This well-preserved typewriter is a Hermes 2000. Manufactured in Switzerland in 1951, it has been completely serviced and refurbished with a new platen. It is a sturdy and well-engineered typewriter, perhaps right at the edge of what can be defined as "portable."

The Hermes 2000 was the first Hermes portable that Paillard made, with production of the model starting in 1932. Despite often being overshadowed by the Hermes 3000, the Hermes 2000 is an excellent typewriter in its own right. Collector and enthusiast Robert Messenger illustrates many of my reflections of this machine in his wonderful typewriter blog: https://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2013/03/homage-to-humble-hermes-2000-typewriter.html

Now, back to this typewriter...
The original green wrinkle paint, which has been carefully cleaned, is in very good shape. The only noticeable marks are found just beneath the lower left and right lower corners of the ribbon cover, where it meets the front body panel. There is also a small mark to the top left corner of the ribbon cover. Otherwise, the paint looks lovely, its wrinkled texture having maintained its depth and colour. The logos are in excellent shape, particularly the "Hermes 2000" on the front of the machine.

The black (and matching green), slightly concave keytops are unmarked and glossy. The platen knobs are in very good condition, with minimal aging. The return lever and other chrome parts are in superb shape.

As mentioned above, the platen of this 2000 has been professionally recovered with new rubber. The rubber feed rollers have been cleaned with rubber rejuvinator and are in great shape, and feeding paper into the typewriter is problem-free. The original rubber feet are in good, clean shape and keep the typewriter planted to the writing surface.

This 2000 was disassembled for servicing, and all internals have been thoroughly cleaned with appropriate solvent. Lubrication has been applied where necessary, and all features work as intended and include margins, tabulator, touch control (gently increases or decreases the pressure needed from fingers to type), backspace, shift-lock, margin release, line space selector, variable line spacing knob, paper support, and a bell. Please note, the Hermes 2000 model does not have a silent return, so it makes a light "clicking" during carriage returns, like many typewriters made before and during the 1950s.

The cleaned wooden case is in good condition, with some age related wear to its interior and exterior. The handle fixings have suffered from some surface corrosion but have been brushed clean and remain sturdy. The latches, which still lock with their keys, are in good shape, with minimal surface corrosion. The case closes nicely and can be carried by its sturdy handle. The latches on the interior of the case function well, securing the typewriter inside the case.

The typewriter also comes with its original Hermes brushes! They have been cleaned, and are in good condition, ready to keep the typeslugs and other internals free of dust and ink. Also included is the original user manual, which is in good condition and contains many useful instructions and diagrams.

This typewriter uses a carriage shift and types in elite 12 cpi (characters per inch). A new ribbon has been installed, and it prints very well in either black or red.

The typewriter will be expertly packaged in a well-sized cardboard box with signed-for delivery and insurance. Shipping to the US and other international destinations is available.