How Much Are Typewriters Worth?
Working vintage typewriters sell for $50–$400 depending on brand, era and condition — with portables from the 1930s–60s in the sweet spot. Buyers are writers and decorators, so working condition and looks both matter. Certain models (Hermes 3000, Olympia SM series, Olivetti Valentine) have cult followings that push prices far higher.
Free scan — no sign-up, nothing to install. Real sold prices included.
What typewriters actually sold for
Short answer: Based on 96 real completed eBay sales in the US (checked November 8, 2026), typewriters typically sold for $147–$397 (median per model): Hermes 3000 at about $397, Olivetti Lettera 32 at about $147.
Real completed sales on eBay in the US — what buyers paid, not what sellers are asking. Each sale is checked to be the exact item; graded copies, lots, parts and Best Offer sales (where eBay hides the real price) are left out. Updated November 8, 2026 · 96 sales checked.
"Pay at most to flip" is FlipTip's rule of thumb for resellers — the typical sale ÷ 1.6, which leaves room for eBay's fee (about 13%), shipping and a solid profit; "—" = too cheap to flip one at a time. Tap a price to work out your own number.
"Typical sale" is the median. "Most sold between" is the middle of the market — the middle 70% of sales when there are six or more, otherwise the lowest to the highest. Your item's condition, completeness and exact version move it inside — or outside — that range, so scan yours for its own number — or see how to check eBay sold prices yourself.
Flipping typewriters?
At the stall the question isn't what it's worth — it's the most you can pay and still make money after the fees and the shipping label. The "Pay at most to flip" column above gives a starting number for each model.
Free, no account. Or scan it at the stall — FlipTip gives you the max price to pay on the spot (try one scan free, no sign-up).
What decides the value of typewriters
Portables beat desktops
Compact mid-century portables sell best. Heavy office standards are harder to ship and fetch less despite being older.
Cult models
Hermes 3000/Baby, Olympia SM3–SM9, Olivetti Lettera 22/32 and the design-icon Olivetti Valentine command premiums. Cursive/script typefaces add 50–100%.
Working order
All keys striking, carriage advancing, ribbon holding — a serviced machine is worth double an untested one.
Color & looks
Unusual colors (mint green, pink, two-tone) sell to decorators at strong premiums over standard black/grey.
Typical price ranges
Broad secondhand-market ranges to orient you — the exact value of your item depends on the precise model, edition and condition. Scan it for the real number.
💡 How FlipTip prices it
Point your camera at the item. FlipTip identifies the exact model, edition and era, checks real listings on your country's marketplaces, and gives you a price range, a sell-speed score and a worth-it-or-skip verdict — before you buy or sell.
You also see the most to pay at the stall and your profit after fees. On paid plans and the free trial, in countries with a local eBay, the price comes with the item’s real completed sales — with dates you can open and check.
Typewriters — FAQ
How do I identify my typewriter's model?
The model name is usually on the front panel or paper table, and a serial number under the carriage dates it precisely. Or scan it — FlipTip identifies brand and model from the photo and checks what that exact machine sells for.
Are old typewriters actually in demand?
Yes — a steady niche of writers, students and decorators buys them, and film/prop buyers pay well for specific eras. Cursive-typeface machines have waiting lists.
Should I clean or repair before selling?
Basic cleaning and a fresh ribbon (still manufactured, ~$10) noticeably raise the price. Leave deeper repairs to buyers unless you know the mechanics.
Resale prices of exact models
Each page shows what that one model actually sold for on eBay, what you keep after fees and the latest sales.
More value guides
Stop guessing at the shelf
Thrift store, garage sale, flea market or your own attic — scan the item and know if it's a find or a pass.
📸 Scan an item free