1964 Hermes 3000--It's Minty Green!

The Swiss made Hermes 3000 is one of the best loved of all typewriters. An ace typer, it is also stylish, durable, and a workhorse. It's a comfortable and gorgeous machine. Fantastic engineering. Oh, and it's minty green.

[@katherinecook6939]

I am so grateful you pointed out the margin ribbon…. now I realize the black and red importance on the carriage stand

[@VintageTexas59]

You made a great video explaining the different functions in a perfect easy way, thank you. I recently found a 3000 model from 1959, what a wonderful machine, needed some attention on arrival but works very smooth now. Nice even print, smooth typing and quiet, just a pleasure using this old Swizz made treasure. They didn't only know how to make Rolex watches, music boxes and chocolate in Switzerland but also typewriters with excellent quality.

[@owenmcgonagle3980]

When I first went to school in 1944, UK, we were taught to use TWO cross lines on the pound sign for sterling.

[@altongansky]

Interesting. I believe the pound sign (£) I mention in the video (it's been some time since I last watched it) is a reference to the British Pound (money). The # sign, I believe, is used to indicate pounds (the weight), such as, "He weights 180#s. So back in you school days, would you type, "That cost #3.00? Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@Saboda53]

Hmm, perhaps the Kerouac typewriter that “broke in half” was one of those old folding Coronas from the turn of the last century.

[@inkmama]

Love this. Thank you!

[@altongansky]

Thank you, Barbara.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

Great video and typewriter. We have the slightly newer angular version but as you note mechanically they are the same typer. Enjoy!

[@piad2428]

Thank you for this post! I learned a few more tips! I was able to buy this typewriter for $20 at St Vinnies four years ago! I saw the case and had no clue what it was in the electronics section (I just liked the color) and I think everyone walked past it because you had to figure out how to open it. I didn’t know it was a sought after typewriter, I just gasped when I opened the case, because it was such a beautiful color and it was in great condition. It is still one of my favorite thrift store finds of all time!

[@altongansky]

Wow, a Hermes 3000 for $20. That's a real fine. Congratulations. They are considered one of the best typewriters ever made. One in good condition is a pleasure to use. When I use mine, I always feel like I should leave a tip.

[@jerrygundecker743]

If that's the original color, the Swiss probably got a real deal on paint.

[@altongansky]

It's an acquired taste for some.

[@Avatargeek23]

My favorite color!!!

[@birdieh6044]

Kia Ora, Alton. That’s hello from New Zealand. Yours is one of the best videos I have watched. You have an excellent voice and I love how clear and honest you are with what you know and what you had to learn the hard way. I have an Hermes 3000 but it is the boxy version which I really don’t like all that much. I also have an Hermes Baby and while most people rave about the keystroke, I really don’t like the squishy feel when I strike the keys. I prefer my Olympia Traveller De Luxe which has a larger font and each character is crisp and the key-strikes are precise. I would love to hear what you think of these 3 typewriters. Cheers.

[@altongansky]

Greetings Birdie, thanks for writing, and thank you for the kind words. Any Hermes 3000 is a good find, but I do prefer the more streamlined version. I love the feel of it when typing. I'm also a big fan of Olympia machines (the ones before the sold the rights to make them to another company). I'm afraid I've never used a Traveller De Luxe. I'm hoping to run across one for sale. Same is true for the Hermes Baby. You're right, most people love them. All that to say that I can't comment on the machines you mentioned since I've not had the pleasure of pounding their keys. Again, thanks for writing. By the way, I've always wanted to visit New Zealand.

[@colinmoore5991]

Richard Polt was kind enough to let me try out his Hermes 3000. They're very nice machines. The action is very smooth. That being said, I think they are extremely over-hyped. I certainly don't see them as the "be all and end all" of mechanical portables as they are often considered.

[@altongansky]

Hi Colin. I'll admit, I think they're one of the best typers made, but I don't think I'd call them the be all to end all. I also love the Fact TP 1, Torpedo Bluebird, and the Olympia SM9. All good machines. It's also hard to beat an Underwood Touchmaster Five for typing ease. Lots of good typers out there. Every time I list a typewriter as one of the best, I think of five more that can match it. A wealth of choices. Thanks for all your comments.

