1934 Blue Bird 15A #184694
Status: Sightings
Hunter: Plante and Doole-Fisher Typewriters (venneburgtypewriters)
Created: 09-26-2018 at 10:04AM
Last Edit: 09-26-2018 at 10:13AM
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Description:
You are looking at a rebranded Torpedo 15 from 1934, called the Blue Bird. This name was given to the German manufacturer's export models which would corroborate with it's English/Dutch keyboard and it's current presence in Canada.
This typewriter came to me for servicing and cleaning a few weeks ago. The lady was intending on using it, but it's deplorable state had me doubtful that would be the best fate for this typewriter. The drawband had broken (which is not a big issue from the start), the carriage-return arm had a snapped torsion spring and the escapement would barely function. Besides that it was an absolute cosmetic mess. The paint appeared to never have seen a buff, and the mechanism clearly had not been serviced in a long long time.
However, here it sits. Two weeks later in it's shiny armor. The paint restored surprisingly good. Mechanically it is also in very good condition, with very minor corrosion. Most of it is in one of the spool holder plates. These German Torpedoes are designed very well. They are made with high quality materials and constructed in a very durable way. Most of the mechanism is protected by it's own shell to which it is fastened. This is very mechanic unfriendly as access to the escapement is fairly impossible unless you would remove the carriage which means messing with bearings.
But from a user's point of view it is joyous. A surprisingly heavy force is needed to operate the keys but up to now it just allows you to get into an energetic rhythm that aids in "powerful" writing. All the switches and toggles are directly operated and nothing appears all that obscured.
This machine still has it's original ribbon spools which are in very good condition as well. Taking into consideration the carrying-case is mostly destroyed, it is surprised to see this typewriter revive so well as it did.
I've installed new support rollers and a new feeder rollers as the original ones were destroyed.
The Blue Bird typewriter is an uncommon bird for sure. These early Torpedo's are very rare in this area to start with. In all honesty, this is my first association with one, and Sean and I have serviced and owned many many typewriters. It stands in it's own category, which I respect. Even though they might have looked at Royal for it's design, mechanically they do not seem to match something I have come across before.
Therefor I will place this typewriter high on my favourite list and hope to own one myself one day.
~ Dirk
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Plante and Doole-Fisher Typewriters (venneburgtypewriters)
Plante and Doole-Fisher Typewriters's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 2509
This gallery represents the machines owned by good friends Dirk Plante and Sean Doole, who reside in British Columbia, Canada. Together they have established Venneburg Typewriters, a partnership that to date has seen over 400 typewriters since 2009. Here you will find the machines that are currently still in possession or that have come and gone since December 2017.
***As of July 2020, this collection now also represents pieces from the collection of Troy Krahn!
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Blue Bird 15A on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Blue Bird Serial Number page and the Blue Bird 15A By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
