German Typewriter w/ SS Key - Authentic?

[Markovian]

I am hoping some of the board experts can lead me in the right direction. I am interested in purchasing a Continental typewriter with SS key from another collector. The typewriter is in good shape, but the font size on the 5/SS key seems odd to me - the 5 appears to be larger and thicker than the other numbers. Is this typical, or a sign of an altered key? Do you see any other areas of concern? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[GregSingh]

There are lots of fakes. Usually seller asks 3x normal price.
Striker arm needs to be examined, if it was added later or modified. Also serial number and model may have provide a clue.
I wouldn't pay the top price if it comes without an original manual. Manual will confirm location of ss key.

[John G.]

I'd be quite concerned about the differant "font" on the "5/SS" key.... as GregSingh says..."lot's of faked" SS typewriters "out there.... (not saying this one is.... just needs to be closely examined and checked out.... )

Certianly can see their collectibility, but not the crazy prices. Unless used to fake documents or "the like", they are display pieces, and not necessarily directly "SS" either... other military, political, and even some commercial typewriters had "SS" keys.....but that said, originals are not easy to find.
John G.

[Markovian]

Thank you Greg and John for your responses. I will ask the seller for the model and serial and attempt to research the provenance of the unit. I did ask him about the font size and received this answer:

"I can tell you that the 5 key is slightly different than the other number keys due to the special SS character which is not standard by the factory. Through research, I have found out that these characters were custom fitted at the time of production."

Is this an accurate statement?

[John G.]

Thank you Greg and John for your responses. I will ask the seller for the model and serial and attempt to research the provenance of the unit. I did ask him about the font size and received this answer:

"I can tell you that the 5 key is slightly different than the other number keys due to the special SS character which is not standard by the factory. Through research, I have found out that these characters were custom fitted at the time of production."

Is this an accurate statement?

No idear if that's correct....it might be.... if it is, there should be plenty of examples "out there" to prove it. You should also ask (if you haven't already) as well as search the site for "SS Typewriters" on the Wehrmacht Awards Forum....
John G.

[Sarge]

Well I guess I'll have to look at my SS typewriters - I have 7 of them, 1 desk u. 6 portables, I believe one is a Contential - and see how the rune key compares to the other number keys. Here are 3 of them. The rune key will be found on the 3 u. 5 key and on a key on the lower right end of the key board. I have never seen one in a 4th location.
To whoever it was who said - only buy a typewriter with the instruction manual - "ROTSA RUK, Chuck!!! I have 2 manuals out of 7 typwriters and consider myself lucky to have them! AND one of those manuals does Not show the rune key!
Here are 3 of mine. The bottom one is a military field portable in the wooden carrying box. That was my 1st SS typewriter.
Sarge

3 SS typ open.JPG (72.44 KiB) Viewed 1657 times

[John G.]

Very impressive Sarge.... I, in NO WAY, meant to under-appreciate them as historical artifacts.... I have one prewar "Continental" portable that doesn't have the "Rune key".... was working but the return "string" broke.... need to get it repaired but don't know where... anymore. Typewriter repair is not too "up and coming" as far as professions go!
Great collection....
John G.

[Sid Guttridge]

Hi Guys,

I possess one. My grandfather, who ran a local newspaper with his brothers, acquired one after the war for professional use, Unfortunately he scratched out the SS runeon the keyboard because it was on public display. However, the hammer still works. I used it to type up Airfix toy soldier lists in the 1960s. It is now in my attic

Were these SS typewriters, or were they general issue with an SS key because this was likely to be of widespread use?

Cheers,

A nostalgo-inquisitive Sid.

[John G.]

Sid,
My "guess" would be these were certainly "SSuW-SS" used but also most political organizations would have also had them....I'm only surprised there aren't more "SA" (and possibly other "specialized") keys found.... probably some SA keys exist but most "laymen" wouldn't recognize the "SA" monogram as the would the "SS". Other, non-SS units undoubtedly also used/had them also, higher HQs and the like...

I'm sure some were available "publicly".... also, but many official SS Documents/etc. were typed using "SS" instead of "Runes"...so even SS units didn't always have "rune" typewriters ....all thru the 3rd Reich period....

Just my assumptions.... I'm not a German typewriter expert/specialist....
John G.