Remette, The Family Typewriter
Ohh, I'm so excited. My newly purchased typewriter just arrived. I'm proud to announce the newest marvelous machine to my collection--The Remington Remette.
This was the only advertisement I could find for the little Remette typewriter. Funny how typewriter companies put so much into advertising around Christmas. Most folks buying a typewriter during the depression would purchase them on some kind of payment plan, often paying a small amount weekly or bi-weekly. It might be hard to imagine now, but in those days, it was difficult to justify spending $29.75 on a typewriter. It would be the equivalent to spending $2,000 dollars on a computer today. Surely not unheard of, but not pocket change either.
On the left is a short poem I whipped up on my new machine. It's worth noting how a typewriter can inspire and motivate. For people of my age, the typewriter represents something from their youth, before the age of computers and smart phones.
Here it is. The diminutive and sporty Remette.
Just like those tiny little sports cars of yesteryear, this machine is stripped to the bones. If you want a platen knob on the left side, or even a warning bell for when your typing reaches the end of the pages, you'll have to purchase the 'deluxe' model.
As you can see in the picture above, the little typewriter worked great. This little bit was typed before cleaning. The only thing I'd done at this point was replace the ribbon.
Here's a typecast sample of the machine's handiwork:
This was the only advertisement I could find for the little Remette typewriter. Funny how typewriter companies put so much into advertising around Christmas. Most folks buying a typewriter during the depression would purchase them on some kind of payment plan, often paying a small amount weekly or bi-weekly. It might be hard to imagine now, but in those days, it was difficult to justify spending $29.75 on a typewriter. It would be the equivalent to spending $2,000 dollars on a computer today. Surely not unheard of, but not pocket change either.
On the left is a short poem I whipped up on my new machine. It's worth noting how a typewriter can inspire and motivate. For people of my age, the typewriter represents something from their youth, before the age of computers and smart phones.
The Remette is a great, bare-bones machine. My model dates back to 1938 and it had no ribbon when I first got it. Hang onto those ribbon spools. They can be tricky to find. Congrats on a nice typewriter!
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember reading about your purchase on your blog. Maybe somehow, subliminally, that is what started me on the path to my Remette. I suppose your posting affect others more than you know. I do know this though, I'm very happy with it.
DeleteLooks clean and does nice work. Good little typewriter!
ReplyDeleteYep, and I've already got my eye on the next typewriter. Just what the heck is wrong with me?
DeleteVery interesting little machine you have there. Type on! I like it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I have not been able to put this on a display shelf since it arrived. It's actually taken the place of my little Smith-Corona Skyriter for banging out a quick poem or two.
DeleteI've been tempted by one of those at a local antiques mall, but they want $95 and I just can't make myself do it. Maybe if it looked as nice as yours . . . .
ReplyDeleteJanet, there are many avenues to purchasing a great vintage or antique typewriter. I believe the most important thing to consider (unless you're already expert collector with mechanical abilities) is condition when it comes to typewriters. Avoid anything that looks like it may have been in contact with water. I've bought two typewriters from goodwill.com for a great price but I got lucky with condition. It's sometimes a crap shoot when using such a resource. Etsy always has nice looking machines but they can be expensive. I still think ebay is a great bet as long as you communicate with the seller. I have the same problem in my area-not many typewriters available, and those that are offered through the local antique store are 'waay' overpriced. Best luck to you. You just can't go wrong with an old typewriter to stimulate creativity or just for nostalgia.
DeleteHey, you're blogging again. Me too. I think we both took a break.
ReplyDeleteAnd that little typewriter is only a little bigger than my laptop. If it had a case, it would have been a handy portable.
Yes, it took me quite some time to figure out how to get around the Internet Explorer. Apparently, it is not compatible with google blogger.
DeleteThis little typewriter did come with a case. A great little case with solid latches and a handle. Problem is the those folks back in 1942 (bless their hearts) did not see fit to design some way of firmly attaching the machine to the bottom of the case for transport. So, as one goes strolling along, swing their nifty Remette in stride with the tune their humming, the typewriter comes lose from the little skikes holding in place and flops around in the case. I'm assuming that would not be good for the typewriter.
Just imagine-these things were the laptops of their time. That's why I love collecting these little portables. Oh, and thanks for your comment, by the way, and I'm glad you're back to blogging again too.
Hello there! New to your blog. Im not as active as I used to be.
ReplyDeleteIve typed on a Remette before, certainly aren't bad. Had a chance or two to purchase one but still not sold at the time. I need to get rid of some other machines first to find space for a Remette.
This is my first Remington Typewriter, so I don't have much experience with other models from this manufacturer. Until now, I've preferred Smith-Coronas and Olympias... but another is always welcome to the family.
DeleteI have a 1942 Remette Model I inherited from my Great Grandfather. How do I get ribbon replacements?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, not even the so-called Deluxe model had a warning bell. I know, I own a deluxe.
ReplyDelete