Typewriter Repair Shop - Our Vintage and Antique Typewriter Repair Services
At our typewriter repair shop, we specialise in repairing, maintaining, and restoring vintage and antique typewriters. Every machine is handled with care and treated as a mechanical instrument, not a decorative object. Our goal is to restore reliable function while respecting the original construction and character of each typewriter.
How Our Service Works
1. Inspection and Evaluation
Upon receiving your typewriter, we carry out a technical inspection. We check the mechanical condition, typebars, platen, carriage movement, escapement, ribbon system, and overall wear to determine the exact scope of work.
2. Cleaning and Lubrication
Key components are partially or fully disassembled as required. Old grease, dust, rust residue, and hardened lubricants are removed using appropriate technical methods. All moving parts are then correctly lubricated.
3. Mechanical Repairs and Adjustments
Worn or damaged parts such as springs, linkages, typebars, drawbands, escapement elements, and levers are repaired or replaced. We use original parts when available, compatible replacements, or precision reproductions when necessary.
4. Alignment and Calibration
Typing alignment, carriage travel, ribbon advance, spacing, and impression are adjusted to ensure clean, even, and consistent typing.
5. Cosmetic Restoration (Optional)
If requested, we offer exterior cosmetic work, including cleaning, polishing, paint correction, decal restoration, and chrome or nickel polishing. Cosmetic work is always optional and quoted separately.
6. Reassembly and Functional Testing
After servicing, the machine is fully reassembled and tested. We verify typing quality, carriage return, ribbon feed, and overall reliability.
7. Client Approval
Any additional repairs or extended work are discussed in advance. No work is carried out without client approval.
8. Pickup or Delivery
Once completed, the machine can be collected or shipped. Invoices and documentation are provided. Optional warranty applies depending on service level.
What Makes Us Different
Expert craftsmanship focused exclusively on vintage and antique typewriters
Transparent communication. The client decides the scope of work
Use of original, compatible, or precision reproduction parts
Optional cosmetic finishes without compromising mechanical integrity
Brands and Models We Service
We work with European and American brands, including Olivetti, Olympia, Hermes, Royal, Adler, Erika, Underwood, and many others, from portable machines to large office and standard models.
Pricing and How It Works
Basic Service
Basic Cleaning (Air) and Technical Inspection
Price: 50€ minimum payment
This service includes basic external and internal air cleaning and an initial technical inspection to assess the machine's condition.
The 50€ payment is mandatory, non-refundable, and covers approximately 30 minutes of technician work.
For complex, heavy, or very dirty machines that require more disassembly, an additional 50€ may be applied during inspection, bringing the inspection total to 100€.
Example 1: Portable Typewriter
Model: Olivetti Pluma 22
Client need: Occasional home use, check functionality
Inspection result: Machine is complete and functional but needs deep cleaning, alignment, light cosmetic work, and a new ribbon.
Estimated cost:
- Initial inspection payment: 50€
- Deep cleaning: 50€
- Alignment and typing adjustment: 25€
- Light exterior cosmetic cleaning and polishing: 25€
- New ribbon installation: 10€
Estimated total: 160€
Example 2: Semi-Portable Typewriter
Model: Olympia SM3
Client needs: Regular use, reliable typing
Inspection result: Heavier machine with complex internal mechanics, hardened grease, and minor alignment issues.
Estimated cost:
- Initial inspection and advanced disassembly: 100€
- Deep cleaning and lubrication: 80€
- Alignment, spacing, and ribbon system adjustment: 40€
- New ribbon installation: 10€
Estimated total: 230€
Example 3: Standard Antique Typewriter
Model: Underwood No.5
Client needs: Full mechanical service, historical machine
Inspection result: Large standard machine, extensive cleaning required, multiple mechanical adjustments needed.
Estimated cost:
- Initial inspection and advanced disassembly: 100€
- Deep internal cleaning and lubrication: 120€
- Mechanical adjustments and escapement tuning: 80€
- Drawband or minor part repair: 50€
- New ribbon installation: 10€
Estimated total: 360€
Prices may vary depending on missing parts, corrosion, or client expectations.
Standard Service
Standard Cleaning and Maintenance
Price: from 150€
Includes deep cleaning, lubrication, mechanical adjustments, and full functional setup. Price may increase depending on machine size, condition, and required parts.
Includes:
- Certificate of writing and functionality
- One free revision check within 1 year
Advanced Services
Advanced Repair and Restoration
Initial payment: 100€
Final price: Variable, based on diagnosis and client approval
For machines requiring extensive repairs, part replacement, or full restoration. The timeframe depends on complexity and the availability of parts.
Estimated timelines:
- Basic service: 3 to 7 working days
- Advanced restoration: from 1 week up to several months
Payment and Storage Policy
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A minimum inspection payment of 50€ is required and is non-refundable.
Each additional 30 minutes of technician work is charged at 50€ when required for diagnosis or quotation.
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Maintenance plans and service subscriptions are quoted individually. Work begins only after client confirmation.
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Completed machines must be collected within 3 weeks of service completion.
Storage fees apply after that period:
- 25€ per week, maximum 3 additional weeks
- After 6 weeks total, the machine is considered abandoned
