Thoughts
- Yes, whilst a decrepit old typewriter is seemingly worthless, it's inner value is in it's potential and in the person who operates the instrument - whether used for a transgressional protest, the writing of a letter, etc.
- Perhaps discuss how it's a force for change or upheaval, but can be utilized for sinister purposes (e.g. misinformation, propaganda, etc.)
- The gold analogy would actually be good, maybe suggest that under the squalid stains on the steelwork there lies a pristine gold frame etc.
- Maybe through his character literally typing out 'Propaganda', this action adds to its squalidness (But idk really the context of your story and if it's relevant)
- Phrases e.g. "the glistening sterling laid under a masquerade of industrial squalidness, further subdued by the manufacturing of misinformation"
EDIT: Another thought - perhaps link the inner mechanisms and machinery of a typewriter to the 19th century begrimed factories of industrial-age England. In this analogy, the keys of the typewriter facilitate the production of lies / propaganda etc.
Visual for reference: