1961 Hermes Rocket #5888419

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Wayne Bouchard (azweb100)
Created: 04-21-2024 at 04:43PM
Last Edit: 04-21-2024 at 04:56PM

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Description:

A late era Hermes Rocket typewriter. This one was made in 1961 and has the green plastic keys, the rectangular logo plate, and lighter green aluminum body.
This is a look I just love and for the life of me, I don't know why Hermes didn't hit on it sooner and make it a signature. (Took them twenty-five years!)

This typewriter was meant to be among the most portable, yet solid typewriters produced and, as such, became a favorite for reporters and others who needed something rugged, yet manageable to carry around. Hermes worked early on to keep the weight down, but as things progressed, certain changes necessitated this class of typewriter becoming a little heavier and it gained a pound. Still, at 8 pounds, 2 and a half ounces, with the cover, it is quite manageable and yet, it does a pretty good job of staying still while you type. It's a great unit and a popular collector's item, especially in this form. (This, or the earlier one with the oval logo.)

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

Note the "gull wing" ribbon covers. Sort of a signature of the Hermes ultra-portables, but you have to be sure they don't get bent and snap down on the holders correctly or they will interfere with the ribbon feed by rubbing up against the spool. Also, this requires spools no more than 2 inches (not 2 and 1/2 or 2 and 1/4) or the covers won't close right. Older spools were often over 2 inches.

I'm not sure what the marks here mean exactly, but the Hermes Rocket/Baby typewriters were only ever offered in Pica or Elite. This one is Pica. Maybe it's "Director Pica"? but that shouldn't be.

You can clearly see just hos slim this typewriter is. The only thing that extends above the top is the unfolded carriage return arm.

You can see here, somewhat, that there is a paper stand, although it is not extended So that is a nice feature not offered on the majority of ultra-portables..

Note that this is a three position ribbon selector, Top (red), middle (gold), or bottom (blue). To do stencils on this typewriter, first, is insanity, but requires that you remove the ribbon if you're really of a mind to do it. The center position isn't really middle, it's more like 1/3 up from the bottom and results in basically red letters if you're using a black and red ribbon. The idea is that on a monochrome ribbon, you can extend the life of the ribbon by using the full height of it.

Unlike other typewriter makers,"Hermes" is not the name of a company. It is a actually brand name associated with the Paillard firm of Switzerland.

Serial 5888419, located on the right hand side, beneath the carriage.

The English translation of "Frabrique En Suiss", located on the left-hand side, beneath the carriage.

The carrying case is not a case. Rather, it;s a cover that snaps onto the typewriter. Line the pins up in the back, then bring the front down and give it a gentle tap. Pull out the handle and off you go!

Hunter: Wayne Bouchard (azweb100)

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Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 776

Collector of several things, including typewriters, slide rules, and mechanical calculators.
Started collecting typewriters in 2023 with a Royal HHE like the one I did my first book report on when I was in school and using my dad's old typewriter.