1956 Hermes 2000 #2131686
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Tansal Arnas (Tansal)
Created: 08-14-2019 at 09:19PM
Last Edit: 08-14-2019 at 09:24PM
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Description:
Purchased from eBay on 12 August 2019. This was my ninth antique manual typewriter. It's in excellent cosmetic condition with all original parts, including metal ribbon spools which may not be original. The carriage has a bit of a growl, the tab functionality is a bit wonky, the rubber feet need replacing, it needs a good cleaning, and the green leather case has a broken strap so it can't be locked closed. The platen is hard, a few of the keys towards the ends of the basket are sticky, but it types so damn well. I see what people mean when they say they prefer a 2000 over a 3000. The feel is closer to a German machine, like an Olympia, but with an easier carriage shift. With some servicing, this could be one mean typewriter.
Typeface Specimen:
Hunter: Tansal Arnas (Tansal)
Tansal Arnas's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 63
I grew up in the generation that transitioned from analog to digital, so I had childhood experience using manual and electric typewriters before moving onto computers. In 2013, I started researching ultraportable antique manual typewriters. In 2016, I bought my first one, a Hermes Baby Featherweight. I loved the portability but learned that it's not very suited to long periods of writing. I intensified my research into medium-sized portables. In 2019, I purchased two exceptional typewriters, a Hermes 3000 and an Olympia SM3. I also excavated my grandfather's SM2 and had it professionally restored. Then the floodgates opened, and I chased down several more Hermes and Olympia typewriters, each with a different body and typeface. Eventually, I branched out to other brands, bringing my current total to 23 typewriters. I use them for journaling, letters, notes, and creative writing. I've tried other models, but my favorite makes continue to be Hermes and Olympia, particularly their models from the '50s and '60s. I’ve slowed down my pace of procurement, but I still keep my eyes open for good finds in the wild, and I also accept rescues from friends and acquaintances.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Hermes 2000 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Hermes Serial Number page and the Hermes 2000 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
