The iconic rounded 3000 was an earlier iteration, preferred by most collectors. Insides are the same as the later, boxier 3000.
Typewriter enthusiast Tom Hanks with his boxier version.
Hermes 3000
The Peak of Typewriter Design
The Hermes 3000 is widely regarded as one of the finest portable typewriters in the world.
Before Paillard, a Swiss company know for precision engineering, designed the Hermes 3000, they spent years dissecting many of history’s iconic typewriters in order to create the perfect machine. And in 1958 that machine was unleashed upon the world, and named after the Greek God.
“In the Odyssey, Hermes appears mainly as the messenger of the gods and the conductor of the dead to Hades. Hermes was also a dream god, and the Greeks offered to him the last libation before sleep. As a messenger, he may also have become the god of roads and doorways, and he was the protector of travelers.”
A perfect metaphor for the wayworn wordsmiths of the world. While it was originally designed for office use, writers from all genres quickly swept in to co-opt its elegant design and features.
With the balance of a compact size, elegant design, light weight, and what we might refer to as extreme reliability, it’s become one of the most sought-after typewriters in the world.
A second-generation Hermes 3000 was born in the 60’s. The shell was modified while the mechanics remained about the same. A great machine, it is not quite as sought after as the iconic rounded design.
A Rich History
A few highlights.
Jack Kerouac reportedly wrote his final novel on the Hermes 3000.
Sylvia Plath wrote her only novel, the Bell Jar, on one which sold for $45,662 USD at auction.
Adrienne Rich wrote some of her iconic poetry on the Hermes.
Larry McMurtry, the writer of the Brokeback Mountain movie script, thanked his Hermes 3000 at the 2006 Golden Globes:
“Most heartfelt, I thank my typewriter. My typewriter is a Hermes 3000, surely one of the noblest instruments of European genius.”
(He didn’t write the famous novel upon which the script is made)
Some other writers that used a Hermes 3000:
Stephen Dixon
Stephen Fry
Sam Shepard
John Steinbeck
Eugene Lonesco
Matt Groening.
Specs:
Visible Margin Indicator
Iconic modern design
Auto Tab Set Features
Durable Original Case that Stands the Test of Time (unlike most)
Basket Shift
Push-Button Panel for Service Features
Large carriage return lever
Dimensions: 13in. deep, 12½in. wide, 5¾in high. About the same in case.
Machines for Sale…
Welcome to one of history’s finest typewriters, lovingly restored for your writing pleasure.
Each machine is restored to order.* Allow 2 weeks for your personal restoration. You’ll get a stunning, authentic, lovingly-restored specimen of this model in the condition selected.
*Only 8 Hermes 3000s leave our shop each month.
Hermes 3000 Typewriter History
Before Paillard designed the Hermes 3000, they spent years dissecting many of history's iconic typewriters in order to create the perfect machine.
In 1958 that machine was unleashed upon the world.
The result was a feature-rich machine that was durable, comfortable, and beautiful. It quickly became a legend in the literary world. Jack Kerouac reportedly wrote his final novel on the Hermes 3000. Sylvia Plath wrote her only novel, the Bell Jar, on one. Adrienne Rich wrote some of her iconic poetry on the Hermes.
The Hermes 3000 is unrivaled for its
Smooth manual type action
Buttery, effortless key stroke that rivals any other manual
Swiss precision engineering - Made in Switzerland during the Golden Age (1950s-1960s)
Iconic curved design
Ultra-reliable mechanics - precision mechanics, builtl to last
Perfect balance - Substantial build quality in a portable form
Responsive touch - Light, fast action ideal for long writing sessions
Cutting-edge features, like auto-margins, tab set and clear keys and auto margins with visible margin indicators
A ‘gold setting’ that lets you get an extra ribbon worth of typing in the same ribbon
Some other writers of interest that have been notes as using a Hermes 3000:
Stephen Dixon, Stephen Fry, Sam Shepard , John Steinbeck, Eugene Lonesco, Matt Groening.
YOUR HERMES 3000 WILL INCLUDE:
Fully restored Hermes 3000 typewriter (iconic rounded 1950s model shown)
New professional ribbon installed (black)
Original case in excellent condition
Detailed care instructions
Video tutorial - Setup, maintenance, and typing tips
Warranty coverage (1-year EXCELLENT / 3-year BEST)
Lifetime trade-in policy (100% credit toward any future purchase)
PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION BY EXPERT TECH:
Every Hermes 3000 receives a complete mechanical restoration:
Full disassembly and deep cleaning
Initial Test; mechanical adjustments and repairs
New rubber platen installed
New rubber feet installed
Type cleaning and alignment
Tension and spacing calibration
Final quality inspection by Steven
These aren't just "cleaned up" - they're fully restored to like-new performance. ---
INCLUDES SETUP & CARE VIDEO TUTORIAL
New to typewriters? This video makes getting started effortless.
WARRANTY: Comes with our 1-3 year comprehensive warranty, depending on condition selected.
LIFETIME TRADE-IN POLICY: Changed your mind? Want to upgrade? We offer 100% trade-in credit (what you paid) toward any future typewriter purchase. Forever. Try that with any other vintage seller. ---
PROFESSIONAL SHIPPING: Professional eco-friendly packing - double-walled, load tested box, fully protected (some places use pounds of plastic and foam to pack one typewriter. We don’t. I’m trying to IMPROVE world conditions through recycling machines, not make things WORSE.)
We've shipped thousands of typewriters without incident. Your machine will arrives safe and ready to write.
SPECS:
Model: Hermes 3000 Portable
Manufacturer: Paillard (Switzerland)
Manufacturing Period: 1950s-1960s
Dimensions: 13" W × 13" D × 6" H
Weight (with case): 17 lbs
Weight (without case): 14 lbs
Keyboard Layout: QWERTY, US Mechanism (sometimes you’ll get some European accent keys as special characters) [Machine of the world!]
Type: Manual portable typewriter
Platen Width: 10 inches (standard letter)
Case: Original
Condition: Professionally restored
New Parts Installed: Platen, feet, ribbon
Typeface: Elite or Pica (request in form at checkout)
***
Choose your Condition at checkout:
EXCELLENT = Daily Writer Fully restored and ready for heavy daily use. Clean, smooth, reliable. All mechanical issues addressed. May show light cosmetic wear from 60+ years of age. Perfect for writers who want a stunning working tool that will write and write.
1 YEAR WARRANTY.
BEST = Pristine cosmetic condition. Collector-grade aesthetics with flawless mechanics. For those that require or demand the best.
3 YEAR WARRANTY
***
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. (There is also a form at checkout where you can put requests, concerns, usage, etc).
📧 Email: steven@classictypewriter.com
Most sincerely,
Steven Budden Jr.
Classic Typewriter Co.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
WHAT SETS US APART
Our Promise | Warranty | Working Guarantee | Lifetime Tradein Policy
RESOURCES
REVIEWS
Karl S. Dec 9, 2024 — "Typewriter exceeded my expectations. The Hermes 3000 has become my new workhorse typewriter. A gorgeous piece of European ingenuity."
Gaye M. Sep 2, 2025 — "It's PERFECT!! Steven was with me every time I got in touch with any question."
Hope Bennett Jan 22, 2025 — "The typewriter will have a permanent position of honor in my sunroom."
Tracy N. Nov 4, 2024 — "A beautiful machine and works like a charm. I'm looking forward to many days of happy writing. Great service."
Douglas C. Jan 4, 2026 — "Beautiful typewriter, outstanding service. Highly recommend!"