Fully Restored Ideal Model D Desktop Typewriter (1936) | Rare 10 CPI Italic Typeface & German QWERTZ

📖 Product Overview & Historical Significance

A breathtaking masterpiece of interwar European engineering: the 1936 Ideal Model D desktop typewriter (Serial No. 660164). Manufactured in Germany during the golden age of precision mechanical craftsmanship, the Ideal Model D is celebrated for its rock-solid cast frame, extraordinarily smooth linkage action, and refined aesthetic presence.

This particular 1936 model is in very good cosmetic condition, showcasing deep glossy bodywork and exceptionally brilliant chrome finishes across its levers, carriage rails, and trim. It features an uncommon, highly sought-after Italic typeface, rendering every typed line with elegant, stylized personality.

To preserve its authentic historical integrity, this machine is currently configured in its original German QWERTZ keyboard layout. However, if you prefer a standard QWERTY layout for daily English typing, our workshop offers a custom keytop and typebar conversion service upon request  .

📊 Technical Specifications & Restoration Upgrades

• Brand & Model: Ideal Model D (Desktop Model)

• Year of Manufacture: 1936

• Serial Number: 660164

• Cosmetic Condition: Very Good vintage condition. Deep enamel gloss and excellent, shining chrome finishes across all exposed metalwork.

• Keyboard Layout: Original German QWERTZ Layout (featuring Ä, Ö, Ü).

• Two-Colour Ribbon Selector: Fully functional red/black ribbon selector mechanism. Pre-installed with a fresh two-tone ribbon on spools.

• New Feed Rollers Fitted: Our workshop has fitted brand-new paper feed rollers to ensure crisp, slip-free paper alignment and smooth feeding.

• Platen Roller: Original vintage platen roller preserved and fully functional for typing. (Optional platen re-rubbering service available below). Lead times is 4-5 weeks after confirmation. 

• Rubber Feet: Original rubber feet are solid and functional, showing light, authentic surface cracking consistent with age.

• Mechanical Performance:  Fully Serviced & Functional. Features extra-smooth key lever travel and responsive carriage return.   

• Case: Desktop machine supplied without a carrying case.

✍️ Typeface & Font Details

• Typeface Style: Rare & Uncommon Italic Typeface (slanted, high-elegance script styling).

• Font Pitch: 10 Characters Per Inch (10 CPI)—delivering striking, highly legible imprints ideal for formal correspondence, certificates, poetry, and creative manuscripts.

⚙️ Customization & Workshop Upgrades Available

• QWERTY Keyboard Conversion: To preserve typewriter history, we keep this machine in its native QWERTZ layout. However, if you require a QWERTY layout, please contact us for a quote prior to ordering. Note: QWERTY conversion adds 7 working days to processing after order confirmation.

• Professional Platen Re-Rubbering: The original platen is functional and ready to write. If you prefer a completely remanufactured, brand-new rubber platen surface, we offer this workshop upgrade for ( £200 or $250 USD ) . Note: Full platen recovering requires an additional 4–5 weeks lead time prior to dispatch.

📋 Quick Specifications Overview

🛡️ Peace of Mind & Workshop Mechanical Guarantee

✅ 1-Year Mechanical Guarantee | ✅ 14-Day Returns | ✅ Lifetime Aftercare | ✅ Featured on BBC's The Repair Shop

Every typewriter leaving our workshop represents the highest standard of vintage mechanical conservation. To ensure complete confidence in your investment, your typewriter is backed by our Comprehensive 1-Year Mechanical Guarantee, covering all internal mechanisms, segment linkages, and moving parts. Each machine is logged in our digital workshop registry under its unique serial number (660164) for full traceability and long-term support. Please read our dedicated workshop guarantee page on our website for complete details and peace of mind.

🌍 Global Shipping, Timelines & Tariff Information

• 🇺🇸 United States & 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Shipping (100% Free & All-Inclusive): Standard local & international shipping to the US and UK is completely free and included in the listed price. Furthermore, all US import tariffs and customs duties are fully prepaid by our workshop. There are absolutely zero hidden checkout fees, surprise border holds, or cash-on-delivery demands at your door.

• 🌐 International Shipping (Europe, Australia, Canada & Rest of World): We dispatch all website orders in less than 24 hours via fully tracked premium air courier directly to your door in 3 to 7 working days (with prompt EU dispatch and express delivery options available at checkout).

• Proprietary Global Packaging Protocol: To guarantee your machine survives international air transit, we mechanically lock the carriage, wrap the frame in multi-layered shock-absorbing cushioning, and suspend the typewriter within a heavy-duty, double-walled outer shipping carton.

🤝 The "Ready-to-Write" Package & Lifetime Support

• Unbox & Start Writing: Your Ideal Model D arrives pre-installed with its fresh two-colour ink ribbon and our primary step-by-step startup instructions. Simply unbox, release the carriage lock, and begin typing immediately.

• Video Learning Academy: Your package includes a direct link to our dedicated YouTube video tutorial, teaching you exactly how to type on, care for, adjust the margins, and change ink ribbons on your typewriter.

• Lifetime Technical Partnership: Every typewriter we sell comes with lifetime technical support. You receive direct email and video-call troubleshooting access to Walid and Joujou, the celebrated restoration experts from BBC's The Repair Shop and major Netflix productions.

📖 Have questions about vintage typewriters or machine maintenance? Read our master guide: Typewriter FAQ: The Ultimate 100 Questions Answered