Walk into our vintage shop, and you’ll spot her right away: a petite black beauty named Erika. This little typewriter isn’t just a lovely piece of decor — she’s a slice of history, straight from the golden age of writing. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s talk about why our Erika has stolen our hearts!
A Little Bit of Erika’s History
Born in the early 1900s in Dresden, Germany, Erika was the brainchild of Seidel & Naumann, a company that first made sewing machines and bicycles (yes, really!). In 1910, they launched the first folding portable typewriter — the Erika No.1. Imagine it: a real “laptop” for the early 20th century! And the name? It wasn’t picked by marketing experts — Erika was named after the founder’s granddaughter. Isn’t that sweet?
Fast forward a few decades: by the 1930s, Erika typewriters had become a must-have. Sleek, reliable, and built like little tanks, they were loved across Europe — and even sold abroad under the charming name “Bijou” (French for “jewel”). Our Erika survived it all: roaring 20s parties, two world wars, and the long East German era after Dresden’s devastation. Talk about a survivor!
Our Model: Erika 5 — Pure Vintage Magic
Our in-store Erika is a gorgeous Model 5, made sometime around 1932–1935. She’s got that stunning black enamel finish, a German QWERTZ keyboard, and gold Art Deco decals that sparkle like old movie stars. Instead of a folding carriage like her early sisters, this model was ready to roll the second you opened the case. Super practical for writers, journalists, and dreamers of the 1930s!
What Makes This Erika Typewriter So Special
- Solid Build:
Our Erika was built to last — and she proves it every day! Made from solid steel, covered with a high-gloss black enamel finish, this little machine combines toughness with elegance. Despite being built like a mini tank, it’s surprisingly lightweight at just around 4 kilograms (about 8-9 pounds). That made her the perfect companion for journalists, traveling writers, and anyone who needed a reliable partner on the road. With sturdy mechanics and a robust frame, it’s no wonder so many Erika 5 typewriters are still alive and kicking nearly a century later. - Classic Keyboard:
Typing on Erika’s 43 round glass-topped keys is pure vintage magic. The German QWERTZ layout makes it a little different from English keyboards, but it’s a joy once you get the feel. Each key is slightly concave, framed with a polished metal ring, and sits just right under your fingers. They click and clack with a satisfying bounce, giving you that perfect tactile feedback that modern keyboards just can’t match. It’s not just typing — it’s a rhythm, a dance for your fingers. - Bicolor Ribbon:
One of Erika’s coolest features is her two-color ribbon system. With a simple flick of a tiny lever, you can switch between black and red ink — no messy ribbon changes needed. Red ink was often used for corrections, headings, or just to add a bit of drama to your letters. Plus, there’s a third setting that lifts the ribbon entirely, allowing you to type stencils — pretty advanced tech for the 1930s! Even today, when you load a fresh black/red ribbon, you can feel a bit like a vintage office worker ready to conquer the world (or at least the next big idea).
- Typing Soundtrack:
If you’ve never typed on a vintage typewriter before, you’re in for a treat. With Erika, every letter you type is part of a mechanical symphony: The crisp clack as the typebar strikes the ribbon. The smooth zip of the carriage as you move to a new line. The cheerful ding! that signals it’s time to return the carriage. It’s a satisfying, almost hypnotic rhythm that makes typing feel almost musical. It’s not just sound — it’s the heartbeat of creativity!
- Art Deco Flair:
Let’s be honest: Erika isn’t just about performance — she’s got serious style too. Her curves, the glossy black enamel, and the flowing gold “Erika” logo are pure Art Deco elegance. Even the tiny details — like the carefully shaped carriage knobs, the shiny metal levers, and the delicate paper supports — show the craftsmanship of a time when design was just as important as function. Placing Erika on a desk instantly transforms the space — she’s not just a typewriter, she’s a statement piece.
Typing on Erika isn’t just writing. It’s a full-on experience: you hear it, you feel it, you live it. And every click and ding is a little reminder that sometimes, the old ways really are the best.
Fun Little Facts
- Erika’s name was a family tribute, not a marketing trick.
- Some Erikas traveled the world disguised as “Bijou” typewriters.
- Seidel & Naumann also made sewing machines and bicycles — true masters of mechanics!
- The Erika 5 design was so good, it kept rolling into production even after WWII.
Why We Love Her
There’s something magical about typing a letter on a real vintage Erika. No delete buttons. No spellcheck. Just you, your thoughts, and the rhythmic dance of the keys. It’s slower, it’s messier — and it’s so much more real.
Come visit us and meet this Dresden legend in person. You might just feel inspired to tap out a poem or a love letter, Erika-style.
Sources
– https://typewriterdatabase.com/seidel-and-naumann.123.typewriter-serial-number-database
– https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/erika.html
– https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-portable-typewriter-in-germany-part.html
