The sound of the sound of old typewriters: a duo from Wiltingen enthusiastic

The sound of the sound of old typewriters: a duo from Wiltingen enthusiastic

in Wiltingen an der Saar, Jakob Kramp, 23 years old, shows his passion for the old olivetti ICO typewriter. Clacking the buttons fulfills the room as its hands glide quickly over the buttons. "Writing on a typewriter is something special for me. It is quickly finished and looks great," he explains in his small, lovingly furnished workshop workshop, which is crammed with over 100 old writing instruments. Here are pieces of famous brands such as Adler, Remington or Underwood - all witnesses of a past era.

his cousin Paul Hallmanns, 24 years old, is also an enthusiast and enthusiastically tells: "It is fascinating to experience the different fonts and constructions over the decades." The two students were interested in these mechanical devices from childhood, which almost seem to forget in times of computers. "The sound that the machines make is part of the experience," emphasizes Paul. They not only use the typewriter for correspondence, but also to slow down the digital everyday life. "It's like a direct connection between me and the paper," says Jakob, adding that he even writes his shopping lists on it.

valuable memories and rare repairs

The two had the first encounter with these nostalgic devices with their grandparents. During school, they typed minutes on the typewriter in the student representative. "It was practical and always available," recalls Jakob. Soon they discovered the attraction of collecting and repairing old typewriters. Five years ago, they opened a workshop in a converted hayloft to share their passion. But the number of places where typewriters can be repaired is now rare: "There are hardly ten such workshops in Germany," explains Paul.

In your workshop, you not only help individuals who need your devices to maintain. A winemaker in town regularly brings his typewriter to repair. "For many, the device has a high emotional value," explains Paul. Many owners combine personal stories and memories that have often been carried on generations. Therefore, every repair is not only a craft, but also a kind of storytelling.

a passion with international customers

Jakob and Paul have acquired extensive knowledge of the mechanics of typewriter, even if they initially ruined many machines while learning. "Now we can repair almost everything," they say proudly, even if the procurement of spare parts is sometimes a challenge. They also sell their machines online and now have customers all over the world, including collectors and even writers. "We have already sold a machine to the USA," says Jakob.

Although the two invest a lot of time in their passion, it is no way to make a living. You have to remain realistic and plan to continue your activities next to your studies. "We appreciate the old one, but that doesn't mean that we don't deal with the digital world," adds Jakob. "We are pragmatists - we use what works best." Each of them brings their own technical skills and knowledge into their work.

For Paul it is completely clear that he also wants to take his typewriter abroad. He will soon start a semester abroad in Bologna and plans to take his olivetti ICO to write letters home. "For me it is just part of it. It's like part of my identity," he enthuses. You will continue to pass on the versatility and the nostalgic attraction of these machines to others.

The charm of typewriters

The meaning of typewriters remains unbroken, despite the digital dominance. Veit Didczuneit, a specialist from the Museum of Communication in Berlin, states: "typewriters are positive; they arouse memories and stories." Although fewer people are actively writing with them these days, they are often valuable decorative objects and a conversation in many households.

In a world of quick communication and technology, the typewriter remains a symbol of a time when writing was an art in itself. Jakob and Paul not only show that these devices still live, they also explain that there is actually a special value in the connection between people and machine. The old typewriter will continue to take its place in the hearts of many people in the future, precisely because it preserves memories and tells interesting stories.

The meaning of the typewriter in the digital era

Although most people use computers and smartphones for writing these days, the mechanical typewriter experience a surprising Renaissance. At a time when our communication is strongly digitized, some prefer to use the traditional devices to write down their thoughts. This is not only due to their aesthetics, but also due to a more conscious writing process that gives them the feeling that they have a deeper connection to their words.

Studies have shown that writing by hand or on mechanical devices promotes memory and can stimulate creativity. This form of writing requires more mindfulness and can reduce stress and lead to a better understanding of your own thinking process. In particular among writers and artists, there is a growing interest in the use of typewriters, since they embody a certain romance and nostalgia.

fascination and passion for collectors

Passion for typewriters leads many people to not only use them, but also to collect them. The variety of models, from early mechanical versions to electrical variants, offers collectors a wide range of options. Markant brands such as Olivetti, Remington and Underwood have fan communities worldwide that meet regularly to present and exchange their collection.

In Germany there are even special clubs and meetings in which lovers show their machines, exchange ideas about the restoration techniques or simply celebrate the fascinating technology of the past. These communities are not only social events, but also contribute to the preservation of the historical heritage of the typewriter.

environmental awareness and sustainability

Another aspect that contributes to the revival of typewriters is the growing awareness of sustainability and environmental friendliness. Instead of constantly buying new electronic devices, many people choose to reuse and repair old things. Old typewriters are an excellent example of durable products that tell stories and often have a higher service life than most modern devices.

These efforts not only fall into the area of archiving and restoration, but also in the trend towards "Slow Communication", which promotes a more conscious and more sustainable approach to interpersonal communication. More and more people want to act more environmentally friendly and rely on products that have a story and are not thrown away after a short time.

economic aspects of typewriter nostalgia

Despite the small number of repair workshops and the challenges in material procurement, the market for old typewriter shows remarkable growth. Collectors often pay a lot of money for well -preserved models, and the restoration of old machines increasingly becomes a lucrative business area. The demand for functioning typewriters in good condition that are offered on online marketplaces has increased.

Especially young people and students who are tired of digitization or feel the need for authenticity are ready to invest in such nostalgic products. This gives the carpenters and restoration experts new opportunities to further expand their skills and pass on the love of typewriter to the next generation.