Rebuilt Typewriters - Revision history

Cerafuki: /* How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt? */

2025-07-15T02:00:28Z

How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt?

Cerafuki: /* Who rebuilt typewriters? */

2025-07-15T01:59:22Z

Who rebuilt typewriters?

Cerafuki: /* What are Rebuilt Typewriters? */ -- small edits to page and minor corrections

2022-04-28T18:46:10Z

What are Rebuilt Typewriters?: -- small edits to page and minor corrections

SpinierPigeon: /* Are rebuilt machines bad? */

2022-03-09T18:32:13Z

Are rebuilt machines bad?

SpinierPigeon: /* Who rebuilt typewriters */

2022-03-09T18:31:11Z

Who rebuilt typewriters

SpinierPigeon: /* Who rebuilt typewriters */

2022-03-09T18:31:00Z

Who rebuilt typewriters

SpinierPigeon: /* What are Rebuilt Typewriters? */

2022-03-09T18:26:58Z

What are Rebuilt Typewriters?

SpinierPigeon: /* What are Rebuilt Typewriters? */

2022-03-09T18:22:00Z

What are Rebuilt Typewriters?

SpinierPigeon at 18:20, 9 March 2022

2022-03-09T18:20:52Z

SpinierPigeon: Created page with "TOC _What are Rebuilt Typewriters?_ "Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be..."

2022-03-09T18:20:03Z

Created page with "__TOC__ _What are Rebuilt Typewriters?_ "Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be..."

New page

__TOC__
_What are Rebuilt Typewriters?_
"Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be fixed, cleaned, and readjusted, and finally reassembling it. Because typewriters were used heavily in offices, they required this process intermittently. Heavy daily use on a precision machine takes it's toll, so typewriter companies and typewriter shops offered rebuilding services to give tired typewriters a facelift. Often times this process involved a total or partial tear down of the typewriter, new paint, and sometimes even new features that could be easily added (e.g. key set tabulator, new keys, or new type slugs).

__How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt?__
The best way to know if a typewriter was rebuilt is to know what different machines looked like fresh out of the factory. Usually, rebuilt machines are from the 20's to the 40's, because rebuilding became big during the Great Depression and WWII as it was much cheaper than buying a new typewriter. Rebuilt typewriters come in many colors and configurations. Sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it is not. The most subtle rebuilds are machines that were not repainted and just had their typeface and keys replaced. Other times, (mostly independent shops) would repaint the machine in a new color not offered in the factory (like crinkle beige or black) and apply very generic-looking decals to replace the ones painted over.

__Are rebuilt machines bad?__
Certainly not! However, rebuilt machines are not usually desirable by collectors because they were altered from their original look. Some people think that the keys don't look right because they were changed out, or maybe the machine is the wrong color.

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 ==How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt?==
-The best way to know if a typewriter was rebuilt is to know what different machines looked like fresh out of the factory. Usually, rebuilt machines are built from the 20's to the 30's, and rebuilt in the late-30s and 1940s. Rebuilding became big during the Great Depression, WWII, and immediate postwar area as it was much cheaper and far more accessible than buying a new typewriter.
-Rebuilt typewriters come in many colors and configurations. Rebuilt typewriters are often repainted in a new color not offered in the factory to make them look more modern-- this was often crinkle beige or grey. As well, less-ornate, more generic-looking decals are often applied to replace the ones painted over. Keytops are often replaced as well. Sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it is not.
+The best way to know if a typewriter was rebuilt is to look for discrepancies between that particular machine and what the model would have looked like coming out of a new production line. Usually, rebuilt machines are built from the 20's to the 30's, and rebuilt in the late-30s and 1940s. Rebuilding became big during the Great Depression, WWII, and immediate postwar area as it was much cheaper and far more accessible than buying a new typewriter.
 ==Are rebuilt machines bad?==
 Certainly not! Rebuilt machines have been gone through before and often write quite well, not least in part because they have been serviced and had worn-out parts replaced. However, rebuilt machines are not usually desirable by collectors because they were altered from their original look. Some people think that the keys don't look right because they were changed out, or maybe the machine is the wrong color and missing the original decals. Rebuilt machines are the same quality as most other typewriters, so if you find one you like don't shy away because it was rebuilt!

