196X Remington Holiday #M313824

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Joy Draiocht (Draiocht)
Created: 04-07-2024 at 08:44PM
Last Edit: 04-07-2024 at 08:50PM

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Description:

Likely made in 1961 or 1962, but I cannot confidently say. Made in Holland. Found at a small second hand shop in the Northeast USA in fantastic condition and with the case. Originally, the shop owner wanted $195 for it as it had gone through a good bit of repair and cleaning with a new ribbon installed. However, after sitting in his shop for 4 years and slashing the price without anyone biting, he was happy to sell it to me for $65. It was tagged $75 as the most recent price, but after having a nice conversation and telling him I was a writer, he knocked $10 off just because he knew it was going to be used.

And I have used it quite a bit!

After searching through online archives and preserved ads from 1961 and 1962, this model was advertised as a gift for young students in need of a typewriter at an affordable price. I found two prices. $49.95 and $59.95. This price slash, while appealing, did mean some standard features you might see from the time for portables are missing and the material used for the body a bit lackluster.

The outer shell is plastic and the carriage is metal. Because of this, the original sky/powder blue color is only preserved on the carriage and the rest yellowed to a sea foam green color (though it's hard to see in the pictures). The white case also yellowed in a way that matches with the aging of the keys. I find it charming!

As for the type feel, I was expecting worse considering what few opinions are floating of the Holiday are mostly negative. I have comfortably typed on it for hours at a time. There are some quirks (as with all typewriters), but they are easily worked around. I do at times wish it supported two-toned ribbon, but it wasn't a make or break for me. I do lack the experience many enthusiasts have so perhaps I am settling for a genuinely subpar experience. However, this darling has become so dear to me it now doesn't matter.

I'll post more photos later and will answer any questions I can as the info on this model is quite sparse! And if you have any info you can provide, it is more than appreciated!

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

Side by side with the case cover

Standing on her own

Side shot without case

Side with case

Serial Number

MADE IN HOLLAND

Hunter: Joy Draiocht (Draiocht)

Joy Draiocht's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 19

I grew up in a household of analog and digital tech. For most of my life, I dominantly worked in computer repair, preserving and maintaining older computer tech, and keeping up with advances. However, as I shifted my focus towards becoming a creative writer (a side passion of mine), I leapt into the world of writer's tools. I've amassed a collection of word processor programs, devices (Neo2 my beloved), and stationary. However, I lamented the typewriter I grew up with which my mother sold years ago at a yard sale. I cannot remember its name or what it was and remain on the hunt for it. I moved on as most options around me were in the hundreds if not thousands.

I convinced myself my longing was derived from rose tinted glasses of yesteryear and I had all I needed.

Until I stumbled into a dear typewriter sitting alone on a shelf at a quiet second hand shop, fully operable and ready to go. It is like a second limb to me now and while I do not need to grow a collection, the accessibility, ability to repair, and preservation of the romance of the typewriter is dear to me. So, here I am.