Sofia Martinez
The IBM Selectric typewriter, a staple in offices during the '60s and '70s, featured a chrome-plated plastic element commonly known as a type ball or golf ball. These type balls, which allowed users to switch between fonts within the same document, are now sought after by those looking to buy, restore, and sell vintage typewriters. While IBM no longer manufactures these type balls, they can be found online and in stores carrying old electronic components. Additionally, some enthusiasts have explored creating DIY type balls using 3D printing, offering new font options and designs. For those interested in purchasing or personalizing type balls, platforms like Etsy provide a range of options, including made-to-order items from small businesses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Typewriters |
| Interchangeable | Yes |
| Material | Chrome-plated plastic |
| Type | Selectric, IBM |
| Availability | Online, Etsy, Stores carrying old electronic components |
| Customization | Available |
| Shipping | Free shipping for orders over $35 USD |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic typewriter balls as home decor
Plastic typewriter balls can be used in a variety of creative ways to add a unique and vintage touch to your home decor. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Vintage Display Pieces
Arrange a collection of plastic typewriter balls in a glass cloche or dome to create a charming vintage display. Place it on a shelf or a side table to add a touch of old-world charm to your living room or home office. You can even paint or decorate the typewriter balls in different colours and patterns to make them more visually appealing.
Decorative Bowl Filler
Fill a decorative bowl or tray with a variety of plastic typewriter balls in different sizes and colours. This can be a unique centrepiece for your dining table or coffee table. You can also add other vintage items such as old keys, clock gears, or spectacles to create an eclectic and interesting display.
Hanging Mobile
Create a hanging mobile with plastic typewriter balls of different sizes and colours. Drill small holes through the centre of each ball and string them together with thin wire or thread. Hang your mobile near a window or in a corner of the room to add a whimsical touch to your space. You can even paint each ball to create a colourful and vibrant mobile.
Unique Curtain Tie-Backs
Use plastic typewriter balls as unique curtain tie-backs. Drill a small hole through each ball and attach a hook or a loop of ribbon or twine. Hang your curtains back in style, adding a touch of vintage charm to your windows. You can paint the typewriter balls in colours that complement your curtain fabric for a cohesive look.
Creative Wall Art
Attach plastic typewriter balls to a canvas or a piece of wood to create unique wall art. You can paint the balls in different colours or leave them as they are, creating an interesting textural piece for your walls. Add other elements such as vintage keys, clock gears, or old Scrabble tiles to create a collage-style artwork.
There are endless possibilities for using plastic typewriter balls in your home decor. With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can transform these vintage pieces into unique and conversation-starting decor items.
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$11.99 $12.99
Creative ways to repurpose plastic typewriter balls
Plastic typewriter balls can be creatively repurposed in a variety of ways. Here are some unique ideas to give new life to these vintage items:
- Create a one-of-a-kind paperweight by filling a clear resin mould with typewriter balls and other vintage office supplies like paper clips and scissors. This can add a unique, retro touch to your desk or workspace.
- Make a statement necklace or key chain by drilling a small hole through the typewriter ball and threading it with a chain or cord. You can even paint or decorate the ball to add a pop of colour or a personal touch.
- Design a unique mobile or wind chime by suspending multiple typewriter balls at varying heights from a hanging structure. This can be a fun and whimsical addition to your home or garden decor.
- Use the typewriter balls as unique stamps for art projects or DIY greeting cards. Simply dip the balls in paint and gently press them onto paper to create interesting patterns and textures.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try creating your own typewriter ball planter. Carefully cut the typewriter ball in half and fill it with soil and small succulents or moss to create a miniature garden.
- For a fun and interactive learning tool, use the typewriter balls to create a spelling or word game for kids. You can paint each ball with different letters or words and have children use them to form words, improving their vocabulary and spelling skills.
These ideas offer just a glimpse of the creative possibilities for repurposing plastic typewriter balls. With a bit of imagination, these vintage items can be transformed into something functional, decorative, or even educational.