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 ==Who rebuilt typewriters?==
-Typewriters were rebuilt by the factories that made them, or small, independent repair shops. You can tell if a machine was rebuilt by a factory by looking for a rebuild decal. Oftentimes, large companies would stick a sticker or a decal that showed if a machine was rebuilt. Occasionally, you can find a new serial number on the machine as well, stamped in the same place as the old one.
+Typewriters were usually rebuilt by large factories -- sometimes those of the manufacturer, in the case of [[Royal]] "Regal" rebuilt typewriters, and sometimes by third-party companies like the International Typewriter Company of Chicago. You can tell if a machine was rebuilt by a factory by looking for a rebuild decal. Oftentimes, large companies would stick a sticker or a decal that showed if a machine was rebuilt. Occasionally, you can find a new serial number on the machine as well, stamped in the same place as the old one.
 Two examples of companies that rebuilt machines were Remington and Woodstock. Remington often rebuilt [[Remington Standard No. 10]]s, [[Remington Standard No. 12]]s and their derivatives, stamped them with a new serial number, and put a "Rebuilt by Remington Typewriter Co., Ilion NY" decal on the back frame. Woodstock survived the Great Depression by rebuilding typewriters instead of manufacturing new ones. These machines are usually Woodstock 5s and 5Ns from the 20's. Rebuilt Woodstock machines are characterized by a friction-fit cover placed over the type basket and under the ribbon spool towers, and a (easily destroyed) yellow sticker on the back left of the frame that says, "Rebuilt by Woodstock Typewriter Co. Chicago, IL" on it. Typewriters that were rebuilt by independent shops, on the other hand, are often just given a new coat of paint, new decals, and new keys with the dealer tag of the shop secured somewhere on the machine, usually in a very visible place. Each shop had a different process, so rebuilt machines by repair shops vary from place to place.
 ==How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt?==

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 =What are Rebuilt Typewriters?=
-"Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be fixed, cleaned, and readjusted, and finally reassembling it. Because typewriters were used heavily in offices, they required this process intermittently. Heavy daily use on a precision machine takes it's toll, so typewriter companies and typewriter shops offered rebuilding services to give tired typewriters a facelift and address any chronic issues that may be caused by worn out parts. Often times this process involved a total or partial tear down of the typewriter, new paint, and sometimes even new features that could be easily added (e.g. key set tabulator, new keys, or new type slugs).
+"Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down nearly completely, so that it can be fixed, cleaned, readjusted, and then reassembling it. Because typewriters were used heavily in offices, many underwent this process to extend their longevity. Heavy daily use on a precision machine takes its toll, so typewriter companies and typewriter shops offered rebuilding services to give tired typewriters a facelift and address any chronic issues that may be caused by worn out parts. Oftentimes, this process involved a cosmetic change as well, including new paint, and rarely, new features that could be easily added (e.g. key-set tabulator, new keys, or new type slugs).
 ==Who rebuilt typewriters?==
-Typewriters were rebuilt by the factories that made them or small, independent repair shops. You can tell if a machine was rebuilt by a factory by looking for a rebuild decal. Often times, big companies would stick a sticker or a decal that showed if a machine was rebuilt. Occasionally, you can find a new serial number on the machine as well, stamped in the same place as the old one. Two big companies that rebuilt machines were Remington and Woodstock. Remington often rebuilt [[Remington Standard No. 10]]s and it's derivatives, stamped them with a new serial number, and put a "Rebuilt by Remington Typewriter Co., Ilion NY" decal on the back frame. Woodstock survived the great depression by rebuilding typewriters instead of manufacturing new ones. These machines are usually Woodstock 5s and 5Ns from the 20's. Rebuilt Woodstock machines are characterized by a friction-fit cover placed over the type basket and under the ribbon spool towers, and a (easily destroyed) yellow sticker on the back left of the frame that says, "Rebuilt by Woodstock Typewriter Co. Chicago, IL" on it. Typewriters that were rebuilt by independent shops, on the other hand, are often just given a new coat of paint, new decals, and new keys with the dealer tag of the shop secured somewhere on the machine, usually in a very visible place. Each shop had a different process, so rebuilt machines by repair shops vary from place to place.
+Typewriters were rebuilt by the factories that made them, or small, independent repair shops. You can tell if a machine was rebuilt by a factory by looking for a rebuild decal. Oftentimes, large companies would stick a sticker or a decal that showed if a machine was rebuilt. Occasionally, you can find a new serial number on the machine as well, stamped in the same place as the old one.
 ==How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt?==
-The best way to know if a typewriter was rebuilt is to know what different machines looked like fresh out of the factory. Usually, rebuilt machines are from the 20's to the 40's, because rebuilding became big during the Great Depression and WWII as it was much cheaper than buying a new typewriter. Rebuilt typewriters come in many colors and configurations. Sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it is not. The most subtle rebuilds are machines that were not repainted and just had their typeface and keys replaced. Other times, (mostly independent shops) would repaint the machine in a new color not offered in the factory (like crinkle beige or black) and apply very generic-looking decals to replace the ones painted over.
+The best way to know if a typewriter was rebuilt is to know what different machines looked like fresh out of the factory. Usually, rebuilt machines are built from the 20's to the 30's, and rebuilt in the late-30s and 1940s. Rebuilding became big during the Great Depression, WWII, and immediate postwar area as it was much cheaper and far more accessible than buying a new typewriter.
 ==Are rebuilt machines bad?==
-Certainly not! However, rebuilt machines are not usually desirable by collectors because they were altered from their original look. Some people think that the keys don't look right because they were changed out, or maybe the machine is the wrong color and missing the original decals. Rebuilt machines are the same quality as most other typewriters, so if you find one you like don't shy away because it was rebuilt!
+Certainly not! Rebuilt machines have been gone through before and often write quite well, not least in part because they have been serviced and had worn-out parts replaced. However, rebuilt machines are not usually desirable by collectors because they were altered from their original look. Some people think that the keys don't look right because they were changed out, or maybe the machine is the wrong color and missing the original decals. Rebuilt machines are the same quality as most other typewriters, so if you find one you like don't shy away because it was rebuilt!

