In the quiet corners of Southeast Portland’s Richmond neighborhood, a small typewriter shop named Type Space has become an unlikely nexus for Hollywood charm and mechanical nostalgia. Two years after an unexpected visit from Tom Hanks, the acclaimed actor has made good on a casual promise, dispatching a vintage 1955 Rheinmetall typewriter from his personal collection to shop owner Antony Valoppi. The machine, a German-engineered relic autographed by Hanks himself, arrived on September 10, 2025, transforming what began as a starstruck encounter into a enduring tale of goodwill.

Valoppi, who opened Type Space in 2021 after a career pivot prompted by a motorcycle accident, recalls the initial meeting in May 2023 with vivid detail. Hanks, in town for undisclosed reasons, wandered into the shop and spent time chatting not about his filmography but about the intricacies of typewriters—ribbons, keys, and the tactile joy of analog writing. As reported by OregonLive, the actor promised to send one from his vast hoard of over 200 machines, a vow that Valoppi half-expected to fade like so many celebrity anecdotes.

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This gesture isn’t isolated; Hanks has long been typewriter royalty. His collection, documented in his 2017 book “Uncommon Type,” spans decades and continents, with the actor frequently gifting machines to enthusiasts and shops. Posts on X, formerly Twitter, highlight similar acts, such as his 2023 deliveries of signed typewriters to repair shops nationwide, as shared by ABC News in a tweet that garnered over 74,000 views. In Portland, the Rheinmetall’s arrival has sparked a surge in visitors, with Valoppi noting lines out the door and a flood of inquiries, echoing a broader resurgence in analog tools amid digital fatigue.

Local media outlets have amplified the story’s warmth. According to KGW, the typewriter won’t be sold but displayed on the shop’s front table, inviting patrons to type away—a democratic touch that aligns with Hanks’ approachable persona. Valoppi’s journey to typewriter aficionado began innocently enough, sparked by a desire to impress his partner Julia’s family over a decade ago, evolving into a full-fledged business after health setbacks forced a reevaluation of his path.

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The delay in fulfillment—over two years—adds a layer of authenticity, as Hanks navigated his schedule amid projects like the upcoming film “Here.” Recent web searches reveal coverage from outlets like KPTV, which detailed Valoppi’s pre-opening invitation to Hanks, unaware the actor would actually appear. X posts from The Oregonian and affiliates like WLWT further spread the news, with thousands of views underscoring public fascination.

For industry insiders in the collectibles and vintage tech space, this event underscores a niche market’s vitality. Typewriter shops, once on the brink of obsolescence, are seeing renewed interest, fueled by figures like Hanks. A 2018 Washington Post story on X noted booming sales at a Manhattan store, crediting young buyers and the actor’s influence. In Portland, Type Space’s profile has elevated, potentially boosting sales of refurbished models and repairs.

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Beyond the machinery, the story resonates as a reminder of human connection in an era of fleeting digital interactions. Valoppi shared on social media that the typewriter came with a personal note from Hanks, emphasizing reliability and the charm of kept promises. As WCVB reported, it’s a fulfillment that bridges celebrity and everyday entrepreneurship.

This episode also highlights Portland’s quirky business ecosystem, where niche passions thrive. With the typewriter now a fixture, Type Space is poised for sustained growth, perhaps inspiring similar ventures. Hanks’ act, simple yet profound, reaffirms the power of analog artifacts in a world dominated by screens, inviting reflection on what we value in our tools and interactions.