1967 VariTyper 720 #1984
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Created: 04-17-2026 at 08:25PM
Last Edit: 04-17-2026 at 09:06PM
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Description:
This is the first VariTyper 720 on TWDB! This machine was probably made in the late 1960s. The motor has a date code of 7-2-67, and it is likely that the machine was made the same year or soon after.
A New York Times announced the following on January 29, 1967:
"The Varityper Corporation, a subsidiary of the Addressograph Multigraph Corporation, announced a new model direct impression cold-type composing machine. The new model, called the Varityper 720, has pushbutton control of carriage return, tabulating and paper advance."
Given the relatively low 1984 serial, this machine might be from the second half of 1967.
The label under the machine refers to the model as "MODEL DS 2". I guess it might mean "revision 2 of the DSJ". We see significant differences compared with previous DSJ/DSJF models:
- redesigned 1960s-style case
- continuous operation motor
- ribbon take-up spool
- differences in the frame in the back
- power button and light
- new style of keytops and levers
- "pushbutton control of carriage return" according to the machine's announcement
- and probably more!
Also notable is that this was made by the "AM VariTyper Corporation". AM (Addressograph Multigraph) took over Varityper in 1958.
This instance has a makeshift wooden replacement spacebar.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Erik Bruchez's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 12548
I started collecting my first pre-WW2 standard typewriters in 2017. Since then I have added a few machines to my collection, which now ranges from the 1880s to the 1980s. As of 2024, I have more big standard (desktop) typewriters than portables, a few standard electrics, and some unusual machines like Varitypers, uncommon IBM machines, and more. I am not a pro restorer, but I have restored a few of my machines beyond simple cleaning.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the VariTyper 720 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the VariTyper Serial Number page and the VariTyper 720 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