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The history of plastic typewriter balls
The plastic typewriter ball, also known as the IBM Selectric type ball, was introduced in 1961. It was made of chrome-plated plastic and was interchangeable to allow users to use different fonts within the same document. The type ball was an improvement on the traditional typewriter's basket of individual typebars, as it allowed for easier font changes and more flexibility in document creation.
The Selectric typewriter, with its plastic type ball, became an office staple in the 1960s and 1970s. The smaller Model 721 could accept paper 11 inches wide and cost USD 395, while the larger Model 725 could handle paper 15 inches wide and cost USD 445. IBM sold 80,000 Selectrics in the first year, and the product continued to spur innovation long after its release. Interchangeable type elements were introduced in various languages, and specialized type elements were created for formulas, statistics, and an increasing range of fonts.
In 1964, IBM introduced the Magnetic Tape Selectric Typewriter (MT/ST), which became the first analog word processor device. This was followed by the Magnetic Card Selectric Typewriter (MC/ST) in 1969, which featured electronically interfaced typing mechanisms and keyboards. The Selectric II was announced but encountered a cam timing issue, which was successfully resolved by engineer Joe L. Vaughan.
Despite its success, the Selectric typewriter was eventually retired in 1986 due to the rise in popularity of personal computers and printers. However, the plastic typewriter ball and the Selectric typewriter continue to hold a place in history, with many people still buying, restoring, and selling these machines. The unique design and functionality of the plastic typewriter ball played a significant role in the evolution of typewriters and printing technology.
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Where to buy plastic typewriter balls
If you're looking to purchase plastic typewriter balls, one of the best places to look is Etsy. Etsy is an online global marketplace that offers a wide variety of unique and creative goods, including vintage items and handmade pieces.
When searching for typewriter balls on Etsy, you will find numerous options, including sellers offering personalised, made-to-order items. You can browse through different shops, such as LazyDogTypewriters, BullydozerTypewriter, TheModernTypewriter, machineaecrire, and UnplugTypewriterCo, to name a few.
Etsy provides a convenient platform for connecting with small businesses and creative entrepreneurs. Many sellers on Etsy offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount, typically $35 USD or more within the same shop. You can also read reviews from other customers to help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
In addition to Etsy, you may also be able to find plastic typewriter balls at stores carrying old electronic components. These stores might include shops specialising in vintage or retro technology, or they could be part of larger retailers that carry a variety of products, including older electronics.
Lastly, online marketplaces or auction sites, such as eBay, could also be worth exploring. These sites often have a diverse range of items, and you might be able to find sellers who are specifically dealing in vintage typewriters or their components, which could include plastic typewriter balls.
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How to identify plastic typewriter balls
Plastic typewriter balls, also known as type elements or typeballs, were commonly used in IBM Selectric typewriters. These typewriters featured a chrome-plated plastic "element" that could be easily interchanged to use different fonts within the same document.
To identify a plastic typewriter ball, there are several key characteristics to look for:
- The number of characters: Selectric and Selectric II type balls have 88 characters, while Selectric III balls have 96 characters.
- Lettering colour: Selectric and Selectric II balls have white lettering, while Selectric III balls have yellow writing.
- Markings: Selectric III balls can be identified by the number "96" printed on them, along with the font name and pitch.
- Customization: IBM offered customized elements for a fee, which were identified by a gray plastic flip-up clip instead of a black one.
It's important to note that the 96-character and 88-character elements are mechanically incompatible and will not fit on each other's machines. Additionally, the type balls are designed to work with specific typewriters, so it's important to ensure compatibility before purchase.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic typewriter balls, also known as "golf balls", are the rotating and tilting chrome-plated plastic "elements" of the IBM Selectric typewriter that strike the paper.
You can buy plastic typewriter balls online on websites such as Etsy.
Plastic typewriter balls are used to strike the paper with ink to print different characters. The IBM Selectric typewriter could easily interchange typewriter balls to use different fonts within the same document.
Two thin, flat metal wires pull the ball into the correct position for each character, then a turning shaft with a cam on it pushes the ball against the paper.
