Saturday, December 31, 2016

1960 Collegiate Portable Typewriter

I bought this typewriter from a fellow collector--it is a Cole-Steel Collegiate, made in 1960. According to period advertising, this model was sold for $49.79 by S.S. Kresge, which later became Kmart. Mechanically it is identical to the Cole-Steel portable; the only differences are the ribbon cover (which is raised on this model), and the lack of a touch selector.
According to Kresge's advertising, the Collegiate portable offered (quoted from the ad): 
  1. Completely cadmium plated mechanism throughout. Compare with ordinary black finish.
  2. Firm, solid chrome plated bars and metal fittings. Compare with other lightweight fittings
  3. Only 3 1/2 inches high. We believe this is the most compact of ALL portables.
  4. With Extra keys. Keyboard includes all standard plus several extra keys often not found on other portables.
  5. Lightweight Aluminum frame.
  6. Easy to read standard pica type
  7. Dow Chemical Styron Case
  8. Free picture manual of instructions
Also has left and right quick set margins, carriage centering device, automatic ribbon reverse, positive paper feed. 
(Reprinted from the Altoona (PA) Mirror, 12/8/1960