Though relatively common, the American Flyer toy typewriter often is found with the operating mechanism broken. This part is made from pot metal and is very easily broken into several pieces. Even though it may look brand new, it is inoperable so look to be sure you know if it is working or not. This one works great! Made between 1934 and 1937, it has a stamped steel body painted black, a paper letterpad with keys printed on it, a platen with black hexagonal plastic platen twirlers, and a green paper table. Just like real typewriters, it uses a ribbon that is wound on two wooden ribbon spools that have to be advanced manually. There is a paper bail with two rubber paper rollers, and a line gauge attached to the body of the typewriter. Thick metal paper pressure pieces keep the paper tight to the platen when advanced. There are ribbon guides attached to the index, which is black plastic and has upper and lower case letters as well as numbers and figures molded in. In its day, it was a big seller."
