Mercury vs Splendid 33

Typewriter Video Series Episode 301: Royal Mercury vs Olympia Splendid 33. Which is the better typewriter? Are they both keepers? Let's find out!

[@Rod-bp8ow]

Intricately designed mechanism is a piece of engineering perfected to preserve the details of correspondence and that it is always at par with its eloquence, approach and a clear descriptive approach of the details that makes the brand excellent. Good work!

[@bletheringfool]

I bought myself a Splendid 33. Found it on eBay for £36 and free shipping. Equivalent to $40 USD. It was absolutely immaculate. Even came with its own cleaning brush set. Someone's pride and joy. Your videos helped me decide. Thanks very much

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Congrats!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

@@Joe_VanCleave Don't be lazy. Congratulations.

[@bufo333]

​ @Joe Van Cleave I just discovered my interest in typewriters. For those of us that are just getting into this hobby, do you have a video on some of the best resources to purchase ribbons, parts, or typewriters, where are the best stores around the country, or trusted mechanics?

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I'm working on a resource video. But for now, the Facebook Antique Typewriter Group is full of resources, as is Ausin Typewriter Ink. And Richard Polt's blog Writing Ball, and the Classic Typewriter Page.

[@Naolslager]

I LOVE the HP-11C! I have an HP-41CV from my undergraduate years as an Electrical Engineering major and I have my wife's HP-15C. Fantastic machines.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

I LOVE ONLY GOD. I 👍 TYPEWRITERS.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

Always very well organized and presented! I was surprised to learn about the distance from the left of the A key to the left of the fractions key on the 33. My 1972 Olympia SM9 measures 185 mm, so 5 mm less than the 33. My 1967 SG3, in comparison, measures 191 mm. Daniel

[@thethriftyfawn]

At the 9:15 markpoint... oh, those fractions of millimeters had my eyes crossing! At 9:45 yes, your left pinky finger looks just like my family member's [right] pinky finger with the little crook!

[@saulysw]

A very thorough comparison, with a conclusion I was expecting! I know you find it tough to choose, so do I, and these machines are very similar. I can’t help but think though that a 66 or 99 might be the perfect mix for you? The bichrome setting is a pretty big feature. I got a very broken SC Galaxie II delivered today, so I’m gonna be busy trying to get that going again. Regards, Saul

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Thank you, Saul. You are right about the 66 or 99!

[@loveisall5520]

My Royal Mercury travels inside one of the fantastic typewriter shoulder bag sold by Iron Fox Typewriters. I'm always afraid that the lid will come loose, as it with a Rocket I owned many years ago. Ruined it.

[@tmunk]

Heh, how often do you use Shift Lock? Just remove the whole shift lock mechanism on the Mercury. Problem solved! :D

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I first thought “Ted’s joking”, but now I’m thinking more seriously about it!

[@douglasjackson9058]

Loved seeing the effects of the ribbon spools. Did changing to the smaller spool fix the print of the capital letters.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Yes, it fixed it. I still need to make a slight motion adjustment, but that’s unrelated to the spool size.

[@chandlerdecker3807]

Speaking of shifting mechanism, do you prefer carriage shift or segment shift? I prefer carriage shift for portables because their movements are more symbolic and easy for adjustment. And the shift weight begins to mean nothing to me😂

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I’m okay with carriage shift for portables. Actually, the pivoting carriage shift like in the Mercury is pretty easy. The bigger issue is carriage shifting demands more from your ribbon feed system.

[@TheFrankyfood]

Hi Joe! I am generally new to typewriters and I have the exact same two machines (Well except that the splendid has the pistachio color instead of that oxblood)! I absolutely love them but for some reason in the Royal Mercury the bottom part of the printed text is faded out. I think there's a problem with the angle of hitting the platen. Is there an adjustment I can make to make it hit correctly? Thank you~ And of course as usual excellent video

[@Joe_VanCleave]

There are adjustments for both the lower and upper case. You want the upper case letters that are very tall, like parentheses, to print with no shading. Then adjust the lower case so it matches the upper (hH) at the printing line. These adjustments are set screws with lock nuts, they control the up and down limits of the carriage movement.

[@beneric1000]

This is a random comment but I have a Royal KMM and I like the typewriter. It needs to be restored but it is in would shape. I'm getting into writing on a typewriter, but I want a "cheap" one to use. What do you think? Thank you for your comments.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

The KMM is a great writer's machine, better than most portables. I'd consider getting it professionally serviced, or learn to service it yourself.

[@beneric1000]

Thank you for writing to me. Do you know somewhere around Ohio that can restore it? I live in Ohio and I want it to do the restoration right. The money, I hope that isn't that much, but I can afford it. What do you think about this one?

[@douglasjackson9058]

@@beneric1000 I'm in Ohio and service machines.

[@douglasjackson9058]

I service,repair &sell typewriters. I'm in Mogadore,Ohio. Mitch Hamm is near Columbus.

[@beneric1000]

Thank you and I want you to restore it. I know that you can't know but how much it will cost. Do you have any idea? I can send you a few pic...what do you think?

[@elizeviviers7331]

where should I get a quotation on the worth of my old typewriter. I do now know it is a Olivetti and should be approximately from the 1920''s. Who shouild I contact in this regards I live in South Africa.

[@Joe_VanCleave]

The value depends on the condition of the machine, and your local economy. Even in the US, going prices for typewriters being sold “as is” vary widely by city. Also, a professionally reconditioned machine will be valued much higher than a machine as-is. You should look at your local used market (eBay or equivalent), plus local “Op Shops” or antique stores, to get an idea on prices. If there are any professional typewriter repair shops in South Africa, look to them for guidance on pricing.

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

At first, you have very good taste. At second, which is your e-mail to contact. To send news. At third, thank you very much.