1977 Erika 40 #5655489
Status: Sightings
Hunter: Dimitris Nikou (dimnikou)
Created: 08-29-2020 at 09:19AM
Last Edit: 09-18-2020 at 12:56AM
Description:
Typewriter #6 for my collection, an Erika Daro Model 40 with Greek keyboard, made in the GDR, or East Germany in 1977. Bought at a flea market for 10 Euros.
Second ex-communist typewriter in my capitalist collection :-)) this Erika was found very clean, like it was never touched. The only ware is on the outer parts of the case and it also misses its original instructions manual, but inside the case pocket I found the guarantee card, the sale receipt and two nice cleaning brushes.
The design is not among my favorites with the exception of the color combination. As a machine, though, it probably is what a typist expects from something German made. The writing is smooth, the typing imprint is clear and the mechanism gives a strong feeling under the fingers. It features a tabulator, paper rest, line drawing, card guide, four place ribbon selector and touch adjustment. The machine is nicely mounted on a base of the same red fabric as of the inside of the case. Also worth mentioning is that the keyboard doesn't have the capital latin letters that don't match the Greek ones (like almost all Greek typewriters), but it has a symbol for the Drachma, the national currency we had before the Euro, on the key with number eight.
UPDATE 18/9/2020 - SOLD to a young lady that told me that she wants it for her 8 year old son, to teach him typing on a keyboard with it. A much better and suitable purpose for this machine than just sitting on one of my shelves. I am happy!
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Dimitris Nikou (dimnikou)
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Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 1235
Writer and blogger from Athens, Greece. I own a small collection of typewriters, most of my machines are functional and I try to repair any with problems that keeps it from typing. For me, it is important for a typewriter not just to sit on a shelve for display, but to be able to type when I want to. On the links below you will find my blogs and social media profiles. Feel free to follow me and get in touch if you want. I am always happy to communicate :)
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Erika 40 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Erika Serial Number page and the Erika 40 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.