Abstract: The ink ribbon feed mechanism comprises a pair of spool shafts adapted for carrying ribbon spools, a pair of feed pawls selectively engaged with one of the ratchet wheels on said spool shafts for imparting intermittent rotation to the spool shafts, and a reverse mechanism for changing the engaging state of the feed pawls relative to the ratchet wheels. The reverse mechanism includes a first member movable from one to the other direction through a connecting member which is adapted to rotate in unison with the ratchet wheel in dependence upon an operation of a sensor for indicating that reversal of the ribbon take-up direction is required, a second member movable from one to the other position after travel of the first member through a predetermined distance, for changing the engaging state of the feed pawl, and first and second detent members being provided for positioning the members in their two positions.