Blue Bar-Let Model 1 Typewriter, Working Antique 1920s Portable Case

Own an extraordinarily rare piece of early 20th-century British industrial history with this 1920s Antique Cobalt Blue Bar-Let Model 1 Portable Typewriter. Manufactured in Nottingham, England by the Bar-Lock (1925) Company (John Jardine Ltd), this iconic early pre-war machine features a stunning deep cobalt blue gloss finish, bold gold leaf typography, the Royal Crest decal, distinctive top ribbon spool covers, classic glass-topped 3-row keys, and its original protective carrying case.

A top-tier grail centerpiece for serious vintage typewriter collectors, historians, poets, or lovers of rare pre-war mechanical antiques!

Key Features & Highlights

Brand & Model: Bar-Let Model 1 (Bar-Lock 1925 Company / John Jardine Ltd)
Era: 1920s Pre-War Antique
Color: Rare Gloss Cobalt Blue with original gold leaf typography, Royal Crest emblem, and front frame badge
Origin: Made in Nottingham, England
Keyboard: Classic early 3-row glass-topped keys with CAP, FIG, and BACK SPACE side shift mechanisms
Design Detail: Early Model 1 style featuring top-mounted circular ribbon spool covers
Condition: Working antique condition; mechanical linkages move smoothly, clear strike mechanism, and intact key caps.
Includes: Original protective carrying case for secure storage and travel.

Why You’ll Love It

Extremely Rare Blue Colorway: While standard Bar-Let Model 1 machines were produced in black, factory blue finishes are exceptionally scarce and highly sought after on the collector market.
Preserved Gold Typography: Features bold gold leaf lettering across the rear carriage bar, front badge, and the iconic Royal Crest decal.
Early 3-Row Glass Key Design: The distinctive glass keycaps and exposed mechanical linkage give this machine unmatched visual character for display or writing.

Condition Details

This typewriter is in working antique condition for a machine nearly a century old. It displays authentic, age-appropriate cosmetic wear, including light patina on chrome elements, minor paint chips along the lower frame edges as pictured, and historic surface wear that attests to its 1920s heritage. The carrying case shows expected vintage wear consistent with pre-war luggage.

What’s Included

1 x Antique 1920s Blue Bar-Let Model 1 Typewriter (No ribbon included)
1 x Original Protective Carrying Case

Shipping & Packaging

Carefully double-boxed with extra-thick protective cushioning and carriage locked to ensure the heavy blue body frame, glass keys, and historic carrying case remain completely safe during transit. Estimated delivery dates and full tracking will be updated at checkout.