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:32, 9 March 2022
Line 11:		Line 11:

	==Are rebuilt machines bad?==		==Are rebuilt machines bad?==
−	Certainly not! However, rebuilt machines are not usually desirable by collectors because they were altered from their original look. Some people think that the keys don't look right because they were changed out, or maybe the machine is the wrong color.	+	Certainly not! However, rebuilt machines are not usually desirable by collectors because they were altered from their original look. Some people think that the keys don't look right because they were changed out, or maybe the machine is the wrong color and missing the original decals. Rebuilt machines are the same quality as most other typewriters, so if you find one you like don't shy away because it was rebuilt!

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 "Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be fixed, cleaned, and readjusted, and finally reassembling it. Because typewriters were used heavily in offices, they required this process intermittently. Heavy daily use on a precision machine takes it's toll, so typewriter companies and typewriter shops offered rebuilding services to give tired typewriters a facelift and address any chronic issues that may be caused by worn out parts. Often times this process involved a total or partial tear down of the typewriter, new paint, and sometimes even new features that could be easily added (e.g. key set tabulator, new keys, or new type slugs).
-==Who rebuilt typewriters==
+==Who rebuilt typewriters?==
 Typewriters were rebuilt by the factories that made them or small, independent repair shops. You can tell if a machine was rebuilt by a factory by looking for a rebuild decal. Often times, big companies would stick a sticker or a decal that showed if a machine was rebuilt. Occasionally, you can find a new serial number on the machine as well, stamped in the same place as the old one. Two big companies that rebuilt machines were Remington and Woodstock. Remington often rebuilt [[Remington Standard No. 10]]s and it's derivatives, stamped them with a new serial number, and put a "Rebuilt by Remington Typewriter Co., Ilion NY" decal on the back frame. Woodstock survived the great depression by rebuilding typewriters instead of manufacturing new ones. These machines are usually Woodstock 5s and 5Ns from the 20's. Rebuilt Woodstock machines are characterized by a friction-fit cover placed over the type basket and under the ribbon spool towers, and a (easily destroyed) yellow sticker on the back left of the frame that says, "Rebuilt by Woodstock Typewriter Co. Chicago, IL" on it. Typewriters that were rebuilt by independent shops, on the other hand, are often just given a new coat of paint, new decals, and new keys with the dealer tag of the shop secured somewhere on the machine, usually in a very visible place. Each shop had a different process, so rebuilt machines by repair shops vary from place to place.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 __TOC__
-_What are Rebuilt Typewriters?_
 "Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be fixed, cleaned, and readjusted, and finally reassembling it. Because typewriters were used heavily in offices, they required this process intermittently. Heavy daily use on a precision machine takes it's toll, so typewriter companies and typewriter shops offered rebuilding services to give tired typewriters a facelift. Often times this process involved a total or partial tear down of the typewriter, new paint, and sometimes even new features that could be easily added (e.g. key set tabulator, new keys, or new type slugs).
-__How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt?__
+==How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt?==
 The best way to know if a typewriter was rebuilt is to know what different machines looked like fresh out of the factory. Usually, rebuilt machines are from the 20's to the 40's, because rebuilding became big during the Great Depression and WWII as it was much cheaper than buying a new typewriter. Rebuilt typewriters come in many colors and configurations. Sometimes it is obvious, sometimes it is not. The most subtle rebuilds are machines that were not repainted and just had their typeface and keys replaced. Other times, (mostly independent shops) would repaint the machine in a new color not offered in the factory (like crinkle beige or black) and apply very generic-looking decals to replace the ones painted over.
-__Are rebuilt machines bad?__
+==Are rebuilt machines bad?==
 Certainly not! However, rebuilt machines are not usually desirable by collectors because they were altered from their original look. Some people think that the keys don't look right because they were changed out, or maybe the machine is the wrong color.

Rebuilt Typewriters - Revision history

Cerafuki: /* How can I tell if my typewriter is rebuilt? */

Cerafuki: /* Who rebuilt typewriters? */

Cerafuki: /* What are Rebuilt Typewriters? */ -- small edits to page and minor corrections

SpinierPigeon: /* Are rebuilt machines bad? */

SpinierPigeon: /* Who rebuilt typewriters */

SpinierPigeon: /* Who rebuilt typewriters */

SpinierPigeon: /* What are Rebuilt Typewriters? */

SpinierPigeon: /* What are Rebuilt Typewriters? */

SpinierPigeon at 18:20, 9 March 2022

SpinierPigeon: Created page with "__TOC__ _What are Rebuilt Typewriters?_ "Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be..."

SpinierPigeon: Created page with "TOC _What are Rebuilt Typewriters?_ "Rebuilding" is the process of taking something, like a typewriter or another mechanical object, and tearing it down so that it can be..."