Saturday, April 6, 2013

The Cull

Salutations Typospherians!

So, I had done some pool-side typing today, couldn't focus, came back in and tried another four times on two different machines and still couldn't finish a tlog. Please forgive me using the blah-top instead of posting a tlog. Next time. I have some machines I need to introduce via one, anyway.

So then, down to business. It was a gorgeous spring day today, and so I spent part of it on the burro, heading to the craft store for stuff to finish a couple projects I have in the works (expect posts on these projects and tutorials; tis the season for all the steampunk cons, and these projects are directly related to that) and because of an event in our neighborhood, traffic was insane. My little pack-critter, only being a 50cc and barely capable of managing 30MPH in the most optimal of conditions had quite a time of it, and I'm certain I angered plenty of drivers in the process. While I'm not mentally or physically ready to get back on my warhorse, the Vulcan, it has become apparent that I need more powerful wheels. Wheels that can at least keep up with traffic on surface streets so I don't end up as roadkill.


My friend Mike who runs the local scooter boutique (apologies manly-man Mike; I just can't find another term for this place. With the wood floors, cozy atmosphere, constantly-spinning vinyl and autographed photos of celebrities and vintage license plates on the wall, the only way it could manage to ooze any more cool is if typewriters were present and there was an in-house coffee bar) has made me an offer on a new, 150cc Vespa clone that I absolutely cannot refuse (Google 'Puma Valentine' and you'll understand why). So, since I'm still 'freelancing', what's a girl to do?

It's time for a cull of the typewriter hoarde.

I surprised myself in this, as I actually managed to come up with ten or eleven machines that I could part with. Two of them are even -gasp- Olivers. Which are headed for consignment at an ungodly price in the morning (the consignment rate here is pretty steep; 35% at all the local shops). If I get a reasonable price for them all, that'll go a long way toward my goal. And not all of the funds will go just to the scooter; Mike has a collection barrel in his shop for dog and cat food, which goes to Meals-on-Wheels Pet Program to help homebound people feed their pets, and to the local animal shelter to feed the shelter pets. I want to try to fill his barrel to help these critters; my pets are all rescues and were there for me when I was homebound, so now that I'm not and my critters are pretty sassy, I'd like to help those who need it. 

So without further ado, here are the machines that will be leaving my care. Some are spoken for; I'll add in the captions which ones are.



'Gryphon' Oliver 9 Print-type. Cleaner than this photo. Works; has fresh ribbon and pencil. Very nice machine, but I have like, six 9's, so I think I can part with one. $100.00 OBO +S&H; you don't want to know what the consignment price is going to be.




'Socrates' Remington Noiseless Seven. On hold.


'Sid and Nancy' Corona Zephyr (Sid) and Corona Skywriter (Nancy) On hold; going to the same home! That makes me so happy!



'Hotei' (Prosperity Buddha in Japanese lore) IBM Model A. Not working; He Who Must Not Be Named told me something to try with it but I haven't yet. $30 OBO +S&H.



'Susan' Olivetti Praxis 35. Has a weird slipping problem with the daisywheel; I'll hit one letter and it'll skip to something totally random. $30 OBO +S&H.


'Molly' Royal Royalite. New ribbon. Still has sticky shift. Going to try to put it in Mike's shop; we'll see how that goes. $30 OBO +S&H


'Cael the Indecent' Royal Aristocrat with script font and the key to the case. Needs different spools and ribbon cover. $100 OBO +S&H (I know, I know; I over-paid for this guy).


'Grungy' Oliver Standard 5. No longer grungy! Replaced missing key; put in new ribbon and pencil. $100 OBO +S&H; headed to consignment tomorrow.

I really should have taken pictures after the Ollies were cleaned. Hope you enjoyed and wish me luck! Hope you guys will like the steampunk tutorials I'll be doing in the near-future as well.


Now get out there and type! (Or stay in and type, depending on your weather.)

Salut!
-Anna