1951 Hermes Ambassador #714566
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Created: 05-25-2019 at 09:36PM
Last Edit: 01-10-2021 at 06:57PM
Find on Ebay #AD
Find on Etsy #AD
Description:
I found this machine at an estate sale.
It is in really good condition except that it was missing the back panel and a button. It typed really well out of the box, but it has now received a basic cleaning: compressed air, cleaning of the crinkle paint, and metal polish.
This is at this time the earliest Ambassador on TWDB. I have since (2021-01-10) added the latest Ambassador on TWDB (from 1976):
https://typewriterdatabase.com/1976-hermes-ambassador.15300.typewriter
UPDATE 2019-08: The machine now has a back panel and a release button, thanks to Jacques Perrier! It is now complete and looks fantastic.
This is a beast: it is wider and deeper than the Olympia SG-1. But it is lighter, with an aluminum frame. Relevant weights:
- 1951 Ambassador: 31 lbs
- 1957 SG1: 38.2 lbs
- 1976 Ambassador with wide carriage: 25 lbs
It is loaded with features. For example, the two knobs on top lock, free, or pull back the card holders. It has "magic" margins (called "lightning" margins).
I am struck by the similarities with the Olympia SG-1: look and function are very similar, as well as the incredible build quality. The Ambassador even has a paper injector, a tab clear lever, and an "intermediate" paper table. The carriage pops up like on an SG-1, except that instead of using two knobs, you remove two special screws.
Compared with my 1957 Olympia SG-1, I think I prefer the Ambassador's touch. On the other hand, I think that I am getting a more even print with the SG-1. The color selector is easier to move than on the SG-1.
I wasn't sure I would like the look, but now that it's on my desk, I like it I think this is going to be among my favorites!
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Erik Bruchez's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 11371
I started collecting my first pre-WW2 standard typewriters in 2017. Since then I have added a few machines to my collection, which now ranges from the 1880s to the 1980s. As of 2024, I have more big standard (desktop) typewriters than portables, a few standard electrics, and some unusual machines like Varitypers, uncommon IBM machines, and more. I am not a pro restorer, but I have restored a few of my machines beyond simple cleaning.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Hermes Ambassador on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Hermes Serial Number page and the Hermes Ambassador By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
