1976 Hermes Ambassador #1390706
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Created: 01-10-2021 at 06:33PM
Last Edit: 08-07-2021 at 10:22PM
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Description:
This Ambassador is from 1976, the last year of production. I wanted it mostly for the original crate that contained it. But it's a pretty nice-looking machine, and it's the first of its type on TWDB. In fact, it looks like I have the earliest Ambassador (1951) and the latest Ambassador (1976) listed on TWDB at this time! See the 1951 model here:
https://typewriterdatabase.com/1951-hermes-ambassador.12406.typewriter
It is fairly massive:
- 25 lbs for the machine
- 29.8 lbs for the crate
The machine without its carriage actually feels very light, as it's made of aluminium. It's quite striking when you carry it, compared with, for example , an Olympia SG1.
The crate is in perfect condition inside, but took some obvious beating outside, while still being in perfect condition for shipping. In fact, it was shipped to me as is. The crate and the machine bear marks of Swiss manufacture.
The machine has the following features:
- Swiss-German keyboard
- wide carriage (the platen is 18.5" wide)
Unlike the earlier models, the exterior panels are made of plastic. I noticed a small crack in one part, but it's not too visible.
This machine has a broken ribbon vibrator, which I am hoping to fix soon.
2021-08: I have a new ribbon ribrator from Jacques Perrier and it's very easy to install! But it's a poor design, as the part is made of plastic, which needs to be touched every time the ribbon needs to be changed, and so is prone to breaking. I have also found that several keys are really stuck, and I have to work on that or the machine will not work properly.
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.
