Chinese-made fake typewriters have been turning up for a few years now. They're intended as decorative items, probably for places like restaurants or clubs where they can contribute to a phony "old-timey" feel and people won't give them a second look.
Now there's a new development, which I spotted on eBay today: a cast-resin miniature that is itself an imitation of a copy of a phony typewriter: a fake fake fake!
So what is the origin of this weird object?
As I pointed out nearly five years ago, the root (real) typewriter is a Gourland.
The fake version of it is a Govrland.
This became Governor's Land (via a country club in Virginia).
And now we have GOVERNGRS IAND.
What will be next?
Now there's a new development, which I spotted on eBay today: a cast-resin miniature that is itself an imitation of a copy of a phony typewriter: a fake fake fake!
So what is the origin of this weird object?
As I pointed out nearly five years ago, the root (real) typewriter is a Gourland.
The fake version of it is a Govrland.
This became Governor's Land (via a country club in Virginia).
And now we have GOVERNGRS IAND.
What will be next?
How bizarre! I can’t imagine what the next generation fake will look like :D
ReplyDeleteGrover's Hand
ReplyDeleteit's like some weird game of "telephone"
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ReplyDeleteI am not sure about the fakes but I do like the Gourland! The open ribbon spools are unique touches and the bright yellow key tops make this a whimsical package! When are you starting Polt Typewriter Rentals? I would like dibs rental on this one and the Humber 99.
Come on over to Cincy and you can try my typewriters!
DeleteThe open ribbon spools are probably not original, I'm not sure how they got to be that way.
Yes, I have seen some of them on Amazon. One seemed also to work ... sort of. I wasn't quite sure what to think about it.
ReplyDeleteHuh. So it had moving parts?
DeleteGross. The only thing I think those would be good for would be to put them out in the garden instead of real ones
ReplyDeleteOr we could turn them into lamps ... or cut off the "keys" and make jewelry ...
DeleteI'm reminded of the time when I was walking past stalls in Patpong, Bangkok selling fake Swiss watches. When I commented to one hawker that the prices of his Rolexes were higher than the others, he replied "But mine are real fakes, not like those!"
ReplyDeleteGreat line!
DeleteThis is so weird, even the name is badly copied. On the other hand, if I had to copy a Chinese text, it would probably turn out worse. Great find though!
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