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196X Carlton unknown Serial # 1392A 196X Carlton unknown typewriter, Serial # 1392A James Gifford's 196X Carlton unknown typewriter. 2017-01-09 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of James Gifford: 196X Carlton unknown Serial # 1392A I bought this typewriter simply because I had never heard of the Carlton brand, and I didn't pay all that much for it. I've since read here and elsewhere that these typewriters are essentially Montana typewriters (rebadged Hermes clones), which were distributed in various places as Admiral, Packard, and Vornado. I've read that this particular iteration was poorly made with a plastic body, but this machine, unless I'm seeing things, is made out of metal. This writer is in quite good shape, though something's up with the escapement. It also came without ribbon spools. The manual that came with it (two entire pages) specifies it uses Underwood ribbons, but this does not seem to be the case. As these seem to be Hermes Baby clones, perhaps I should buy spools that would fit an Hermes. Or perhaps I need to undo the bolt that holds the ribbon spool, which prevents any spool I have from fitting (Underwood, Olivetti, Royal, Brother, SC, etc.). This machine reminds me of my Argyle and the Brother--that is, a Japanese feel and aesthetic--though from all accounts they were manufactured in Turin, Italy. It isn't dissimilar in its feel to my Antares, which might provide a hint to its country of provenance. I can find no manufacturer's badging other than the Carlton name, and there is no helpful info in the manual. A mystery I would gladly seek help to solve, as I am but a voyageur on this typewriter journey. I'll follow with a type sample when I can get a damn spool to fit!

196X Carlton unknown #1392A

Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Gifford (giffer)
Created: 01-09-2017 at 07:24PM
Last Edit: 01-09-2017 at 07:30PM

Description Hunter 7 Photos 0 Likes  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

I bought this typewriter simply because I had never heard of the Carlton brand, and I didn't pay all that much for it. I've since read here and elsewhere that these typewriters are essentially Montana typewriters (rebadged Hermes clones), which were distributed in various places as Admiral, Packard, and Vornado. I've read that this particular iteration was poorly made with a plastic body, but this machine, unless I'm seeing things, is made out of metal. This writer is in quite good shape, though something's up with the escapement. It also came without ribbon spools. The manual that came with it (two entire pages) specifies it uses Underwood ribbons, but this does not seem to be the case. As these seem to be Hermes Baby clones, perhaps I should buy spools that would fit an Hermes. Or perhaps I need to undo the bolt that holds the ribbon spool, which prevents any spool I have from fitting (Underwood, Olivetti, Royal, Brother, SC, etc.). This machine reminds me of my Argyle and the Brother--that is, a Japanese feel and aesthetic--though from all accounts they were manufactured in Turin, Italy. It isn't dissimilar in its feel to my Antares, which might provide a hint to its country of provenance. I can find no manufacturer's badging other than the Carlton name, and there is no helpful info in the manual. A mystery I would gladly seek help to solve, as I am but a voyageur on this typewriter journey. I'll follow with a type sample when I can get a damn spool to fit!

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

A lovely leatherette case with plaid interior. Others online criticize the case, though it's 50 years old and has held up well.
A lovely leatherette case with plaid interior. Others online criticize the case, though it's 50 years old and has held up well.



No manufacturer's (country of origin) plate anywhere on the machine, certainly not on the back, where you usually find it.
No manufacturer's (country of origin) plate anywhere on the machine, certainly not on the back, where you usually find it.

Nice low profile; reminds me of the Antares or the Groma Kolibri N.
Nice low profile; reminds me of the Antares or the Groma Kolibri N.

The troublesome spool pin.
The troublesome spool pin.

A curiously low serial number, which suggests few were made. The A at the end of the number is about an inch to the right of the rest of the serial number and because of poor etching, hard to read.
A curiously low serial number, which suggests few were made. The A at the end of the number is about an inch to the right of the rest of the serial number and because of poor etching, hard to read.

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.


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