Hold on to your newsboy caps, everyone: We’re diving head-first into some of the most valuable vintage typewriters ever manufactured.
Antique collecting is a fast-growing hobby, and classic typewriters are becoming more collectible as time passes. Before computers made these machines obsolete, they were found in countless households across the United States. You may be sitting on a tiny fortune if you own any of these!
1. Underwood Number 5
Back in the 1920s and 30s, Underwood set the standard for typewriters. They were the perfect tool to record your thoughts about how awful the Great Depression was and how much you yearned for color in your moving pictures.
However, if you’ve managed to defy the odds and live until 2024 with your Underwood Number 5 still by your side, you could sell that bad boy for up to $400!
2. Remington Number 1
Remington has been known for manufacturing firearms for centuries, but in the late 19th century, they also made quality typewriters! (Yes, I’m as shocked as you are.) The Remington Number 1 was the company’s piece de resistance and was originally sold for the princely sum of $47.50.
However, the typewriter had a surprising limitation: You could only use uppercase letters! But how would people know you’re REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE WRITING ABOUT? Regardless, these typewriters typically fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
3. The Remington Standard #10
If you thought the original Remington was cool, the 10th iteration of the Remington typewriter was like trading in your Hyundai for a Ferrari. The Remington Standard #10 could do it all, and it caused quite the buzz in 1908 when it was released.
It had a unique feature: To cater to blind writers (there are dozens of us), Braille was used on the keycaps so people with disabilities could type (but good luck catching errors). These are valued at over $500, depending on the condition.
4. Oliver Number 3
Based out of Chicago, the Oliver Typewriter Company manufactured no-frills typewriters that were affordable for most American households. Unfortunately, they looked like something out of a horror movie.
That’s okay, though: models like Oliver Number 3 can fetch over $100 if you can find the right buyer! Don’t worry, prospective buyers; I’m 99% sure these things won’t come to life while you’re asleep and steal your soul.
5. The Corona 3
When most people think of the company name “Corona,” they conjure up images of drinking a refreshing beer on an isolated beach somewhere. That kind of thinking is for losers; real people with real feelings and emotions, like myself, think of the unparalleled Corona 3 typewriter.
This model folded up for easy transportation, which made it uniquely popular with aspiring writers who were always on the go. Today, models, regardless of condition, are worth over $100.
6. The Royal Portable
The Royal Portable burst onto the scene in 1933, making writers of all ages instantly forget about the Corona 3. Royal developed a reputation for making timeless typewriters that were sturdy, dependable, and perfect for work.
Would being seen furiously typing away on a Royal Portable in a busy newsroom bring more respect than you would normally get from your peers and bosses? Of course, it would. The 1933 edition of the Royal Portable is worth over $100 today.
7. The Royal Woodstock
Sometimes, a typewriter company is so successful that its future values are impacted. Woodstock manufactured typewriters in the early 20th century and gained notoriety by requiring positive testimonials from every person who bought one; these reviews would then be used in marketing materials.
As it turns out, it made the Woodstock typewriter exceptionally popular; unfortunately, you would only fetch around $50 for used models in good condition in 2024. (That’s still $49 more than I would think any old typewriter is worth.)
8. The Royal Astronaut
The Astronaut was Royal’s attempt to capitalize on the United States’ sudden obsession with space exploration. Released in the 1960s, the Astronaut was a plastic-cased, colorful typewriter catered to aspiring writers of young ages.
Remember when Apple released the translucent blue iMac in 1998 to capture a younger audience? They stole the idea from Royal. At any rate, these classic typewriters frequently sell for approximately $50 on the open market.
9. The Royal Fleetwood
Royal didn’t shy away from manufacturing quirky typewriters to appeal to the masses, and their Fleetwood model of the 1950s had several characteristics that made it stand out. Highlighted by soft-touch keys and a modern design, it’s a favorite for collectors in 2024. Fleetwood models in good condition can frequently be found on eBay for hundreds of dollars, making them a decent investment for the future.
10. Royal Standard #1
Most collectors consider the original Royal Standard model the Holy Grail of typewriters. Produced in the early 1900s, these typewriters come to mind if you think of a sexy, all-black vintage typewriter. It’s a beast. Fortunately, collectors agree: Models in good shape can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. So what are you waiting for? Start digging around your grandparents’ garages in search of one of the most remarkable writing tools ever created.