Gadgets & Tech Archives - The Old Timey

The Fascinating History of the Swiss Army Knife

No other knife in history has earned quite the cultural significance as the Swiss Army Knife. Synonymous with versatility and inventiveness, it’s been a favorite …

Vintage Binoculars: A Guide to Their History, Origins, and Evolution

Take a trip back in time with us as we explore the ins and outs of vintage binoculars — from their development alongside early telescopes, …

A Guide to Early Writing Utensils: From Finger Painting to Ballpoint

While a pen and paper may seem ancient in a world of smartphones and keyboards, these writing tools are relatively new. Even the pencil took …

The Phonograph, the Gramophone, and the Foundations of Recorded Sound

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine having anything less than unlimited access to music, books, podcasts, and other audio recordings. We can access thousands, …

Your Guide to the History & Return of Vintage Electric Fans

Electric office fans have been around for more than 125 years. Their utility is undeniable and they have an interesting history. Invented around the time …

The Leica M6: History and Praise

It’s been nearly 20 years since production ended on the Leica M6 camera, and photographers are still reviewing it. So, how is it that this …

A Guide to Vintage Walkie-Talkies and Two-Way Radios

Walkie-talkies and two-way radios are so common today that most pay no attention to them. However, at one point in history, they were considered to …

6 Best Antique Telescopes For Décor and Functionality

There is something special about antique telescopes. Besides their sleek and elegant appearance, they look classy and valuable when displayed in nearly any room. However, …

7 Best Retro Bluetooth Speakers For Home and Office

Even with the rise in new, modernized speakers, the old-time retro bluetooth speakers are still great head turners so to speak. From the warm sound …

19th Century Scientists: Ancestors of Smartphone Functions

Every day, I try not to take for granted the technology that enables me to use my smartphone in the 21st century, but many of …

The Polaroid Camera: The Story of Instant Photography

How do you take photos every day? If you are like the rest of the world, you probably take photos with the same thing you’re …

History of Smith-Corona Typewriters: From Shotguns to Spell Check

A few years ago, I bought a typewriter. It’s vintage, blue and cream in color, and made sometime in the 1960s or 1970s. It probably …

7 Best Vintage Searchlights for 2020

Searchlights were first introduced to the world during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. These devices were then used for important military, navigational, nautical and cinematic …