1959 Hermes Rocket Portable Typewriter • Swiss-Made • Taupe & Seafoam w/Case
$529.00
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HERMES ROCKET
1959 • Taupe & Seafoam Finish • Swiss-Made • Original Carrying Case
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THE MACHINE
This 1959 Hermes Rocket is one of those machines whose appeal is immediately visual. The textured taupe body, soft seafoam keys, pale gray carriage, and compact Swiss proportions make it feel less like an office tool and more like a particularly well-resolved piece of mid-century design. It is handsome without being flashy, and the color combination is distinctive enough to stand apart from the more familiar gray Rockets encountered today.
The Rocket earned its reputation by accomplishing something genuinely difficult: reducing the size and weight of a serious typewriter without making it feel compromised. This example still carries that unmistakable Hermes balance. The carriage feels light in motion, the controls are intuitive, and the machine settles naturally into an easy writing rhythm. It is equally suited to correspondence, journaling, travel, or everyday writing where desk space is at a premium.
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BENCH NOTES
This machine has been cleaned to the point of functionality, mechanically evaluated, and tested here at The Typewriter Mechanic. The principal writing and carriage functions were operating properly at the time of listing. A new ribbon will be included.
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TYPING FEEL
Like the best Rockets, this machine feels light, responsive, and remarkably composed for its size. The keyboard encourages an easy rhythm, the carriage glides effortlessly, and the overall experience has the refinement that has made Swiss Hermes portables enduring favorites among writers and collectors alike.
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CONDITION
Cosmetically, this Rocket presents very well. The original textured finish remains attractive, the seafoam keytops retain excellent color, and the silver Hermes Rocket badge remains bright and crisp. There are light signs of honest age, including modest wear to the body and spacebar, but nothing that detracts from its overall presentation. It looks like a carefully preserved working portable rather than a machine that has spent decades sitting untouched.
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INCLUDED
Included with the sale are the typewriter, its original carrying case, and a new ribbon.
The original tan Hermes case has wonderful period character, complete with embossed Hermes branding, double handles, and its original central clasp. The handles and clasp remain intact, but both zipper pull-tabs are missing. The zippers themselves still function, though the surrounding fabric has become delicate with age and should be handled with great care. I recommend relying primarily on the central clasp for routine storage and transport. The case shows honest wear consistent with its vintage, and the photographs should be reviewed carefully.
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WHO IT'S FOR
This Rocket is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a genuinely portable writing machine without sacrificing typing quality. It is compact enough to travel easily yet refined enough to serve as a daily writer, while its distinctive color palette gives it undeniable shelf presence between writing sessions.
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TYPED SAMPLE
Curious how this machine types? I'm happy to provide a short typed sample by request—a sentence or two of your choosing, within reason—so you can see the actual imprint, alignment, and ribbon performance before purchase.
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SHIPPING
Buyer-paid UPS shipping. The machine will be immobilized, packed with serious care for modern parcel shipping, and fully insured.
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Please read before purchase: This is a vintage mechanical typewriter, carefully tested and described according to its condition before shipment. It will be packed with serious care and fully insured. Because these machines are often 50–100 years old, minor adjustment may occasionally be needed after transit, even when properly packed. Slight alignment variance, ribbon behavior, or small mechanical quirks can be part of vintage typewriter ownership. Please review the photos and condition notes closely, and feel free to ask questions before purchase.
1959 Hermes Rocket Portable Typewriter • Swiss-Made • Taupe & Seafoam w/Case
$529.00
1959 • Taupe & Seafoam Finish • Swiss-Made • Original Carrying Case
----------------------------------------
THE MACHINE
This 1959 Hermes Rocket is one of those machines whose appeal is immediately visual. The textured taupe body, soft seafoam keys, pale gray carriage, and compact Swiss proportions make it feel less like an office tool and more like a particularly well-resolved piece of mid-century design. It is handsome without being flashy, and the color combination is distinctive enough to stand apart from the more familiar gray Rockets encountered today.
The Rocket earned its reputation by accomplishing something genuinely difficult: reducing the size and weight of a serious typewriter without making it feel compromised. This example still carries that unmistakable Hermes balance. The carriage feels light in motion, the controls are intuitive, and the machine settles naturally into an easy writing rhythm. It is equally suited to correspondence, journaling, travel, or everyday writing where desk space is at a premium.
----------------------------------------
BENCH NOTES
This machine has been cleaned to the point of functionality, mechanically evaluated, and tested here at The Typewriter Mechanic. The principal writing and carriage functions were operating properly at the time of listing. A new ribbon will be included.
----------------------------------------
TYPING FEEL
Like the best Rockets, this machine feels light, responsive, and remarkably composed for its size. The keyboard encourages an easy rhythm, the carriage glides effortlessly, and the overall experience has the refinement that has made Swiss Hermes portables enduring favorites among writers and collectors alike.
----------------------------------------
CONDITION
Cosmetically, this Rocket presents very well. The original textured finish remains attractive, the seafoam keytops retain excellent color, and the silver Hermes Rocket badge remains bright and crisp. There are light signs of honest age, including modest wear to the body and spacebar, but nothing that detracts from its overall presentation. It looks like a carefully preserved working portable rather than a machine that has spent decades sitting untouched.
----------------------------------------
INCLUDED
Included with the sale are the typewriter, its original carrying case, and a new ribbon.
The original tan Hermes case has wonderful period character, complete with embossed Hermes branding, double handles, and its original central clasp. The handles and clasp remain intact, but both zipper pull-tabs are missing. The zippers themselves still function, though the surrounding fabric has become delicate with age and should be handled with great care. I recommend relying primarily on the central clasp for routine storage and transport. The case shows honest wear consistent with its vintage, and the photographs should be reviewed carefully.
----------------------------------------
WHO IT'S FOR
This Rocket is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a genuinely portable writing machine without sacrificing typing quality. It is compact enough to travel easily yet refined enough to serve as a daily writer, while its distinctive color palette gives it undeniable shelf presence between writing sessions.
----------------------------------------
TYPED SAMPLE
Curious how this machine types? I'm happy to provide a short typed sample by request—a sentence or two of your choosing, within reason—so you can see the actual imprint, alignment, and ribbon performance before purchase.
----------------------------------------
SHIPPING
Buyer-paid UPS shipping. The machine will be immobilized, packed with serious care for modern parcel shipping, and fully insured.
----------------------------------------
Please read before purchase: This is a vintage mechanical typewriter, carefully tested and described according to its condition before shipment. It will be packed with serious care and fully insured. Because these machines are often 50–100 years old, minor adjustment may occasionally be needed after transit, even when properly packed. Slight alignment variance, ribbon behavior, or small mechanical quirks can be part of vintage typewriter ownership. Please review the photos and condition notes closely, and feel free to ask questions before purchase.