Excellent! Serviced 1972 Hermes 3000 3rd Gen Typewriter Techno Pica New Platen

A fully functional and serviced 1972 Hermes 3000 represents the continued evolution of one of the most legendary manual portable typewriters ever produced. Made in France during the later production era of the Hermes 3000, this machine carried forward the precision engineering, smooth performance, and refined typing characteristics that established the model's reputation. Often referred to as the "Bentley of typewriters," the Hermes 3000 remains one of the most respected and sought-after writing machines among serious writers and collectors.

Equipped with the distinctive Techno Pica Typeface (prints 10 characters per inch), this machine produces clean, geometric lettering with a distinctly modern character. Its squared, technical letterforms stand apart from conventional Pica while retaining the generous spacing and excellent readability of a 10-character-per-inch typeface. Techno Pica gives the printed page a sharp, unmistakable appearance and adds considerable character to an already iconic machine.

The Hermes 3000 is renowned for its remarkably smooth keyboard action, precise carriage movement, and refined mechanical feel. Its light, controlled touch, sophisticated tabulation and margin systems, and thoughtfully engineered controls helped establish the Hermes 3000 as one of the benchmark portable typewriters of the twentieth century.

This example has been fitted with a new 3D printed platen and new 3D printed foot mounts, replacing components commonly affected by decades of age. The new platen provides a fresh, consistent typing surface with reliable paper grip, while the new foot mounts provide proper support and stability during use.

Serviced by Adam Brooks of Brooksaw Antiques, an experienced typewriter technician with over seven years in the field and a trusted name among collectors and enthusiasts for quality restoration, precision service, and dependable workmanship. Servicing vintage typewriters involves a series of steps to restore it to optimal working condition, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Here’s a summary of what’s typically done:

Inspection: The process starts with a thorough check of all components—keys, typebars, carriage, platen, ribbon mechanism, and springs—to identify wear, damage, or stuck parts.

Cleaning: Decades of dust, ink, and grime are removed. A soft brush and compressed air clear out debris from the typebars and chassis. Keytops are wiped down, and the platen (rubber roller) is cleaned with a mild solvent to restore grip. Harsh chemicals are avoided to protect metal and rubber.

Lubrication: Moving parts—like the carriage rails, typebar pivots, and shift mechanism—are lightly lubricated with typewriter-specific oil.

Adjustments: Alignment is key. Typebars are adjusted to strike evenly, ensuring crisp impressions. The carriage tension is checked, and the escapement (which controls letter spacing) is fine-tuned.

Repairs: Worn or broken parts—like springs, screws, or rubber feet—are replaced. A brand new universal ink ribbon is installed, which is easily replaceable and widely available on most online platforms.

Testing: The typewriter is typed on extensively—every key, shift, spacebar, and return—to confirm smooth action, proper alignment, and consistent ink delivery. Any sluggishness (e.g., sticky keys) is addressed by revisiting problem areas.

Shipments are all packed to be virtually indestructible and shipped same or next business day. You are risking damage if you buy from a non experienced shipper! Check our reviews! Serial number is 7165827. Please see photos for condition.