Typebar typewriters: This family of typewriters started with IBM’s acquisition of Electromatic. A subset of this family are Executive models, that feature proportional spacing and carbon ribbon.
IBM Selectric: Machines in this family introduced in 1961 are the best known and feature the famous “golf ball” single type element.
Electronic typewriters: Machines using electronics include machines in the Selectric family, such as the MT/SC, the Mag Card and Mag Card II families, but also the Electronic Typewriter family, which did not have the Selectric name.
Wheelwriter: The Wheelwriter family features a daisy wheel. This said, I don’t own a Wheelwriter yet!
This page presents my collection of 26 IBM typewriters as of April 2025 (excluding a couple of parts machines), covering almost 45 years of history. The collection includes uncommon machines, as well as the rare, and possibly unique, IBM MT/SC system. For more, read The IBM Magnetic Tape Selectric Composer - Part 1.
The collection
1940 - IBM Electromatic, also known as IBM Model 01. This instance is still branded "Electromatic". This machine is cosmetically in good shape, but needs refurbishing. I love the red accent colors, including the space bar.1941 - IBM Electromatic, also known as IBM Model 01. This instance is now branded "IBM". This machine needs refurbishing.1949 - This beige IBM Model A Executive needs refurbishing.1950 - This is a very late IBM Model 04 Executive. This machine needs refurbishing. In particular, the motor capacitor melted and needs replacing.1951 - This gray IBM Model A Executive is refurbished and in great condition. It even has a new platen. It features the Modern typeface.1958 - This IBM Model B Executive needs refurbishing. It will look great once the green paint is cleaned.1964 - This IBM Model C has a 12-inch carriage and is likely to be a parts machine as it is missing a type. Its attractive green color case could be exchanged with the 1965 C Executive's beige cover.1965 - This IBM Model C Executive has a 12-inch carriage and needs refurbishing.1966 - This IBM Model C has a wide 16-inch carriage and needs refurbishing.1966 - This IBM Model C Executive has a wide 16-inch carriage and needs refurbishing.1966 - This wide-carriage IBM Selectric I works, with some minor issues.1967 - This IBM Selectric I is in working order.1967 - This IBM Model D Executive is in beautiful refurbished condition. It features the Mid-Century typeface.1969 - This IBM Model D Executive has a 12-inch carriage. It needs refurbishing. It features the Testimonial typeface.1969 - This IBM Model D Executive has a 12-inch carriage. It needs refurbishing. It features the Doric typeface.1969 - This IBM MT/SR, also known as the MT/ST Model V, is part of the MT/SC system. It is a rare machine, which includes a tape recorder. Restoration is planned.1969 - This IBM Composer and output station is part of the MT/SC system. It is a rare machine, which includes a tape reader, as well as a desk with a custom processor with core memory. Restoration is planned.1974 - This IBM Memory Typewriter still has some life in it, but refurbishing is in progress.1977 - This beautiful blue IBM Correcting Selectric II has been refurbished, including a metal hub.1978 - This rare IBM Mag Card/A is part of the Mag Card II family, and comes with a console with a magnetic card drive. It needs refurbishing.1978 - This IBM Electronic Selectric Composer still has some life in it, but refurbishing is in progress.197x - This black IBM Correcting Selectric II works to some degree, but needs further refurbishing.1980 - This IBM Electronic Typewriter 75 needs refurbishing. These machines were not liked by IBM Customer Engineers and were short-lived due to a host of problems. They had an actual microprocessor inside. However, there is no doubt in my mind that this machine has a stunning look!1981 - This IBM Memory Typwewriter 100 needs refurbishing. It has double the tape capacity as the earlier Memory Typewriter.1982 - This late IBM Correcting Selectric II is in excellent condition and has been refurbished. It belonged to an IBM employee.1983 - This beautiful IBM Selectric III has been refurbished.
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