Remington Portable - Typewriter - 1920-1930

Remington Portable, black color, model 1b - 1926

Remington, already famous as a weapons manufacturer, began producing typewriters in 1873 in Ilion, New York, and can be considered the first truly industrial factory to produce typewriters in America.

The Remington Portable was the first portable typewriter. From 1921 to 1939, five models were produced.

The first two models (Model 1 and Model 2 or 1/B) are characterized by a real technological innovation: the pop-up bars. When at rest, the type bars are laid out to take up less space. To use the machine, a lateral lever must be operated that, via a mechanism, lifts the bars. The public distrusted this “strange feature,” and the first two models did not achieve widespread use. The subsequent models, lacking the “pop-up,” were more successful, and it is estimated that a total of about half a million pieces were sold.

Model 1/b has the following features:
- sight typing;
- four-row keyboard with 46 circled keys with window;
- two uppercase letter keys on both sides;
- uppercase letter lock key on the left side;
- backspace key;
- ribbon color selector;
- ribbon feed direction selector;
- absence of a tabulator.

Matrix number: the serial number is stamped on the base of the machine, inside the case, upper right. In almost all Remington models produced from 1914 to 1928, the serial number consists of a prefix of two uppercase letters and a series of numbers. The uppercase letters indicate the model and month of production; for the number series, the first indicates the year and the remaining digits the production serial. From 1929 the serial is composed of a single letter indicating the month of production.

This machine, serial NZ 4xxxx, belongs to the first series (letter N), produced in November (letter Z) 1924.

Machine subjected to thorough cleaning, in excellent general condition as shown in the photos that constitute an integral part of the description, with some signs of time deliberately not removed to preserve the charm of the years.

CLEANING: dismantled, degreased and polished. Considering the age, overall the paint can be considered in excellent condition.

MECHANICS: dusted and degreased; residues of eraser rubber and varnish deposits accumulated over time have been removed. The chrome parts are generally in good condition. Where necessary, gears have been lubricated with special oil (NOT SPRAY) and excess removed. Some springs have been replaced. The characters have been cleaned and any ink buildup removed.

CALCOLI: still legible as in the photo.

CUSTODIA: dusted, degreased and disinfected, shows signs of time. The key for the lock is missing; handle present.

CONDITION OF SALE: preferred in-person pickup; if shipped, it travels at the buyer’s expense and risk; no warranty is offered; sold as seen and as-is, in the condition shown in the photos that form an integral part of the description, with no possibility of return. It can be shipped within the entire European Community; any customs duties are at the buyer’s expense; it is advisable to arrange insurance. Any additional charges for distant destinations are at the buyer’s expense. Please inform us before submitting offers.