Caring for Antique Typewriters

An antique typewriter is much more than an old machine.

It is a piece of history.

Every scratch tells a story. Every key has been pressed by someone decades before us. Every carriage return echoes a time long before computers existed.

Whether your machine is a family heirloom, a collector's treasure, or a museum-worthy piece, it deserves to be treated with patience, respect, and understanding.

At RR Typewriter Mart, we've worked on typewriters ranging from modern portable typewriters to machines that are well over a century old. One lesson has remained constant throughout the years:

The older the typewriter, the gentler you should treat it.

Age Changes Everything

People often assume that because antique typewriters are made mostly of metal, they must be incredibly strong.

In reality, age changes materials.

Metal becomes more brittle.

Paint becomes delicate.

Decals become irreplaceable.

Springs lose elasticity.

Rubber hardens.

Small parts become increasingly difficult—or sometimes impossible—to replace.

What survives for one hundred years deserves careful handling.

Treat It Like Your Grandparents

This is one comparison we often make in our workshop.

Treat an antique typewriter the way you would treat your grandparents.

Your grandfather cannot run a marathon.

Your grandmother cannot lift heavy weights.

Not because they are weak...

But because age deserves respect.

Your antique manual typewriter is no different.

It may still work beautifully, but it should never be forced to perform like a modern machine.

Operate it gently.

Type naturally.

Respect its age.

Never Force Anything

One of the quickest ways to damage an antique typewriter is by forcing a mechanism that doesn't want to move.

If a key feels stiff...

Don't force it.

If the carriage doesn't move freely...

Don't force it.

If a lever refuses to operate...

Don't force it.

Old mechanisms usually have a reason for resisting.

Forcing them often creates a much larger repair than the original issue.

When something doesn't feel right, stop and identify the cause—or consult an experienced typewriter technician.

Use Antique Typewriters Regularly—But Gently

Many collectors believe antique typewriters should never be used.

We don't completely agree.

Machines were built to type.

Occasional use helps keep mechanisms moving and prevents long periods of inactivity.

The important word is:

Occasional.

Write a few pages.

Enjoy the experience.

Then clean the machine, cover it, and store it properly.

You don't need to type an entire novel on a 120-year-old machine.

Protect the Original Finish

The original paint, decals, striping, and manufacturer's markings are part of the machine's history.

Avoid trying to make an antique typewriter look "brand new."

Every restoration decision should preserve originality wherever possible.

Never use:

Abrasive polishing compounds.
Sandpaper.
Wire brushes.
Household chemicals.
Harsh solvents.

Once original finishes disappear...

They're gone forever.

Replacement Parts May No Longer Exist

Unlike modern products, antique typewriters don't have factories producing new replacement parts.

Many components have been out of production for decades.

Some are over one hundred years old.

Breaking a small lever or damaging a rare component may mean searching worldwide for a replacement—or discovering that one simply cannot be found.

That's why careful handling is always cheaper than repair.

Storage Becomes Even More Important

Proper storage is especially important for antique typewriters.

Always:

Keep the machine covered.
Store it in a dry environment.
Protect it from dust.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Keep it away from moisture.
Avoid chemical exposure.

Environmental damage is often slow and unnoticed until it's too late.

Know When to Leave It Alone

Not every antique typewriter needs restoration.

Sometimes the scratches, faded paint, and worn decals are part of the machine's story.

Cleaning and preserving the machine may be far more valuable than attempting to make it look new.

Before restoring any antique machine, consider whether preservation is the better choice.

Originality is often one of an antique typewriter's greatest strengths.

Professional Servicing Is Worth It

Older typewriters require experience.

The mechanisms can be very different from later machines, and replacement parts are often scarce.

If your antique typewriter develops a mechanical problem, professional servicing is usually the safest option.

A small issue corrected early is almost always easier—and less expensive—than repairing damage caused by experimentation.

Workshop Wisdom from RR Typewriter Mart

Every antique typewriter has survived long enough to tell its story. Help it tell that story for another hundred years.

Respect age. Respect originality. Respect craftsmanship.

You are not just the owner of an antique typewriter—you are its caretaker for the next generation.

Treat your antique typewriter like your grandparents. Gentle hands and patient care will always go further than force.

Continue Reading

Even with the best care, every manual typewriter eventually benefits from professional attention.

Knowing when to service your machine can prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs.

Next Guide: When Should You Service Your Typewriter? – Understanding Maintenance Intervals and Warning Signs.