1936 Remington Model 5 Streamline
Up for sale is an extremely uncommon variant of the Remington Model 5 Streamline which has colored keys and was manufactured in 1936. The colored keys on this machine were meant to help teach touch typing to students, and help make this machine a really attractive and collectible typewriter.
Quoting from http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/rem-portables.htm,
"This typewriter is mechanically the same as the boxy Model 5, but its body looks quite different: it is an example of the streamlined industrial design of the later Art Deco, or Art Moderne, period. In general, typewriter manufacturers didn't go very far in this trend that was taking other office and kitchen appliances by storm. But the #5 is a tasteful, striking example of typewriter streamlining. The shape was probably created by noted designer Oscar Bruno Bach (to judge from references in a 1940 Time magazine on Bach and his 1957 New York Times obituary, provided to me by Ed Neuert). A company pamphlet says, "The modern attractive lines of this new Remington brings [sic] 20th Century style and grace to the world's most famous portable typewriter ... make it a desirable addition to any home surrounding. Note the big, massive sturdiness of this new Remington Self-starter portable, its graceful lines and glistening finish."
Historically, this typewriter was not affordable for everyone in its time. This machine was manufactured in the height of the Great Depression, and cost almost $900 in today's money ($49.50 adjusted for inflation). At a time where Remington, Royal, Smith-Corona, and other manufacturers were producing "junior" machines with the bare basic minimum features to cut down on manufacturing costs, this typewriter was a full standard portable, and one that was made to look good, type well, and last for years to come.
This particular typewriter is in good shape, although it is not perfect. Cosmetically, there are a few dings/small areas of missing paint, and the labels are very slightly worn. Mechanically, everything on this typewriter is fully functional right down to the bell, although the typewriter does not consistently type red on the red ribbon color selector setting, so I would recommend keeping the selector on the black setting. Despite that, this typewriter is a fairly decent typer, and is good for frequent use. The platen and feed rollers have all been resurfaced, meaning this machine will not have any issues gripping paper for many long years to come. The case is also in decent shape, although the handle is a bit worn.
The owner's manual for this machine can be found within the following document: http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/RemPort1940.pdf
Universal ribbons can not directly be installed into this machine- instead you'll want to re-thread the original spools with the new ribbon which comes on the universal spools sold on this site.
If you're looking for an amazing conversation piece that's in beautiful, functional condition- look no further. If you're looking for a Remington 5 with colored keys specifically, you may have to wait a very long time before you see another.