Blickensderfer 5 typewriter - ready

The Blickensderfer 5 typewiter that was in a bit of a state (and missing several bits) is now again presentable and in its transport case.

Taken out of its case, it is complete, clean and even functional.

This machine probably dates from 1906. Instead of a metal plate with patent dates, has a gold decal shield with patent dates on the side.

The replacement carriage-release bail as well as the paper-tray rack are made from knitting-needles. A new 3D-printed carriage knob fitted, replica of the original pattern. For proper paper-handling, a replica was made for the missing ruler as well. 

From browsing The Typewriterdatabase, number 5's of this period should have a nickel-plated ruler, rounded edges with a numbered scale. Number 7's have a blank ruler. Early machines straight corners. Later models, i.e. the Rem-Blick show a black ruler with the scale in white. Being uncertain of how the result would come out, made a replica ruler for each of the possible variants - to see what would be achievable/acceptable and not look too out-of-place.

Fortunately, the scale lettering came out quite well and accepting a spray-painted brushed-nickel appearance instead of proper shiny nickel, the nickel-scale variant was fitted. To mount this and also replace the refreshed feed-roller, again the carriage was taken apart.

Viewed from normal 'use' distance, the ruler is not too jarring. More importantly, it functions in guiding the paper over the platen. (The new keys also blend in fairly well, may yet be replaced by slightly improved specimens.)

Outcome of re-building the wrecked little Blickensderfer; a presentable and functional Blickensderfer 5 typewriter.

It is now quite usable to type a letter or two. The roller-inking and typewheel mechanism is however much more temperamental than a typebar+ribbon system. Using the Blickensderfer next to e.g. an Underwood 5 the difference is very noticeable - the Underwood is so much more robust and forgiving than the Blickensderfer, not even mentioning its speed.

The Blickensderfer on the other hand is amazingly compact, offers endless variety in typefaces and easily swaps color and simply looks 'cool'. With some care and adapting to the touch and rythm of the machine, it is really usable and able to produce decent work too.

Ingenious little machine!