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Those 'fingernail scratches' are from removing the ribbon cover which hits the backspace and tab keys.

[@altongansky]

Thanks, J.D. At first I thought you were wrong about that, but I took a closer look, removed the ribbon cover a time or two and discovered that you are absolutely right. I should've realized that earlier. Oh well, it's all about the learning. Thanks for bring me up to speed.

[@j.d.thompson3505]

Oh no, I really know nothing about it. It's just that I've been in the market for a vintage typewriter and have heard a few experts mention it. (That's how I came across your videos) One day I'll have one.

[@memereview9803]

j.d. thompson did you get one ? :]

[@WyattEarth]

Thanks for the video, I got one of these at goodwill today and watched this while I cleaned it up, mine seems to work good, only it types in cursive so a little different, my 3 key doesn’t have that symbol either, mine has pound sign. Are the cursive models more rare/sought after?

[@altongansky]

Hi Wyatt. Thanks for writing. Cursive models are not extremely rare but there are people who love them. Congratulations on your purchase. These are some of the most beloved typewriters out there. If in good shape, they are a real pleasure to type on. Smooth action. All the best. Al

[@A.Valladares]

I'm super jealous. What a great find!!!

[@philipmeza1424]

Terrific video Alton! How did you make your 1 at the end depicted at the end of the video where you show the type? The Hermes does not have a "1" key. Please advise. Thanks.

[@altongansky]

Use the lower case "L". It serves as a letter and a number. Two for one! For the exclamation mark on keyboards with no 1, typist would type apostrophe, then back space and type a period.

[@philipmeza1424]

@@altongansky Thank you Alton!

[@enzorusso3560]

Hello. Thanks for the great video. I have one very similar mine is the Media 3…same color though. Unfortunately, mine have the capital key that get stuck. Do you know how I can fix it? Yes is the lira key, I’m Italian.

[@altongansky]

There are several things that can cause this problem. Usually the problem is a dirty type-basket. Since I can't see the problem, I can't say what's causing it. Here's what I suggest. Watch some of the videos by Phoenix Typewriter on KZbin. He has several good videos on similar problems. He's a professional repairman. I hope this helps.

[@enzorusso3560]

Thanks so much for your reply.

[@danieldeary9344]

Great video. I have almost same model, 1963, that was used by my mother in my fathers small business. It came with a rather small elite type, 13 cpi...don't know if my mother intentionally wanted it that way or not. It is my impression most Americans wanted the pica typeface in the early '60's. Or could it be most 3000's were sold with the small elite type...do you happen to know?

[@altongansky]

Hi Daniel. I'm afraid I don't have a ready answer to your question. Elite was/is very popular but I don't know if it or Pica was more popular. I prefer Elite but my aging eyes long for Pica. All the best. Al

[@junelee1670]

Where is the number '1' ? Mine doesn't have it as well.......I have Hermes 3000 as well.

[@altongansky]

It's not unusual to find older typewriters with no "1" or lacking other features like tab, etc. Typist used the lower case "l" as the number 1. Thanks for writing, June.

[@EdmondGT-rw5bi]

Where can I get one

[@altongansky]

Greetings. That's the challenge with buying or collecting typewriters. Typewriters are everywhere but finding a particular one can be challenging. And, it's not just finding a particular model that is important, but finding one in good shape. So, here's what I suggest: 1) visit stores that sell antiques (you'll usually pay more for those typewriters because stores have overhead and employees and the like), 2) visit thrift stores, 3) shop online through sites like Ebay, or nonprofit online stores like the Salvation Army (but there is always the danger that the machine will be damaged in shipping so factor that in to your decision), 4) if you use Facebook, check out their Marketplace service (I've bought and sold typewriters that way), 5) there are apps like Letgo and OfferUp that let you shop for used items being sold by people in your area, and last 6) check out yard sales/garage sales and estate sales. I built my collection of 50 typewriters this way. Good luck with your search and thank you for writing.