the collector
martin Howard
Welcome to my website. I invite you to explore my collection and discover the fascinating world of antique typewriters.
If you have any questions, need information, or have an early typewriter for sale, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Why do you collect typewriters?
Collecting early typewriters is perfect for me. These complex machines each have such individual character, are small enough to fit on my workbench, and still speak to us today, in a world where nearly everyone communicates by typing.
How would you define your collection?
I collect typewriters that were manufactured before the standard design of the 20th century was established. The last quarter of the 19th century, in particular, saw a remarkable array of ingenious and beautiful designs. There were many successes and perhaps more wonderful and intriguing failures.
What sparked your interest in typewriters?
As a teenager, I was surrounded by my parents’ growing collection of unusual antique implements — from kitchen and agricultural tools to medical and trade instruments. They assembled quite a display in the basement. I was drawn to the intricacies of their design and the beauty of these objects.
By the time I reached my thirties, I realized it was time to find a mechanical collectible of my own.
Why are typewriters of interest in today’s digital world?
In this age of blinking lights and touch-sensitive screens, these early machines have a unique appeal – especially in a world where nearly everyone uses a keyboard. Their purpose is instantly understood, inviting us to imagine what it feels like to press the keys and see letters strike the page.
Remarkably, the QWERTY keyboard endures more than 150 years after its first appearance.
Do you sell typewriters?
Yes, I sell 19th-century collectible typewriters to enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
I also offer fully serviced 20th-century portable typewriters for those who want to write with a typewriter. These portables, made from the 1920s through the 1970s, feature sleek designs and come in a variety of colours – from classic black to vibrant cherry red. Notable models were produced in countries such as Italy, Germany, and the United States.
Do you show your collection?
Typewriters from my collection have been displayed across North America – in places like the Royal Ontario Museum, CES (the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas), Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, and various conferences.
I’m always open to new opportunities to showcase typewriters from my collection.