Adler J-5 Typewriter • Rare No 85 Cubic Techno Typeface • West German w/Case
$629.00
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ADLER J5
West Germany • Circa 1971 • No. 85 Cubic Typeface • Original Case
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THE MACHINE
This Adler J5 deserves to be remembered for the page it produces. Finished in deep navy and ivory, it is already a handsome example of West German portable design. Its uncommon No. 85 Cubic typeface, however, gives the machine its real identity: a crisp geometric sans serif whose squared forms and architectural proportions make ordinary correspondence look unexpectedly modern.
Built in West Germany around 1971, serial 4843477, the J5 represents one of Adler's most accomplished portable designs. It combines a solid, composed writing action with a streamlined body and thoughtful controls. Equipped with the No. 85 Cubic typeface, this example becomes considerably more distinctive than the familiar Pica and Elite machines encountered most often.
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BENCH NOTES
This machine has been cleaned to the point of proper function, mechanically inspected, and tested here at The Typewriter Mechanic. The principal writing, carriage, paper-handling, and margin functions were operating properly at the time of listing. A new ribbon will be included with the machine.
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TYPING FEEL
The J5 inspires confidence almost immediately. Its action is light without feeling fragile, quick without becoming nervous, and notably precise across the keyboard. The controls have the composed, purposeful quality associated with well-built West German portables; the machine feels engineered rather than merely assembled.
The No. 85 Cubic typeface gives that precise action an unusually expressive result. Clean circles, squared terminals, and balanced geometric proportions create a page that feels simultaneously vintage and contemporary. It is the sort of typeface that makes people pause over the finished page and ask what produced it.
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CONDITION
This is a particularly handsome J5. The original navy finish retains excellent gloss and is beautifully contrasted by the ivory body panels and matching keytops with gray legends. The chrome remains bright, and the machine presents exceptionally well overall.
There are scattered light scratches and small cosmetic marks consistent with careful vintage use, but nothing that overwhelms the machine's strong presentation. The original Wettengel's Business Machines dealer decal from Kenosha, Wisconsin, remains intact—a small and appealing piece of the machine's working history.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.
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INCLUDED
Included with the sale are the Adler J5 typewriter, its original carrying case, and a new ribbon.
The original Adler case is among the nicer J5 cases I have handled. Its textured exterior remains exceptionally clean, the handle is secure, the hinges are sound, and both latches function properly. The machine seats and locks securely inside for storage and transport.
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WHO IT'S FOR
This J5 is an especially strong fit for writers, designers, architects, collectors, and anyone who cares as much about the appearance of the finished page as the machine that creates it. It is a capable writing instrument in its own right, but the No. 85 Cubic typeface gives it something rarer: a typed voice that is immediately recognizable.
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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.
----------------------------------------
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.
Adler J-5 Typewriter • Rare No 85 Cubic Techno Typeface • West German w/Case
$629.00
West Germany • Circa 1971 • No. 85 Cubic Typeface • Original Case
----------------------------------------
THE MACHINE
This Adler J5 deserves to be remembered for the page it produces. Finished in deep navy and ivory, it is already a handsome example of West German portable design. Its uncommon No. 85 Cubic typeface, however, gives the machine its real identity: a crisp geometric sans serif whose squared forms and architectural proportions make ordinary correspondence look unexpectedly modern.
Built in West Germany around 1971, serial 4843477, the J5 represents one of Adler's most accomplished portable designs. It combines a solid, composed writing action with a streamlined body and thoughtful controls. Equipped with the No. 85 Cubic typeface, this example becomes considerably more distinctive than the familiar Pica and Elite machines encountered most often.
----------------------------------------
BENCH NOTES
This machine has been cleaned to the point of proper function, mechanically inspected, and tested here at The Typewriter Mechanic. The principal writing, carriage, paper-handling, and margin functions were operating properly at the time of listing. A new ribbon will be included with the machine.
----------------------------------------
TYPING FEEL
The J5 inspires confidence almost immediately. Its action is light without feeling fragile, quick without becoming nervous, and notably precise across the keyboard. The controls have the composed, purposeful quality associated with well-built West German portables; the machine feels engineered rather than merely assembled.
The No. 85 Cubic typeface gives that precise action an unusually expressive result. Clean circles, squared terminals, and balanced geometric proportions create a page that feels simultaneously vintage and contemporary. It is the sort of typeface that makes people pause over the finished page and ask what produced it.
----------------------------------------
CONDITION
This is a particularly handsome J5. The original navy finish retains excellent gloss and is beautifully contrasted by the ivory body panels and matching keytops with gray legends. The chrome remains bright, and the machine presents exceptionally well overall.
There are scattered light scratches and small cosmetic marks consistent with careful vintage use, but nothing that overwhelms the machine's strong presentation. The original Wettengel's Business Machines dealer decal from Kenosha, Wisconsin, remains intact—a small and appealing piece of the machine's working history.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.
----------------------------------------
INCLUDED
Included with the sale are the Adler J5 typewriter, its original carrying case, and a new ribbon.
The original Adler case is among the nicer J5 cases I have handled. Its textured exterior remains exceptionally clean, the handle is secure, the hinges are sound, and both latches function properly. The machine seats and locks securely inside for storage and transport.
----------------------------------------
WHO IT'S FOR
This J5 is an especially strong fit for writers, designers, architects, collectors, and anyone who cares as much about the appearance of the finished page as the machine that creates it. It is a capable writing instrument in its own right, but the No. 85 Cubic typeface gives it something rarer: a typed voice that is immediately recognizable.
----------------------------------------
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.