VTG 1961 Blue Bird 18b (Torpedo 18b export) w/manual, case, new ribbon for Sale

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VTG 1961 Blue Bird 18b (Torpedo 18b export) w/manual, case, new ribbon For Sale

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VTG 1961 Blue Bird 18b (Torpedo 18b export) w/manual, case, new ribbon:
$450.00

1961 Blue Bird 18b for sale. Serial number 1249236. Typeface: RO 88-Bruxelles (NOT pica, as listed in the picture…that was a type error on my part). It is a 10 CPI typeface. This machine was recently cleaned up, and received a new black and red ribbon. The Blue Bird is extremely clean, with no rust to speak of and its chrome accents make the machine shine. It even has the 'extra' chrome rubber feet covers, making it shine even more. It has just a couple of small scratches on the body (see pictures), but still looks amazing. The graphics ( “Made in West Germany”, the “Blue Bird” and company info in London on the back, and the original shop’s sticker the machine sold at in 1961 look great). If a possible buyer/interested party is looking through the pictures and thinking this looks just like a late 1950’s/early 1960’s Torpedo 18b, well, they’d be correct.

The Blue Bird, for those unfamiliar with the name, is an export version of the Torpedo 18b. It is almost identical to a Torpedo 18b, with the exception of the Blue Bird name (and a couple of different keys, such as the pound key instead of the dollar sign). There is a possible narrative floating around that Remington chose to re-badge the Torpedoes with the Blue Bird name when selling in England to attempt to boost sales (still some rumored possible WW2 tension for a West German typewriter named 'Torpedo' being sold there just a few short years after the war in the U.K.). Whatever the actual reason, the U.K. export version of the Torpedo was labeled with the Blue Bird name…and this machine can really 'sing' as a result. :)

This particular Blue Bird comes complete with a fully-functional case, and even comes with it's original Blue Bird user manual. Like the Torpedo, this machine has a wonderfully snappy and precise type action, and can type very fast. The keys have a great feel to them (no sticking or jamming), and it is a very sturdy and high-precision German-made machine. The (huge) paper support works as it should, as do the margin stops. The carriage return works properly, as does the color selection and shift mechanisms.

The only potential issues with this machine that I am aware of at present: the carriage release levers and the tabulation system working strangely. For the carriage release levers, when using either the right or left side, the carriage will, at times, not want to immediately ‘catch’ (for lack of a better word) as one might want it to when you are wanting to set the carriage in a certain and specific spot in your typing. An example: if I use the carriage release on either side, hold down while attempting to move the carriage to a particular spot, it will occasionally not immediately stay where I’d intended it to stay after releasing the carriage release lever. It will keep wanting to move to the left, in those instances. When this has happened, I've had to fiddle with it a time or two before I can get it to set itself again. It’s a very strange issue that has only shown itself occasionally, and only when using the carriage release levers. If one isn’t using either of these levers, the issue hasn’t shown itself since I’ve had the machine (and as a result, I rarely have used the carriage release levers when using this machine).

The other potential issue I've noticed when using the machine: setting tabs. While I rarely use tabs when typing, when I have attempted to set them, I've noticed that they will all set correctly, as well as clear correctly. The problem can come as you are using multiple tabs. Example: I hit the tab button for the first tab set, it will correctly go to the spot I've wanted. I hit it a second time while writing, and the carriage will just keep on moving. Again, I'm a rare tab user myself, so this might be an easy fix. But I wasn't aware of an easy fix, so I've opted to disclose this (and the carriage release situation) rather than have someone be surprised by either situation if they came up for you.

If you couldn't tell by reading this post, I genuinely love this machine (and am a Torpedo typewriter enthusiast overall). It is a beautiful machine that is fun to type on. I had every intention of having this machine refurbished by a typewriter technician, but am in need of downsizing my collection a bit at the moment. I'm hopeful you are able to enjoy it as much as I have.

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a typewriter expert, nor do I claim to be. I’ve listed any issues I am aware of/experienced myself in the interest of being upfront and honest, but there could be other issues that I am unaware of. Typewriter is sold as-is, with no warranties or returns. Machine will be well-packed (see my seller response if you’re interested in how I pack) and shipped quickly via UPS. If you have any questions that may arise, or would like any other pictures, please ask and I’ll be happy to help. Thanks for looking, and have a great day!