No one hand writes personal letters any more. Well, almost no one. But I do, even though I have fewer and fewer opportunities to do so. These days getting a personal letter in the mail is almost like getting a telegram a generation or two ago. It's almost a memorable event.
I particularly enjoy typing out notes and letters on a manual typewriter, though modern life discourages me from ever doing so. I had it in mind once to start collecting old typewriters (rather than old cars!) and even collected several until I got a grip on myself. One thing I didn't need in my life was even more toys that I valued but no one else in my family did. Still, I'm happy with what I have, though I don't want any more.
It's only during the Christmas season I can give my collection a good workout.
On the left is my Olympia SM which Germany began to produce after WWII. Among collectors it is called the "Mercedes" of typewriters. Woody Allen bought one as a young man and has typed out the scripts for every one of his movies on that same machine.
In the middle is a 1940s Royal DeLuxe with pebbly finish and stainless trim. I could have bought it for its looks alone.
And to the right is Royal Quiet DL, often used by the US Army during and after WWII. Very rugged & reliable. It's the machine that Earnest Hemingway used to write almost all of his fiction.
Every once in a while I'll wander over to Ebay and get the acquisition itch again.
View attachment 55176 Stop me, somebody.