Typebar typewriters: This family of typewriters started with IBM’s acquisition of Electromatic in 1933. 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 29 IBM typewriters as of May 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", and features a rounded view of the type basket. 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", and note the reduced view of the type basket compared with the 1940 instance. This machine needs refurbishing.1949 - This beige IBM Model A Executive needs refurbishing.1950 - This is a very late IBM Model 04 Executive, possibly made concurrently with the first Model A 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 has started. Blog | Before | Before | Progress | TWDB | TWDB1969 - 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 Blog | Before | Before | Progress | TWDB | TWDB196x/197x - This IBM Selectric I/O Model 73 is a fairly rare machine, equipped with solenoids and contacts to connect to a computer. Unlike the MT/SR above, which only has the "input" part, this one has both input and output and can be used as a printer. It features a neat set of blue keytops and platen knobs. Pics | TWDB1973 - This IBM Selectric II (model 875, 13-inch writing line) doesn't have the correction feature.1974 - This IBM Memory Typewriter still has some life in it, but refurbishing is in progress.1976 - This IBM Electronic Selectric Composer definitely has life in it. I obtained it after the 1978 Electronic Composer shown below. Pics | TWDB1977 - 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 barely escaped destruction. The 100 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 and had very little usage.1983 - This beautiful late IBM Selectric III has been refurbished. It is one of the first IBM Selectrics that I got.
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