Antique Torpedo Typewriter in Excellent Condition. Germany, 1930's

Elegant antique Torpedo typewriter in very goon condition and perfect working order. The mechanism of the typewriter has been carefully cleaned, tuned and greased so today it works fine and can be used to type documents. The machine boasts a modern and timeless design though being an old-time piece: it was made in Germany in the 1930s. The black-lacquered iron body is in amazing condition, with no scratches or dents, and the silvery-metal component parts remain very well preserved too. Over the carriage we can see a lovely decal with the brand name and manufacturing company: TORPEDO WEILWERKE AKT. GES. FRANKFURT A.M. The decal is printed in big golden lettering, quite well preserved. On the other hand, the keyboard is composed of white pieces with black symbols and letters; the keys bear the nickel-plated reinforcement rings typical of antique typewriters. It is complete and in very good condition. The typewriter stands on four small and sturdy legs that provide it with height and stability. This gorgeous antique Torpedo typewriter stands out for its stylish design and good working order. It is a piece that should be present in every self-respecting collection.Torpedo Typewriters History The origins of the Torpedo BüromaschinenWerke AG (Torpedo Typewriter Factory) date back to the establishment of the Peter Weil & Co in 1896. The company was founded by Peter and Heinrich Weil to manufacture two models of bycicles: the Weil-Räder and the Torpedo-Räder. Production started with nine employees in a building located in Frankfurt Am Main, Germany. In 1907 the Weil brothers decided to start making typewriters and took over Hermann Wasems business, who had been making the Hassia typewriter for three years. The first standard-size Torpedo typewriters were exported under the Regent brand name. Torpedo would maintain this brand and would use it again in the 1930s, when they started to export their firs portable machines. Just then, they also made portable typewriters for export under the Blue Bird name. Just as Underwood had expanded into Germany by taking over Mercedes in 1927, Remington Rand took over Torpedos typewriter arm in 1931. The companys name was changed to Remington Buromaschinen GmbH, but the firm kept on manufacturing typewriters under the Torpedo brand name.