So I’m browsing Darryl Rehr’s Antique Typewriters last night, and my attention is fixed on the McCool Typewriter No. 2. I would like to add one to my collection. Now, as I peruse the Internet, I discover one for sale on eBay… for $9,000! I’m not sure what a McCool is actually worth (in 29 days and 22 hours — perhaps sooner — we will know), but it would be a nice addition to any collection.
According to Rehr, the McCool was not very successful, despite that it sold for only $25 when other typing machines were priced at around $100. In 1997, Rehr valued the McCool at a cool $850, but, as many are aware, the value of typewriters has increased greatly.
What would you be willing to pay for a McCool?
Postscript: I must confess that half the appeal of this typewriter is its name.
© 2013, Mark Adams. All rights reserved.
They tried to sell this machine before at a higher price ($11K or $12K, I think) but no one was biting. $9K is more in the plausible range and someone may decide to go for it. I’m giong to be watching.
See ETCetera no. 100 for a great article on the McCool by Maddie Allen (who found one on craigslist!).