Collections

Jan at Poppytalk has began a new column on collecting and asked me to contribute. This was a great motivation to do something I've wanted to for a while... photograph my collection of vintage typewriter ribbon tins! You can read about the collection on Poppytalk today. To view the tins up close to admire all the typographic goodness, please visit my Flickr set.

 

Comments

[Elaine]

This is a wonderful collection. It makes me reconsider my resolution to declutter.

I viewed you Flickr collection. I think my favourite is "Personality" closely followed by "Midnight." How old are these? I am so sorry I sold my Smith Corona typewriter at a garage sale, but at least my mom still has her vintage Royal.

[Julie]

Wonderful collection, Janine! It's a whole new world of lovely typography and design.

Did you see the feature in How Design about designer's collections? (June '07) There was a collection of 115 tins and some of those pictured are ones you have.

[maura]

wow - what an AMAZING collection! very cool! i can't tell you how many times i've been at antique stores and have considered starting a collection. now i wish i had... haha... i guess it's never too late! my weakness has always been bottle caps (sodas and beers, etc). i always thought it would be cool to frame them somehow. again, wonderful collection!

[dianamuse]

Ah, I'm swooning. Such a great collection. Any for sale? I could use a new ribbon for my 1940 Royal Standard.

[Chris]

you wouldn't happen to know how to change the ribbon on an old typewriter would you? I have an old Remington (1950s? maybe?) and I have no clue how to get the old spools off.
The internet isn't so helpful on this topic.

[Joanne]

@ Chris:
I had the same problem with my recently-purchased Smith Corona Super Sterling. I found the diagrams at http://willdavis.bravehost.com/Ribbons.html helpful. Also, a kind soul has uploaded an old Smith Corona typewriter manual at http://www.flickr.com/photos/decrepitoldfool/sets/1645449/. Good luck!

[neryl]

Oh my god, these are freakin' ace! Imagine if design now was that beautiful....thanks

[Laura Meseguer]

brilliant

[Richard]

Great collection, well photographed.

[Krissy]

I saw your set on flickr. The designs and colours on these tins makes my heart ache...they are just so beautiful! You have an amazing collection and like another commenter said, very well photographed. Thanks for sharing....

[Chris Raymond]

I have an extensive collection of mint tins, and of wind-up toys and push puppets.

Can you give me some tips on photographing the tins with a consumer digital camera?

Also wondering how you display your collection in your home?