Welcome to one of history’s finest typewriters, lovingly restored for your writing pleasure.

Order now. In about 2 weeks, you’ll get a stunning, authentic, lovingly-restored specimen of this model in the condition selected.

History of the Hermes Baby Typewriter

The Hermes Baby is reputed to have been the most popular portable typewriter in the world. Its creator, according to many sources, was an Italian: Giuseppe Prezioso.

Circa 1954, the legendary 40’s Hermes Baby was upgraded to this new, streamlined version. It has a green crinkle finish and the black rounded keys morphed into ergonomic molded mint-green keys. In other words, she modernized.

These are more reliable than the earlier models, in my experience, and a little prettier.

Manufactured by: Hermes-Presica, a division of Paillard (they also made wind-up cameras and other intricate manual gadgets

Company headquarters: Paillard, a company from Yverdon, Switzerland

Factory locations: Production varied—Paillard Incorporated was based in Switzerland, but the factory that produced this typewriter was located in Sackingen, Germany.

Like the larger sibling, the Hermes 3000, these come in the iconic seafoam green color, which Hermes advertised as:

"the most relaxing to the eye…least likely to interfere with the operator's efficiency".

So, to paraphrase Ford, you can have it in any color you like, as long as it’s green.

I say ‘Rocket / Baby’ in the listing because they are identical other than the branding plate, and the listing includes pictures of both).

These beauties usually comes in 12 characters per inch, ‘elite’. (About 10 pt font) or 10 characters per inch (about 12 point font).

These are ultra portable and light weight. Cases are metal and clip over the top. The lowest profile machine around. (Including case). The Groma Kolibri is slightly lower, however the case is bulky and not-well-thought-out.

These are somewhat rare in great condition, as well as rarer in US QWERTY keyboard layout.

These are one of my favorite ultra portables. The flip-open ‘gull-wing’ ribbon covers are iconic. Not to mention the features they’ve managed to design into a small (ish) package.

Weighing around 9 pounds with its case, the Rocket was marketed as an ultra-portable option for travelers, students, and writers who needed a reliable machine on the go.

Dimensions: 11 inches × 10 inches × 3.3 inches.

Weight: 7.7 pounds (machine only). About 8 pounds in the case.

This uses a universal typewriter ribbon, though the spool is a little smaller. Hence we include the originals so you can rewind if needed. (simple affair).

Features:

• Automatic or Manual Ribbon Reversal

• Gullwing Covers

• Automatic Paper Support

• Low profile

• US QWERTY Keyboard

• Single and Double line spacing

• Ergonomic folding return lever

Choose your TIER 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, if not a museum piece. (These are better than 99% of what you will find anywhere, as we source the best machines).

BEST = Investment Grade Museum-quality restoration. Pristine cosmetic condition. Collector-grade aesthetics with flawless mechanics. These are the machines that appreciate in value.

Comes with 3-YEAR WARRANTY

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YOUR HERMES BABY INCLUDES:

✓ Fully restored Hermes Baby typewriter (1950s model)

✓ New upgraded ribbon installed (black)

✓ Original case in excellent condition with working handle and latches (or original leatherette)

✓ Detailed care instructions

✓ Video tutorial - Setup, maintenance, and writing tips

✓ Warranty coverage (1-year EXCELLENT / 3-year BEST)

✓ Lifetime trade-in policy (100% credit toward any future purchase)

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PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION BY EXPERT TECH.

We replace rubber rollers, feed rollers, and feet as needed'.

Here’s an interesting historical reference (to the earlier 40’s model).

Jack Thompson, describing the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach in 1944:

"Down came our landing ramp. Machine-gun bullets flayed the water just ahead of Taylor, first to jump off into the chest-deep water. I followed, instinctively shielding my face with my prized lightweight portable typewriter, a Swiss-made Hermes. Hermes must have been my good luck charm. I wasn't nicked, nor were any of my comrades on the boat. We all escaped injury that day. Fifty years later, I've still got the typewriter."

The Hermes Baby is probably the finest ultra-portable ever made, famous for its small profile and buttery keyboard action. It will follow you everywhere and write whatever you need.

As for sound, the smaller profile makes for a little bit more of a delicate “clack”. A typewriter pad will dampen sound even more.

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Most sincerely,

Steven Budden Jr.

Classic Typewriter Co.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

classictypewriter.com

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