1950s Zurich typewriter repair shop

Have a view inside the Baggenstos typewriter repair shop, Zurich, ca. 1953. August Baggenstos and his HERMAG distribution company was the general representative of Hermes typewriters for the German speaking part of Switzerland.

You see the mechanics at work at the Hermes models of the time. Can you identify them all?

All photos courtesy and copyright of K.R., Zurich.

  

Huuuuulk

Definitely not a portable (at least not according to common sense, but yes, I had to lift it in order to take pictures), this Hermes Ambassador adapted for the Ruf bookkeeping system keeps amazing me. Built ca. 1966. Motor was spinning all right, but couldn't get the keyboard to function. The book-keeping part can be detached easily, allowing the use as regular Hermes Ambassador.

Retro-Technica impressions

 Some photos:

This is a telephone

a typical Swiss army typewriter - the Hermes Media

This is an interesting machine. Will will tell you all about it - once we have discussed it

another Hermes Ambassador, with the equally special "Raumsparschrift" (what's it called again in English?)

An Erika S, very well kept

This is also a telephone!

bringing home the Hermes

The Ambassador after a bit of cleaning

Hermes Paillard ads

These following ads illustrate Swiss Paillard's successful "Hermes" typewriters. They appeared, if not otherwise stated, in the Swiss monthly magazine "Du".

April 1944

The "Hermes Baby" cost 180 francs in 1944. August Baggenstos was general representative of Hermes in the German speaking part of Switzerland (later: HEMAG Hermes Schreibmaschinen AG).

Christmas 1944

Hermes Baby n° 316990 (1944)

I happened to have a Hermes Baby from 1944 at hand - greetings to Alfred at this point!

August 1945

Christmas 1945. artist: J. Müller-Brockmann

This poster was designed by Swiss graphic design artist Josef Müller-Brockmann (1914 - 1996). He designed several other posters for the Paillard company.

October 1946

Christmas 1946. Artist: Moritz Kennel

April 1947. Artist: Moritz Kennel

March 1948. Artist: J. Müller-Brockmann
"Progress of our times... Hermes is keeping up!"

September 1948

Christmas 1948. Artist: J. Müller-Brockmann
"A wonderful Christmas dream!"

January 1949
"Easy, silent and beautiful writing
Superior equipment
Precise construction from best material
Pleasant, adjustable key-stroke"

April 1949
"easy... precise and clear...
fast... beautiful..."

Christmas 1949 issue. Artist: J. Müller-Brockmann
"The Hermes portable typewriter - a present of lasting value"

August 1950 - featuring the Hermes Ambassador
"Progress of technique - Hermes is keeping up the pace!"

Christmas 1950. Artist: J. Müller-Brockmann
"The Hermes Portable - a christmas present of lasting value!"

August 1952
"Hermes Baby - the small travel typewriter with great performance. A Masterwork of Swiss precision mechanics. which will also inspire YOU. The price? Hermes Baby is affordable for everybody: it costs only 230 francs, including the case."

April 1953

April 1954

December 1955

source: Schweizer Spiegel, December 1952