Ok, I admit it. I finally met the Checkwriter I couldn’t resist. As a thrift-huntin’ typewriter collector, I occasionally see a Paymaster Checkwriter sitting in the same general area that typewriters are stashed. Although always intrigued and tempted by these neat very mono-purpose printing machines, I’ve always held back on buying one (and you do only need one, if you need any at all) mainly because they are invariably priced much higher than typewriters, and also because every one I’ve seen up until now has been inked with a messy pad.
The Series 8000 Ribbon-Writer however, as the name suggests, is inked with a ribbon, just like a typewriter. But it ain’t no typewriter ribbon in there – the Ribbon-Writer takes a ribbon nearly 4 inches wide. That ribbon spool makes the ribbons on old upstroke typewriters look wee and dinky.
Paymaster Series 8000 Ribbon Writer #8N149809
The ribbon was just one major reason why I picked this particular one as my personal checkwriter, though. The condition is beautiful and it functions perfectly. I’ve been keeping an eye on this one in the Deseret Collectibles case for weeks, as it started out priced at $50, and grew more tempted as the price kept dropping without any buyers. When the price tag hit $10, I finally dropped the dime. Another important consideration to check before buying: some of these machines have specially-ordered impression plates that emboss the name of the company that owned it on your checks. You want to make a test print before buying to see what gets printed. If you’re gonna use it, make sure it just prints the generic “The Sum”.
CLEAR/LOCKED lever in operation. it controls whether the number you set is cleared or not after the check is imprinted. That’s it.
Set the amount of the check to be written using the front levers.
Write out the Payee of your check. Do this first because…
This lever sets whether or not the word “BONDED” is embossed over the payee name on the check. This prevents the payee name from being altered.
KA-CHUNK! Note the number levers being reset to 0.00 after the check is imprinted.
And now you have a check, bottom one is “BONDED” embossed, top one isn’t. My checks are gonna be real cool from now on.
Very nice PayMaster. One of the nicest newer ones I’ve seen. I’ve been watching 8000s on line for quite some time as they are the only series that will print both a business size check and a personal check.
Oh, neat. I never noticed that the other ones I’ve seen don’t have adjustable paper tables. I just assumed they all did, and that wasn’t something I even bothered to check. Guess I got lucky (:
Looks pristine. The ribbons must have been expensive I’m guessing! :)
new replacement ribbons are available online, $27 each. Doesn’t matter, though. Since it’s a ribbon, I can pull it out and WD-40 it if it gets dry.
So that’s what those check printers look like! I remember seeing some checks stamped with black and red ink a long time ago, and I was curious to know what kind of typewriter they used on them. Looks like a very interesting piece to add to the collection!
I have a few of these and prefer the larger 800 keyboard model. Todd also made a keyboard model too. The keyboard works better for smaller wallet cheques without crumbling the smaller paper size. These are not only on display, I use them too. With the last cars I purchased I took to the dealer to write me cheque!
Okay, I’m just going to say it… HOW CUTE!!
Cool! I am tempted to get one of these too.
That’s pretty awesome!!
Yes, I’ve got a similar one also – seems the typewriter hobby also gravitates to other office type memorabilia. So in that vein, do you or anyone else know if there’s a data base for dating Teletype machines? I just picked up a WW2 Army Model 15 teletype KSR (keyboard-send-receive) unit, and would love to date it. They’re very cool, and more like a typewriter +++. It would be neat if several of us had them, and could set up a Typosphere communication network! I know that Richard Polt has a Lorenz unit (german version of the Teletype Model 15)
Anyway, thanks for all you do to keep us informed!
Wow, heh, I have no idea where to find serial number info for KSR’s.
As far as collecting interest for that sort of thing, I suspect that runs further into the “Military Antiques” interest, so you might try those guys for info on your KSR. I personally have found it surprising how typewriter collecting is not very strong among military antiques collectors. I would have thought those guys would be into Army mills and Nazi Erikas.
i’ve started following the Ham Radio gang, and the Military Communication guys. They do talk about, and some have restored WW1, and mostly WW2 era typewriters, and Radio Mills. Thanks, and I will check with them!
I have a Paymaster ribbon writer, with a full keyboard. I keep thinking it is an F & E, but it is Paymaster. I was able to get the generic “The sum of” in place of the custom name plate, which I still have (I hope), which I think was for some trucking company.
I found it in a St. Vincent de Paul store for $5 many years ago, but it must have sat next to an ash tray that always had a burning cigarette next to it, as it took me about 6 months to get the nicotine smell totally removed.
I only write about 6 checks a month now, and use it for every one. I am surprised how many young people have never seen checks written this way.
Where can I get a manual for the paymaster S-550?
Hi Munk,
Very helpful info you put out that helped me figure out my new doodad and I really appreciate you putting this blog out with all the great photos for reference. I found this extremenly helpful and you have a very nice machine there.
Thanks,
I have a Vintage Paymaster 8000 found it at a flea market. I need to replace the ribbon but don’t know how! Please help!!! Email me rondajones1967@gmail.com
http://paymastercheckwriters.com/all-videos/
Does the term “Bonded” have any legal significance?
I have no idea. The intertubes have no answer that I can find.
I have a Paymaster Ribbon Writer Series 8000. The plate on the backside of the machine that reads “The Paymaster Corp.” has the following imprinted on it located in the lower left hand corner: 78N11491.
My question is how can I find an accurate value of it?