If you know me personally, you probably know I love a good typewriter. My collection began almost a decade ago and has grown and shrunk. These are the 8 essential typewriters I can’t get out of my life (or office). Enjoy this visual journey through the Hennebry Typewriter Collection.

1. 1956 Underwood Quiet Tab De Luxe

*Click the photo to see more photos of this typewriter on Instagram*

This typewriter is my absolute favourite—and no one seems to ever mention this model and year. The colour, the feel of the keys, the Pica typeface, the ease of the keys, the sound, the feel: it’s all perfect. I cried when Leanne gave it to me as it was my dream typewriter and I only had to wait 2 years (after starting my collection) to own it. Have never seen another one on eBay again. This colour variation—the Tuxedo—is the sharpest of all typewriters. I actually own 3 variations of this typewriter (as you will see below) because I find it so perfect. Don’t sleep on this machine (or please do. More for me).

2. 1946 Smith-Corona Sterling

When we lived in Hamilton, my typewriter repair guy Nick owned a shop on the mountain. He showed me this machine, knowing I’d be gushing over it with him. He wasn’t wrong! I told my wife about it but I knew it was too far out of my price range. This thing was so immaculate you’d think it just rolled off the assembly line. Leanne bought it a week later and stored it for 2 months in a coworker’s desk so I wouldn’t find it. It’s the only typewriter in my collection that threatens the Tuxedo.

3. 1965 Hermes Media 3

The Hermes 3000s are legendary for good reason. This variation—essentially the same thing only missing the tab function—is perfect for me as I got it for a steal compared to what the 3000s usually go for. It is unlike any other typewriter I own, and it might be my favourite colour of them all. If you could only own one typewriter, it would be hard to argue why it should be anything other than this.

4. 1958 Royal Quiet De Luxe

I used to own this machine with green keys and I sold it because the carriage skipped a little and I thought it was ugly. This two-tone grey with white keys hits the spot though. Possibly the most comfortable typewriter I own to type on (shallowest rise of the keys). It might be more utilitarian in looks but in function it is fantastic. I love it. Great machine.

5. 1965 Olivetti Lettera 32

I paid $10 for this badboy in a blind purchase on Kijiji. Leanne found it actually—I can claim no part of that. It has been dropped on its side a time or two as it’s a little dysfunctional, but despite its flaws, I love it. If it were a little smaller in depth, I might take it with me on business trips. Guess I need to buy a Skyriter for that. An Italian classic!

6. 1959 Underwood Quiet Tab De Luxe

Originally purchased this machine to give it away and haven’t been able to do so. It’s colour is fun and its ease of use is unparalleled. We also bought it just as we were having our first son, so its blue colour feels representational. I love it. Can’t see myself getting rid of it.

7. 1955 Underwood Quiet Tab De Luxe (Cursive)

I call this one the Ugly Duckling because its colour doesn’t do much for me, but its cursive font and Quiet Tab De Luxe features do. Every time I think to myself, “Maybe I’ll let that one go,” I put it on the desk, hammer out a note, and fall in love all over again. It’s the only cursive in the collection (since I sold my Olympia SM9 to my mom) so it definitely has a unique spot in the collection. Can’t seem to give it up.

8. 1939 Underwood Universal

The typewriter that started it all! Leanne bought this for me back in 2013 and I have been in love ever since. It’s the least ergonomic to use (being a product of 1939) but when I get over that, I remember why I have it (beyond sentimental reasons). This is my oldest machine (both in the collection and by manufacture date) but it still works just as well as you’d expect. This one won’t be leaving my collection ever—or at least not before its 100th birthday. 16 years to go.

Hope you enjoyed the visual trip through my collection. If you think I’m missing anything essential, let me know and I’ll get back to you about why I don’t own it yet, or I’ll send you a photo when I realize that you were right and I’ve added it to my set.

The Hennebry Typewriter Collection