Hermes 30003rd gen, "squared"

Around 1971 the 3000 became the HP-2/71: more squared again, and now wrapped in a plastic casing rather than the painted metal of the earlier two. These were built in France, and later in Hungary, and you can spot one by the squared body, the muted colours, and the red margin indicator that rides in the paper bail. The writing mechanism still descends from the original, so the segment shift and the quiet carriage carry through, though the plastic shell gives the whole machine a different voice on the desk. Collectors tend to prize these least of the three, which is exactly why they can be the most affordable place to start with a 3000.