We are happy to advise on your Hammond typewriter, value, care, and conservation, or any and all Hammond company ephemera. Please send a photo of the machine or item with your inquiry. However we are no longer able to acquire machines.
Our goal is preservation and making sure all things Hammond reach a good home, where it can be enjoyed by future generations. We do consider purchasing ephemera and items related to the company, such as parts, desks, letters, etc. The marketing department and sales were very clever in what they put the Hammond name on, such as desks, oil bottles, and even the letters, receipts, and trinkets produced by the company in its day to day operations.
How much is my Hammond typewriter worth?
The value depends on rarity, uniqueness, and condition in generally that order. Most Hammond typewriters models No. 2, 12, Multiplex, Folding, and the Model 26, with their lids in good condition, are ubiquitous in number will generally sell for around $400 on eBay.
Unless there is something unique and rare about it – something not found on other machines of the same model – the value is unlikely to rise; a curved keyboard is not rare albeit beautiful. Unique functionality that has been added to the machine can increase its value, and if it is a rare model or a very low serial number in the double or triple digit range.
Factors that will reduce the value are damage to the machine, especially the carriage, keys, and ribbon spools,excessive rust, or a missing lid or under-board.
The lack of or a broken type-select renders the machine inoperable and would severely impact the price.
No. 1 and the Anvil and Shuttle models will sell higher due to their scarcity. The general price for an excellent condition No. 1 is about $1,500. For an Anvil and Shuttle it is about $800.
What can I do to increase the value?
If there are damaged or missing components, replacing them is one way to increase the value of your Hammond. Cleaning and detailing the machine would increase its value but it also comes with a level of risk, as the machine may be fragile and more harm could be done trying to improve.
Removal of rust is one such method to possibly increase its value, but again comes with great risk to the overall machine. A professional antique restorer or conservator could clean a particularly dirty machine and remove rust, but these services often cost more than the machine itself is worth. For perspective, cleaning and servicing a typical Hammond in good condition can take up to a month.