THE EATON 400
June 21, 2010 
I am moving house and studio this summer and it is requiring a great deal of sifting through possessions and collections to see what stays and what goes.
As an artist I tend to collect or amass things because of their aesthetic value more than their practical importance to me. One object, which I will not part with, is this vintage blue Eaton 400 typewriter which was given to me back in the eighties. I actually used to type all my invoices using this machine because I love the look of typewriter text and I also simply love the functionality of these old machines. I was from the generation where learning to type correctly was a part of my school curriculum, and those old machines really needed some finger strength! No, the Eaton 400 is not an Olivetti, yet I love the sleek small shape and size of it and I think it has a bit of flare. It is also portable, with the black case simply slipping over the top like a shell. I used this machine in a performance-art piece several years ago and many collectors went ga-ga over it. I think it will be a handsome object in my new office/studio.
I’d like to think this machine will become a collectable in the years to come as the Eaton’s Department store is now defunct. I don’t have information on when this typewriter was introduced so please share if you know something about it!
Reader Comments (4)
this is a keeper, as is the kraft dinner phone!
DO you happen to know where I can find ribbon for this typewriter? Or if they still make compatible ribbon? Thanks :)
Hello Amber,
Unfortunately I don't know where to find replacement ribbon. I haven't used my typewriter in ages (obviously), but there has to be more typewriter fans out there who may have some helpful advice. Anyone?
Thanks Thom! I would love to be able to use it.. I found a ribbon at staples that is similar but smaller and doesn't fit into the reel perfectly, it is usable but has to be turned manually which is a pain. I inherited it from my grandma in law, she used it when she was in nurses college in Toronto, I can't say for sure but I am guessing around 50 years ago?
:)