Typewriter Price Index 2025
Approximate market values for popular vintage typewriters.
What Is a Fair Price for a Typewriter in 2025?
You search the internet, you see prices from €50 to more than €1,500, and you start to wonder: what is a fair price for a typewriter today? As restorers at El Granero Typewriter Company, we live inside this question every day.
Short Answer
Most working vintage typewriters sell between €150 and €600. Fully restored machines from specialist workshops usually cost €350 to €750, and rare collector models can go well beyond €1,000.
The Three Price Levels
1. As Found or "Attic" Typewriters
These are machines that have been asleep for decades. They may look charming but usually need cleaning, adjustment and new ribbons.
- Typical price: €40–€150
- Best for: tinkerers who are ready to learn basic restoration
- Risk: hidden damage, rust, missing parts
2. Serviced Typewriters
A serviced typewriter has been cleaned and checked, with basic adjustments and a new ribbon. It is usually ready to type, although not fully restored.
- Typical price: €150–€350
- Best for: new writers who want something functional and affordable
- Important: always ask what the service included
3. Professionally Restored Typewriters
This is the level where we work. A restored typewriter is disassembled, degreased, polished, adjusted and tested in depth. It is closer to a precision instrument than to a decorative object.
- Typical price: €350–€750, sometimes more for rare models
- Best for: serious writers and collectors who want reliability and warranty
How Much Do Specific Models Cost?
| Model | Serviced | Restored |
|---|---|---|
| Olivetti Lettera 22 | €150–€300 | €350–€550 |
| Olivetti Lettera 32 | €180–€350 | €380–€650 |
| Hermes Baby | €250–€450 | €500–€750 |
| Olympia SM3 / SM4 | €220–€400 | €450–€700 |
Why Typewriter Prices Can Be Confusing
Online listings mix everything: broken machines, decorative pieces, serviced typewriters and fully restored instruments. Two identical models can appear at very different prices because the level of work behind them is invisible in a small photo.
- Was the machine opened and cleaned inside?
- Were rust and old grease removed from the segment?
- Has the alignment and carriage movement been adjusted?
- Is there any form of warranty?
When Is a Typewriter "Too Cheap"?
If a popular model appears far below the usual range, there is usually a reason. It might be a project machine, a decorative item only or a sale from someone who has not checked it in detail. That can be fine as long as you know what you are buying.
Are Old Typewriters a Good Investment?
We see more and more people returning to mechanical writing. Good typewriters, especially from makers such as Olivetti, Hermes and Olympia, have held their value very well over the last decade. A well restored machine is not only a tool for writing but a small piece of design history that you can enjoy every day.
Start with our current collection here: View available typewriters
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typewriter cost today?
Most vintage typewriters cost between €150 and €600. Fully restored models usually range from €350 to €750, and rare collector editions can exceed €1,000.
Are old typewriters worth anything?
Yes. Many old typewriters are collectible, especially models from Olivetti, Hermes, Olympia and Underwood. Depending on rarity, color and condition, prices range from €150 to more than €3,000.
What typewriters do collectors want?
Collectors often look for Olivetti Lettera 22 and 32, Hermes Baby and Hermes 3000, Olympia SM3 and SM4, Smith Corona portable models and early Underwood portables.
Why are professionally restored typewriters more expensive?
Professional restoration includes deep cleaning, rust removal, lubrication, mechanical alignment, rubber treatment and final testing. This work takes many hours and ensures that the machine is reliable for daily writing, which increases its value.
