This extremely rare 1908 Burnett typewriter is in totally untouched/unrestored condition...just the way you\'d like to find it. It has not been serviced and will need attention to operate properly. The only thing that seems to be missing is a plate on the back of the lower part of the typewriter. These were manufactured in Chicago, IL and sold by the Sears Roebuck Company. This upstrike/downstrike typewriter was only manufactured for a few months before being taken off the market due to lack of sales which makes them extremely rare today. What you see is what you get. This item will be professionally packaged by a local company that has been in business for 25+ years. Also, this item is available for local pickup.

On Oct-17-16 at 10:16:22 PDT, seller added the following information:

Previous sale of another Burnett typewriter one in 2013 - $7,601 (66 offers): Extremely Rare Antique 1908 Burnett Typewriter, Chicago, Unusual Slope Type Bar.These were manufactured for only a few months and marketed by Sears Roebuck; very few sold. It functions as semi-frontstrike/downstrike machine due to its unusual sloping type bar. Measures approx. 11 inches wide x 13.75 inches deep, and 10 inches high. Typewriter is in very good condition overall with expected wear. Metal frame has some paint loss, pitting and rust spots. The finish, stenciling and graphics have some loss. Front cover has dings, bends and creases. Typewriter has not been serviced. It will need attention to operate properly. The keys stick and the carriage does not advance (probably due to operator error).

DBA:When the typewriter was first introduced, many companies jumped into the business, and many of these companies were of short duration. The Burnett typewriter’s design was based on a previous “out of business” company machine called the Triumph Visible, which sold for $60. When the Sears Roebuck Co. introduced the Burnett, the cost was $22. Despite that much lower price, this machine was only sold for a short time. This typewriter is rare because few were sold and of those, few have survived. These were expensive. Even the Sears “bargain” price of $22 would equate to between $500 to $600 today, and at that time, typewriters were not essential to business.

There are a number of collectors of this type of equipment and a buzz on the Internet from this sale. Many of the collectors purchase at flea markets and yard sales and can’t touch one of these at this price. But as long as there are collectors who can purchase at this level, this should remain a good purchase, just based on the rarity.

NOTE: The item being offered now would seem to be in better condition cosmetically than the typewriter sold on in 2013.