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1936 Hermes 4 Serial # 17576 1936 Hermes 4 typewriter, Serial # 17576 Roland Rytz's 1936 Hermes 4 typewriter. 2021-06-27 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Roland Rytz: 1936 Hermes 4 Serial # 17576 The previous owners of this very crusty Hermes 4 couldn't tell me anything about it, but according to a plaque on the back, it used to belong to the university of Bern.
Despite the dirty appearance, it still types very well - only A and Q stick a bit.

1936 Hermes 4 #17576

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Roland Rytz (draemmli)
Created: 06-27-2021 at 03:27AM
Last Edit: 06-27-2021 at 03:44AM


Description:

The previous owners of this very crusty Hermes 4 couldn't tell me anything about it, but according to a plaque on the back, it used to belong to the university of Bern.
Despite the dirty appearance, it still types very well - only A and Q stick a bit.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:


The Hermes 4 seems to be the last Hermes standard with this type of keys - The later Hermes 5 comes with solid plastic keys.
The Hermes 4 seems to be the last Hermes standard with this type of keys - The later Hermes 5 comes with solid plastic keys.

I really like this Paillard logo with the winged hat. I would guess that this references Hermes, the herald of the gods.
I really like this Paillard logo with the winged hat. I would guess that this references Hermes, the herald of the gods.

Gold!
Gold!

Despite being very dirty and a bit rusty in places, this machine still types very well.
Despite being very dirty and a bit rusty in places, this machine still types very well.

Muggli seems to have been the first address for typewriters in Bern. It feels like half of my machines have a Muggli plaque somewhere.
Muggli seems to have been the first address for typewriters in Bern. It feels like half of my machines have a Muggli plaque somewhere.

The little crank turns the ribbon spool.

I first thought that maybe the machine doesn't automatically change ribbon direction, and the lever would be for rewinding it, but that's not the case. The ribbon does change direction when it gets to the end, and the crank actually always turns the correct spool.
The little crank turns the ribbon spool. I first thought that maybe the machine doesn't automatically change ribbon direction, and the lever would be for rewinding it, but that's not the case. The ribbon does change direction when it gets to the end, and the crank actually always turns the correct spool.

It's evident that this typewriter sat in a barn or something for quite some time.

Not pictured: The smell...
It's evident that this typewriter sat in a barn or something for quite some time. Not pictured: The smell...


The knob on the right is for tensioning the main spring.
The knob on the right is for tensioning the main spring.

"Property of the administration of the university of Bern".

Please don't tell them!
"Property of the administration of the university of Bern". Please don't tell them!

I like this style of feet!
I like this style of feet!

Serial number 17576.
Serial number 17576.

Hunter: Roland Rytz (draemmli)

Roland Rytz's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 204

Located in Bern, Switzerland.

My typewriter obsession started when I inherited my grandfather's Brother CE-25 and quickly spiralled out of control from there.

I love any technology that conveys information, from typewriters to railway split-flap displays (as seen in my avatar).



RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Hermes 4 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Hermes Serial Number page and the Hermes 4 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.