Imperial typewriters were made in Leicester in England and the Good Companion model was first launched in 1932 . It was named after J. B. Priestley's book " The Good Companions" which had been published at the same time and the collaboration with Priestley helped sell a huge number of Imperial typewriters .
This is a rare Secretariate model incorporating a No 1 Imperial typewriter in a fabulous "mobile office " case with compartments for your files and office accessories . The typewriter is fixed to a board which can be lifted up at the right side to access the bottom section of the case which has 5 tab style dividers with headings such as " Unanswered " , " Answered " , " Carbons " ," Stationery " and " Abeyance " . The typewriter can be taken off its base board if you wish or you can remove it with the base board by undoing 2 metal pins at the left side .The lid of the case has a section at the right side for storing further accessories .
This typewriter and case was made in 1935 in England and the typewriter has a metal body in a wonderful shiny black enamel colour with classic round off white keys with silver chrome surrounds and the letters and numbers in a black colour. It has in gold " Manufactured by the Imperial Typewriter Company Ltd Leicester England " on the back , the "Imperial " logo on the carriage and at the front with the "The Good Companion " , "Made in Leicester England " on the front bar and the wonderful royal warrant crest on the top right side .This one has a lovely bright red label on the right side which is the original Liverpool selling agents. Please note there is some reflection of the map behind on the black enamel body of the typewriter in some of our images .
There are a few very minor marks to the body of the typewriter and some very minor discolouration to the " W " key top, but generally its is in an excellent condition . It has it's two original metal spools with silver chrome finials and types well. We have fitted a brand new ribbon as well as giving it a clean , service , adjusting and testing it so its all ready for you to take out of the box and start typing on .
Universal GR 1 typewriter ribbons can be purchased from many online suppliers or we can supply you with new ribbons when required . You would then rewind the new ribbon onto the existing metal spools. They generally cost around £4.95 including postage . However a ribbon will last you a long time . To give you an idea , in an office environment with someone using a typewriter professionally a ribbon would last them around 3 months .
The Secretariate case has some marks , discolouration in places and does show some wear ,but is generally in a good functional condition . One of the metal latches to close the case is now broken , but the other works and the leather handle is sound although worn . We also include a photocopy of an original instruction booklet .
The typewriter measures 28cms by 28 cms by 11 cms high and the case is 43 cms by 32 cms and 18 cms .
This is a fabulous 1930's Imperial typewriter in a classic black enamel , in good working order with a rare and wonderful Secretariate case .
Delivery anywhere within the UK is included in the price.
