1935 Remington Model 5 Streamline #V829528
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 01-16-2025 at 08:16PM
Last Edit: 01-31-2025 at 08:45AM
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Description:
All Remington week? The oldest Model 5 Streamline currently in the TWDB gallery This one was no case queen and saw some heavy use. The all too often Remington rubber problems with a thumpy platen and smashed feet were solved with a late DM 5 parts machine. Could use some rollers, but the diy route is a poor sub because they rarely spec to the correct diameter. For now, they’ll do. They might go along for the ride with the next platen to JJS?
Summit Typewriter was in Akron from ca 1909 until the death of the owner in 1983.
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Did Oscar Bruno Bach design the streamlined version of the Model 5?
RP says maybe on his excellent coverage of Remington Portables while mentioning two sources. What exactly do the two sources say?
First the Time Magazine is the August 19, 1940 issue in the Science section dealing primarily with his work in metallurgy. As a source, take note he is being quoted in the article and goes into his plating process known as the Bachite process.
From the article, as an "industrial designer" he was known for "turning out Renaissance church doors, table lamps, fruit bowls, salt shakers and a streamlined typewriter" without mentioning a manufacturer.
Other manufacturers cued up for Art Deco streamlining, such as Underwood and Corona's Speedline series. Smith-Corona, runs a far more extensive campaign on this design element. All the 2 series machines were advertised as Speedline, whereas Remington is sporadic until they actually change the name of the machine. For what it is worth, the 1940 article is closer to the 38 release of the Speedlines vs the 34 new Model 5.
Next up we have the NYTs obituary with the following headline: "
OSCAR BACH DEAD; METALLURGIST, 72; Creator of Plaques on R.C.A. Building Had Ornamented Bible Given to Leo XIII
"Mr. Bach's metal-designing also had a practical turn, which was developed through his association with Remington-Rand Inc.; Manning, Bowman and Co,; the Edward Budd Manufacturing company, Oneida Ltd.; the Baldwin Locomotive Works, the American Radiator Company and the Tappan Stove Company."
Did he freelance for others? Contemporary newspapers show far more returns for his plating work than his design work. The two sources add up to "probably." However, as the internet goes, it's now attributed to him.
There is a vertical file on him at Toledo University. Maybe the definitive answer is there? See the link for his personal 1938 brochure.
If you’re curios for comparisons on streamlined design, go look at some Budd and Baldwin locomotives from the period.
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How does it grade out as a typer? Well, as with many machines that get classified in the antique period, not particularly well. The carriage shift is heavy and the stroke on all these is long. 5/10. Controls are 3/5 with the short lever. Service 2/3. Fit n finish 3/3. Case 3/3, Style 3/3. 19/27 or a C minus. Remington knew they had a problem and some of the control issues will be addressed on the Deluxe.
A 1 series Smith Corona smokes it.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
James Grooms's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 10078
As with many, the bug is back there somewhere due to an Underwood No. 5. My grandparents had a No 5. My parents had a yellow Royal Safari that I used to index card everything, including a beer can collection. Collection syndrome clue! A casual interest in typewriters started with a garage sale 3 bank simply because it said Underwood on it. Typewriters were found here and there , but I wasn't actively looking for them. The long dormant collecting tic was activated when my neighbors left a Remington Quiet Riter on the curb when they moved.
Typewriters are the perfect blend of using one's technical skills, history and functional purpose. My goal is type tested machines. My interests are not isolated to anyone area. For example, I am a big fan of Smith Corona electrics, mid century electrics and all things Royal.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Remington Model 5 Streamline on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Remington Serial Number page and the Remington Model 5 Streamline By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
