RARE Erika Robotron Typewriter, Kristall Typeface, Qwerty, Mod. 105, 1980s, Fully Functional

-Erika Robotron Mod. 105 typewriter
-Original typing mat
-Original Carrying Case
-Original manual and quality certificate
-New bi-color ribbon
-Typewriter Care Notes — covering ribbon replacement, cleaning tips, and basic maintenance to keep your machine in top condition.
(Extra ribbons can be purchased separately.)

Meet the “Bumble Bee” — a striking yellow Erika Robotron Model 105 built in East Germany in the 1980s, during the late Cold War era. Its bold, cheerful exterior pairs beautifully with the clean, functional lines of East German industrial design. Beneath the vibrant shell lies a surprisingly robust mechanism engineered by VEB Robotron, created to deliver durability and precision under state-controlled manufacturing conditions. And despite its plastic outer body, don’t be fooled — the internal mechanics are exceptionally solid, offering a typing feel that surpasses many all-metal machines. In my opinion, it remains one of the finest typewriters ever made.

This machine features a QWERTY keyboard layout, complete with keys for "ñ", "ç", and four accent marks — acute (´), grave (`), diaeresis (¨), and circumflex (^). These allow you to type accented characters (such as: á, è, ü, â). Please see the keyboard photo for other special characters.

The machine is fitted with the Erika “Kristall” typeface. This rounded geometric font features uniformly weighted strokes, smooth curved terminals, and circular letterforms (especially Q, O, C, and G), giving it a clean, modern appearance. Its aesthetic is reminiscent of the sought-after Vogue typeface on Royal machines and the Epoca typeface found on Hermes, making it highly appealing to designers and collectors alike.

This typewriter is in excellent cosmetic condition with very minimal signs of wear. Please refer to the listing photos for details. The left platen knob is missing its decorative cap, and the space bar has a small mark on the right side, both subtle and purely cosmetic, with no impact on functionality or typing performance. All keys, margins, line spacing, and ribbon functions operate properly. Basic cleaning and adjustments have been performed to ensure a smooth and responsive typing experience. The original carrying case shows age-appropriate signs of wear and is included; it remains fully functional, as shown in the last photo. A new ribbon has been installed, and fresh ribbons can be purchased separately.

Processing: usually ships within 1–2 business days

Estimated delivery:
Europe: 1–7 business days
US/Canada: 2-4 business days
Rest of world: 3–10 business days

Unless stated otherwise, customs and import duties are the buyer’s responsibility.

Noticeable defects are shown in the listing images. Please note that this is a vintage item, and minor signs of age or use may remain despite careful inspection.