Serial Number: KMG-4294086
4 bank, 42 keys / 84 characters, tabulator, Magic Margins, Royal standard elite typeface
Today I pulled it out of the office closet where it’s been waiting patiently since the Eaton Fire for some restoration attention. I acquired it with the drawband disconnected, but in under five minutes I was able to get it re-connected and re-tensioned. The ribbon was a total loss, so i swapped it out with about 22 feet of black/red bichrome cotton ribbon from Baco Ribbon Supply Co. A few tweaks later, and I’ve now got this machine up and running with some pretty reasonable alignment.
Future work
It’s a bit slower than it ought to be, so it’s definitely going to need a full clean/oil/adjust. The rubber feet are completely shot on this, so they’re going to require complete replacement. The platen has pretty much lost all of it’s “give”, so it will need replacement too. There’s two dents in the paper table that ought to flatten out with some care. Beyond this, I suspect I’ll be able to get this lovely machine shined up and running with less than a day’s worth of modest work.
Presuming that I can tune it up to the same standard as my other KMG, this one will replace it as my daily driver, though the pica version will still get lots of attention.
Typeface Sample
Incredible machines and worth every effort exerted on their restoration. Bravo for putting in the hours.
(My KMM is my favourite desktop)
My first typewriter! My dad brought it home for me from the office when I was eight. Traveled in the trunk of my Camaro all through high school and college.
Today, I keep a QDL Dreyfus in my office as part of the regular rotation.
Great work!
Love the Big Ben
Thanks. One of these days, I’ll get a version of the Big Ben that Henry Dreyfuss re-designed to “match” with “his” typewriter…
Syndicated copies:
@chrisaldrich I’m on the hunt for one of these (a typewriter), myself. I’m not quite sure where to start, though I’m looking forward to the (re)search process — and seeing others with them is an encouragement. I’m hoping to use it for typing out letters (that’s letters for sending in the post, as well as ones that are click-clacked out on the paper itself… haha).
@jasraj Here’s two of the more interesting things I’ve written with respect to your first typewriter that might be helpful:
Feel free to ask me any questions, I’ve got loads of experience here. Good luck in your search!
@chrisaldrich thanks so much Chris, this is all much appreciated! I look forward to diving in 🙂