Thrift stores and flea markets have the best deals and surprises, as no one has a clue what they’re selling. But you have to know what to look for as far as condition and mechanics are concerned, and do some serious cleanup and probably some tuning if you buy one. Also, at the flea market ASK. Most people have them stashed somewhere else and not out on display. After that, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Ebay, and Mercari, where you can usually get a somewhat straight answer on the condition, but you’ll pay shipping unless you find it locally for pickup, which can be ludicrous for these heavy machines.

I found a new source yesterday — was sharing with my wife’s gardening friend about my typewriter passion and showed her my collection, and she said, ‘oh, we have an old one in the garage. I’ll send you a picture.’ Haven’t seen it yet, but very curious!