1949 Siemag II T #016135 IIT
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)
Created: 12-04-2016 at 09:22AM
Last Edit: 12-04-2016 at 09:27AM
Description:
I decided to hit the antique market earlier than I have been, and I timed it perfectly. The vendor had barely placed this one on his folding table before I asked him what he wanted for it, and I didn't negotiate, I was too happy. At 36.4 pounds, this is one of the heavier standard machines I own, beaten only by the wide-carriage Underwood and Remington, and it's one of only two QWERTZ typers. This is just a beautiful, shiny, curious, lovely beast. I haven't yet fully figured out what the red keys are for--at first I thought they were mathematical, but then I found that they act as tabs, though I don't know what the L and the S that bookend the keys does. I think I might have mucked it up because it's hit or miss for the carriage to advance as I press the keys. In any case, I love it as it is. I don't even mind that the previous owner, BM, scratched his initials into the side of the machine. A few tiny rust spots but otherwise pristine. (I'd happily take your advice on how to treat the rust so it doesn't spread.) I think I'm right on the date, per the database, but welcome correction. And now off I go to type my Bildunngsroman . . .
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 Siemag II T on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Siemag Serial Number page and the Siemag II T By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.