eBay Guides - Antique Typewriter Keys

Five years ago was a very interesting time for us. We were just starting out on ebay and discovered that artisans, crafters, and hobbyists were brilliantly designing jewelry from "old manual typewriter keys." Highly sought after were the keys with metal rings around the lettering, especially the glass covered keys. Since then I have prepared at least 500 sets of keys, but was amazed when I recently discovered that there is no real buyers guide.

Here are some of my buying suggestions:

1) Plan your creation and get the right key for your project. Is it for necklaces, rings, bracelets, cufflinks, earrings, scrapbooking, or maybe a necklace?

2) Thoroughly understand the anatomy of the typewriter keys you are buying or making, as well as the nomenclature. Common words are glass covered, metal rings, patina, flat backs and backs with tabs. Many early typewriters had glass covering the keys and this allows many designers to take advantage of that nostalgic charm. Don't overlook plastic coverings, even very early plastics are compatible with modern day cleaners and polishes. Patina, that gift from mother nature, whereby the metal ring has a slight oxidation or that golden look. Some crafter prefer this look as it can be sealed with lacquer. Flat backs are mandatory for some designers and the key must simply sit flat. Backs with tabs are keys that have 3 prongs, allowing the removal of the backs so mounts for cuffs or earrings can be attached.

3) If your project calls for soldering, ask your seller what metal the backs are made of. A magnet is helpful as some backs might be copper or brass that is painted over. A magnet will determine steel.

4) Every picture tells a story don't it? Don't settle for keys until you get all the pictures, front and back. Examine how the keys were flattened. If the backs were pulled off as oppossed to grinding, were they gently reflattened? Also look for keys with front lettering bulged or distorted. Mostly visible in plastic keys susceptible to heat from grinding process. If a grinding process was used to flatten the backs, watch out for bluing of the metal, a sure sign of an overheated key.

5) Most of the time the words "cut close" means the key is not flat and some sellers hide this by sticking the keys in a styrofoam display. Allows check and ask questions!!

Below are a few pictures and a link to our keys relating to this review. Have fun with your designs and all emails are welcome.

Here are Some of our Keys

Patina on Rings for that Golden look