essential part of the process. These kits are a perfect way to add authenticity to any vintage typewriter collection. Many collectors enjoy finding these kits to preserve the machine in its original, functional state.
Original Ribbon Spool with Multi-Color Ink
Produced in the mid-20th century, these ribbon spools often featured multi-colored inks, such as black, red, and blue, which allowed for colorful typing. What makes these spools different from standard black-and-red options is the inclusion of additional ink colors, which were particularly useful in offices and for personal use. These ribbons stand out because they offer versatility, allowing users to highlight, underline, and differentiate text easily. They are priced at around $15 to $20 depending on condition and rarity. For collectors who enjoy functional vintage items, these multi-color ribbons provide a unique piece of typing history.
These spools are valuable because they show the versatility that vintage typewriters once had. While the majority of ribbons were limited to black and red, multi-color ribbons allowed for a more creative approach to typing. The varying ink colors give the typewriter an extra layer of customization, making it a desirable item for both collectors and typists alike. Finding a well-preserved multi-color ribbon adds to the historical appeal of the typewriter. For enthusiasts, these ribbons are an essential part of understanding the wide range of possibilities that existed for early typewriters.
Vintage Pelikan Typewriter Ribbon (Black or Red) in Tin
Pelikan was a well-known brand of typewriter ribbons in the mid-20th century, and their vintage ribbons from the 1950s are still highly sought after today. These ribbons, which typically come in a metal tin, feature high-quality cloth and vibrant black and red ink. They were designed to fit a range of typewriter models, providing smooth, even coverage. These Pelikan ribbons often sell for $20 to $40, especially when the tin and original packaging are intact.
The appeal of these ribbons lies in their quality, as well as their aesthetic packaging, which adds a vintage touch. Pelikan ribbons were regarded as some of the best available, and their tins are collectible on their own. For those who use vintage typewriters for both aesthetics and functionality, Pelikan ribbons are an excellent choice for restoring these machines. Their high-quality ink makes them perfect for users who still want to type regularly on their vintage machines. Pelikan’s reputation in the typewriter ribbon market helps these accessories maintain their value.
Remanufactured Vintage Ink Ribbon for Hermes 3000 Typewriter
The Hermes 3000, one of the most famous vintage typewriters, still has a dedicated following among collectors. This remanufactured ink ribbon is designed to fit the 1960s and 1970s models of the Hermes 3000, a popular machine due to its high-quality design. Remanufactured ribbons for these machines typically sell for $15 to $30, making them a great option for users who want to restore functionality while maintaining the look of the original.
These ribbons are ideal for those who want to bring their Hermes 3000 back to life while respecting the vintage aesthetic. What makes these ribbons stand out is that they are made to the exact specifications of the original, ensuring they work well with the machine’s mechanics. Many users who enjoy typing on their vintage Hermes machines prefer to use the remanufactured ribbons to ensure smooth, uninterrupted typing. For anyone using or restoring a Hermes 3000, this remanufactured ribbon is a must-have.
Royal Quiet DeLuxe Typewriter Ribbon
The Royal Quiet DeLuxe typewriter was a popular model produced in the mid‑20th century, and its ribbons from that era remain highly collectible. These ribbons, available in black and red, are sought after for their quality and compatibility with the Royal Quiet DeLuxe series. They typically sell for $25 to $40, especially when in their original tins or boxes. The value comes from the enduring popularity of the Royal Quiet DeLuxe, which remains one of the most iconic portable typewriters ever produced.
Collectors prize these ribbons for their ability to maintain the authenticity of the Royal brand and restore the typewriter to its original working condition. The ink quality provides smooth impressions, and the metal spools add to the vintage feel of the machine. Because the Royal Quiet DeLuxe is still beloved by collectors, finding an original ribbon for this model adds both functional and sentimental value. For those restoring or displaying a Royal Quiet DeLuxe typewriter, having the correct ribbon is essential.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.