Resources

Below is the compiled list of invaluable resources that I have aggregated over time in all facets of typewriter collecting and repair.

General Resources
Richard Polt's Typewriter Resources
Richard Polt has written and amassed an enormous library of resources for all things typewriter.  He has some of the de facto standard guides for general repair and maintenance as well as tons of other information on history, collections, and museums.  He also maintains lists of manuals, repair shops, and typewriter groups to take advantage of.  Note, however, that some of the repair shop information is out of date, as shops continue to close as time goes on.

The Antikey Chop
This is the website of noted typewriter collector, restorer, and historian Greg Fudacz.  He includes pages for his large collection of rare and antique machines, which often include deep history on the people and circumstances that led to their existence.  He also provides a place to purchase reproduction manuals (I can attest to the quality) as well as replacement parts, though I often find his eBay shop (listed below) to have a larger and more update-to-date inventory.

Serial Numbers
The Typewriter Database
The ultimate compendium of serial numbers for almost all models of typewriter.  It also includes user submitted galleries of their machines for reference and documentation.  If you sign up for an account, you can also gain access to a list of additional file downloads, such as manuals, catalogs, and other ephemera.

History
Martin Howard's brief history of the typewriter
Martin Howard is another eminent collector and restorer of early typewriters and, as such, he has published a timeline of the history of the typewriter.  It documents the journey from the first patent in 1714 all the way to the standardization of the typewriter with the Underwood that would pave the way for the 20th century.

Notable typewriters of history
Also from Martin Howard, a catalogue of notable and important machines throughout the early history of typewriters.

General Repair and Restoration
Richard Polt's Introduction to Typewriter Restoration
This is often referenced when advising beginners on where to start in their typewriter maintenance, repair, and restoration journey.  It's an extensive assortment of advice for all steps of the process, including tools and materials, tips and tricks, order of operations, etc.  Sections can be a little hodgepodge, but it offers many ways to achieve different tasks so you can experiment and figure out what product or methodology you prefer.

Phoenix Typewriter's YouTube
Unfortunately, Duane Jensen, who ran Phoenix Typewriter, passed away in early 2026.  His loss was felt across the typosphere.  Though I didn't know him personally, his videos were instrumental in leading me to where I am today.  My first typewriter was a Selectric that, like all Selectrics, needed a little TLC to get fully into typing shape.  I did it all with the help of Duane's videos.  He did make videos of more than just Selectrics and his family graciously announced that they would do their best to keep the videos up as an archive for future enthusiasts.

If you have any suggestions for resources I should add to the list, please add them in the comments!