Our Story
Philly Typewriter's Founder, Bryan Kravitz, got his start in the typewriter industry in the year of 1975, running in and out of different office buildings to service those big machines. He opened his first shop, "You're My Type," in Berkeley California, which serviced machines until 1990. A typewriter book, a marketing career, a window shop, and many, many typewriters later, Bryan found his way back into the brick-and-mortar world on Black Friday of 2017, introducing Philly Typewriter to the world. We have been working ever since to introduce this beautifully preserved and reinvigorated world of typewriters to the community of Philadelphia, as well as communities beyond. Making the typewriter, which was once seen as an ancient relic upon the introduction of the computer, part of modern society and giving it a place in our everyday lives is what continues to drive us forward today.
Our Purpose
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We work simultaneously as engineers and historians to perform comprehensive typewriter restorations. From specialized deep cleaning to custom fabrication of rubber pieces, we take special care to remedy the problems that come from these elegant machines sitting idle for decades. Once a typewriter has gone through our painstaking top-to-bottom restoration process, it will perform as though it had just rolled off of the factory line. Whether you're searching for a place to bring your typewriter back to life or looking to buy your first machine, we are proud to say that you needn’t look any further than Philly Typewriter.
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Here at Philly Typewriter, we specialize in the restoration and rehabilitation of typewriters throughout the ages.
Our goal is for you to take home a fully functional piece of history. When it comes to restoration, we've seen it all— layers of rust, rubber feet that melted instead of hardening, stickers that refuse to come off, deteriorated paint from a soda spill— you name it. We work with the specific needs of each typewriter to get it cleaned up and restored back to working condition so that you can continue to enjoy the use of your typewriter for years to come.
We also love to play typewriter matchmaker.
Whether you've been collecting typewriters for ages, had one growing up and are looking to get back into it, or are brand new to the world of typewriters, we are confident we have the the typewriter for you. With our vast selection of typewriters from all eras of typewriter history for sale, we are sure we can help you find the machine of your dreams. Right below is a glimpse at the eras of the typewriter— a guide to the types of machines we sell and service. If you're in the market for a new-to-you machine, be sure to call, email, or fill out our contact form below to schedule a visit and browse some machines!
Typewriters through the ages...
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Pre-War Desktops
From the turn of the century until World War II, these typewriters could be found in offices across the world. Their cast-iron construction, coated in sleek enamel, make them absolute workhorses. These machines were designed to endure, and if treated well, they’ll easily last another century.
Featured: 1913 L.C. Smith No. 5, 1929 Underwood No. 5 |
Pre-War Portables
With Art Deco body styles and revolutionary features, it’s no wonder these typewriters are so highly sought after. Designed as the first generation of typewriters for personal use and travel, these sharp, snappy machines are a true delight to type on.
Featured: 1926 Remington Portable No. 2, 1938 Corona Silent |
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European Portables
The cream of the crop. A perfect blend of precision and style. Discover Italian design, German engineering, and Swiss accuracy by testing out these marvelous machines in our showroom.
Featured: 1962 Olympia SM7, 1962 Hermes 3000 |
European Ultra-Portables
The typewriter to take with you wherever you go. Designed to be compact, lightweight, and straightforward. These typewriters are perfect for the typist on the road.
Featured: 1950 Olivetti Lettera 22, 1964 Adler Tippa |
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Mid-Century American Portables
Born from the post-war boom and designed with Mid-Century aesthetics in mind, these typewriters were made for the masses. A flourishing economy and unprecedented manufacturing capabilities led to millions of these gorgeous, durable machines.
Featured: 1955 Royal Quiet De Luxe, 1956 Smith-Corona Silent |
Late-Era American Portables
The Cultural Revolution is evident in these machines. Sharp, shiny, and easy-to-use, these typewriters showcase the shift in style and attitude during the 1960s. Whether you’re new to typewriters or a seasoned typist, these machines will surely satisfy.
Featured: 1958 Royal Futura, 1968 Smith-Corona Sterling |
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Electrics
For the typist in search of a beautiful machine with a uniform type print, these electric typewriters will delight. Electric motors move the key slugs so that you don’t have to. If you have a novel to write, these are the typewriters for you. Choose from a variety of machines spanning several decades.
Featured: 1968 Smith-Corona Electra 120, 1974 Olympia SGE A62 |
IBM Selectrics
All you need to do is load the paper and press the keys. In terms of function, the IBM Selectric is the ultimate typing machine. For writers, businesses, law firms, accountants, and typing enthusiasts, Selectrics will deliver what you’re looking for and more. To learn more about these typewriters, visit our Selectric page.
Featured: 1971 IBM Selectric I, 1976 IBM Correcting Selectric II |
It has brought us so much joy to serve the Philadelphia community and all of its typewriter needs– which is why Bryan Kravitz founded the Philadelphia Public Typewriter Program in the Summer of 2018.
We strive to get as many typewriters placed in public spaces– such as schools, libraries, cafés, and bookstores to name a few– in order to get typewriters into the hands of more people. We love typewriters– and we want to spread that love and enjoyment to as many people as we can. Curious about the details of this program and how you can get involved? Visit our Community tab to learn more about our work.
We are open by appointment only.
Please use the form below, or send us an email at info@phillytypewriter.com
We can also be reached by phone (267) 541-2100
Please use the form below, or send us an email at info@phillytypewriter.com
We can also be reached by phone (267) 541-2100
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1735 East Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia PA 19148
We are on E. Passyunk Ave between Morris St and Moore St. Please scroll down for directions. We look forward to seeing you! Directions
From I-95 Northbound: 2.8 miles after passing Philadelphia International Airport, take Exit 17 to merge onto PA-611/Broad St toward Pattison Avenue. Keep left to continue onto Broad St. After 1.4 miles turn right onto East Passyunk Avenue. Our shop will be on your right. From I-95 Southbound: Just after going through the underpass, use the left lane to take Exit 20 for Columbus Boulevard toward Washington Ave. Make a right turn onto Christopher Columbus Boulevard. After 0.8 miles make a right turn onto Tasker Street. Continue along Tasker Street for 1.1 miles and make a left onto 12th Street, quickly followed by a right turn onto Moore Street. Then make a right turn onto East Passyunk Avenue, and our shop will be on your right. From I-76 Eastbound: Take Exit 347B for Passyunk Avenue toward Oregon Avenue. Turn left onto West Passyunk Avenue. Continue for 1.4 miles, crossing Broad Street to East Passyunk Avenue, and our shop will be on your right. From I-76 Westbound: Take Exit 349 toward PA-611/Broad Street/Sports Complex. Merge onto Pollock St and turn right onto South Broad Street. After 0.9 miles, turn right onto East Passyunk Avenue, and our shop will be on your right. |
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