I lately acquired an antique typewriter that everyone is telling me is a Fay-Sholes No. 7. Interestingly, the model number does not appear on the paper table, as it does on other Fay-Sholes. Instead, it displays an eagle emblem. Using a magnifying glass, I was able to detect the words “Made in the U.S.A.” in the red portion, and “New York Export & Import” in the blue portion. The lettering on the base of the typewriter is mostly rubbed off.
I did find a serial number (I think) under the back, right corner of the typewriter. It reads “805.” There is a “v” or “7” nearby and a long irregular “7” or “L” near a rod (perhaps this is just a stray mark). I checked TypewriterDatabase.com, but no serial numbers are listed for later models of the Fay-Sholes.
You can see more photos in the slideshow below:
© 2013, Mark Adams. All rights reserved.
Your Fay-Sholes is very pretty.
Where on earth did you find it?
I found it on eBay. It was not listed as a Fay-Sholes, but simply as an antique typewriter, which made it hard to find. I’ve not found another like (not in any of my books or otherwise), but then, I haven’t really found any two that look like another. I’m still working on restoring it. I hope to finish it this fall.
Hey Mark,
we should get together and compare notes. We have a Faysholes with an odd decal on the paper table as well. Like yours, the only one we have ever been able to find with one like it. We have the full history of our machine. We were told that it was purchased at the factory and then used in a family business just a few blocks away. I researched both addresses and the story added up. The next thing was the mod number. We assumed it was a 6 based on design but the serial number has always not made any sense. Then I cam across and ad that noted the factory sold machines at the factory that were not production machines, but ones that worked and were had warranties. These machines where 50% of typical list price. For me the story added up, as many told us it was a 6 but i have never seen a 6 with a paper table that did not say 6 on it. We have the cover for it as well which is a real find.
Mark
Yes, and thank you for sending photos via email. I wonder if the detachable paper tables were replaced with after-market ones? These may not have born the model number as the tables could be used on a variety of machines. Or, perhaps Fay Sholes simply experimented.