Machine Details
Voss
ST24 De Luxe
1959 (Wuppertal, Germany)
161877
Permanent Collection
Elite, 11cpi
Segment
QWERTY
Portable
Manual Electric
9"
14.5 × 13 × 6.5"
≈14.6 lbs.
Yes
Machine Description
The Voss ST24 De Luxe (often referred to as the ST24) is a highly sought-after, mid-century portable typewriter manufactured in West Germany during the 1950s. Renowned by collectors for its exceptional build quality, smooth carriage, and luxurious typing feel, it blends heavy-duty office machine capabilities with a beautifully curved cast-metal body.
The “24” of this model name refers to the 24cm width of the typewriter’s carriage/platen.
The model is considered the “frowny face” design in that its top ribbon cover has an opening that looks like a frowning facial expression. The main difference between this version and the earlier “smiley face” version lies in the design of the metal covers that swing open to access the ribbon spools:
- Smiley Face Voss: Earlier Voss models (like the 1955 ST24) feature sweeping, gull-wing style ribbon covers. When viewed from the front, the swooping curves of the body and the circular cutouts resemble a smiling face.
- Frowny (Sad) Face Voss: Later models and variants often replaced these swooping covers with a straighter or more enclosed basket design. Typophile communities and typewriter collectors refer to the shape of the opening on these later models as a “sad face” or “frowny face.” I think it looks just fine & happily pleasing as it is. :)
Key Features
- Typing Experience: Features a deep, responsive, and “rubbery bounce” key travel that collectors often compare favorably to elite brands like Olympia.
- Build Quality: Boasts a heavy-duty, cast alloy body and frame. Its substantial weight provides excellent stability, although it makes the machine less ideal for frequent travel.
- Deluxe Additions: The “De Luxe” variant is distinguished by an integrated tabulator system (indicated by “De Luxe” or “TAB” on the top casing) and premium chrome steel typebars.
- Mechanical Refinements: Includes a spring-loaded margin shock absorber, high-end chrome accents, and a variable paper clutch.
Serial Number Location:
Under the carriage on the right side of the machine, viewable from overhead through an opening in the frame. Serial Number Location Image
Features
- Tabulator
- Ribbon Selector Bichrome + Stencil
- Variable Line Spacing
- Margin Release
- Paper Support
- Carriage Lock
Condition Report
Dirty in parts and various chips or scratches, but overall good.
Very smooth. Deep pressing required (a Voss issue).
All working well.
Slugs could use a cleaning
The keys may have discolored with time and could use a deeper cleaning, but overall good.
Very clear & clean sound. A uniquely nice sound to the Voss' bell.
For the most part, all good. The 'de Luxe' label at the top/back of the machine is faded and looks as if it may have been degraded from a previous cleaning.
Case Condition Notes
The exterior of the case is clean and free of much wear. The interior is falling apart in places & in need of a deeper clean. All structurally sound, though.
Provenance
Primary A
Related Resources
- Voss De Luxe Typewriter Overview (via Joe Van Cleave)
- Voss ST24 Vintage Typewriter Walkthrough/Tutorial (via Jot & Tittle Vintage Typewriters)
- "A Closer Look: 1955 Voss ST24" (via Typewritemosphere / Bill Guthrie)
- "Voss Portable-Office Typewriter " (viz oz.Typewriter)
- Voss Gallery (via The Typewriter Revolution)
Type Specimen
