193X Burroughs 50 #unknown
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)
Created: 09-17-2016 at 01:44PM
Last Edit: 09-07-2020 at 03:29PM
Description:
This is probably the last typewriter I'll buy on eBay, as they all arrive damaged. Seller of this one said "keys work" but failed to mention huge dent on the front of the frame that clearly happened when it was dropped before it was shipped (damage wasn't in listing photos and the box was in pretty decent shape). Or that it's ratty and filthy. The back panel is pristine, by some miracle, but this typewriter needs a bath and a body shop. Anyhoo, this was once a beautiful machine. It's missing one of the two red rubber carriage knobs. The Burroughs name on the front and the back of the carriage doesn't appear to have featured the underscore that shows up on other examples of the logotype on this site, nor does it feature any kind of cameo logo on the top right. The stencilling seems complete, so perhaps this was an earlier machine? I can't find the serial number. I may need a sandblaster.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)
James Gifford's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 2325
I am a writer and book editor as well as a collector of typewriters. It started with an Hermes 3000 desktop, which I stupidly sold last year, but now another sits on my desk for typing envelopes with a beautiful sans serif typeface. I type every day on different machines in my collection, which stands at about 60 at the moment. Favourites include my two 3000s, a 1930s Smith-Corona Silent, the Olivetti Studio 44 (red case), and a crinkle, chrome-encircled Royal Quiet Deluxe. I have also been finding very inexpensive Royal 10s of late; I currently own three, two from the 1910s and the other a later model, and another (1931) I sold to a friend at cost for his son, who appreciates vintage things. I am always on the lookout for new and interesting machines and often trade or sell to try new models. Living and working in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Burroughs 50 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Burroughs Serial Number page and the Burroughs 50 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.