Eraserhead

(Judge the typeface name for yourself using the NOMDA Blue Book. 

But I went back with a ruler and must correct myself: this machine is pica, not elite.)

The serial number is HHS-5430634 (1954). Does the S stand for Special?

Typewriter donations wanted for WordPlay Cincy

NOTE, June 2017: We do not currently have a need for more common typewriters, as we have a large stock awaiting restoration. If you have a rare or particularly attractive typewriter that you would like to donate to WordPlay Cincy, do please contact me, Richard Polt, as it could become a priority restoration.

This lovely photo by FD Harper showcases The Urban Legend Institute, the quirky curiosity shop that helps to support the kids' tutoring and writing center WordPlay Cincy. Today Ton S., who is briefly in Cincinnati, came to WordPlay with me, and director Libby Hunter treated us to an update on the good things happening here.

As most readers of this blog know, I have a dream volunteer job refurbishing and maintaining typewriters for the kids to use and for sale at The Urban Legend Institute. While the standard typewriters haven't sold yet, the portables have attracted a good deal of attention and 4 or 5 have sold so far. My typewriter cleaning and repair service has also found some customers.

I have a few other typewriters that I'm refurbishing for sale, but we could use more. So ...

50 Common Typing Faults, by Albert Tangora

My favorite typing champion has long been Albert Tangora. Why? There's just something about his handsome face and smile that I find — well — winning.

Notice how Tangora's championship Underwood has a special extended lever instead of the traditional stubby one, for easy returns, and a huge, distinctive bell that he could hear over the din of a typing competition.

I even sneaked Tangora into my 2010 NaNoWriMo novel:

I recently found this pamphlet attributed to Tangora, published by Royal in 1939. It includes 50 tips, an illustration of Tangora at a Royal, and more propaganda for the latest Royal typewriter. You can download a PDF of this charming bit of ephemera (about 7MB) by clicking on its image.

You can see Tangora in action here.