Pottery People (This Is Not a Lesson)

Sent from my Facit TP2

A Comet in De Luxe Form

1941 Corona Comet De Luxe 1N 12342

Notice that the recessed side panel on the flattops is absent on this model. As much as I adore the glossy finish of most flattops, I think this is a very beautiful machine. the stripes are perfectly placed, and the Comet decal is spectacular! I am basing my review on the assumption that this was an economy model made in the Speedline era. If that is the case, it certainly is an excellent machine given its price position.

Flying through outer space on my Corona Comet De Luxe

Teaser

Enjoy this taste of reality. There's more to it than just the obvious.

Too tired to typecast? Time to do mean nice things to people I like. :)

An Ivory Torpedo is Fired

1961 Torpedo 18b 1235923

Not that kind of fired, silly. Sorry for the short typecast, but I mangled my wrist a bit which makes typing on a typewriter keyboard a lot harder than on a computer!

There are three reasons why this isn't my perfect typewriter (although if it isn't the best one I own know, it's the second best). The first is that the platen isn't brand new, the second is that it types a little better when the ribbon advance is going towards the left compared to the right (probably fixable?), and the third is that it has a paint chip and some light scuffing.

The typeface has always captivated me. I love especially narrow or wide typefaces, and Esquire has one of the widest looks out there. It's another example of a good distinctive yet very useful typeface and it grows on me the more I use it.

Torpedo ad mentioned above

In case if you missed, the Typewriter Repair Resource is gathering submissions for links.

Fired from my new Torpedo 18b.

1919 L C Smith No 8 Video

click to play

I've long since sold this L C Smith, but I made this video about two years ago to remember it by using all the wonderful video skills I learnt in my videojournalism class. This is the first time I've actually shown it.

In other news, I'm starting work on a Centralised Typewriter Repair Resource (the fancy name which I have given it for now that will likely be scrapped for something very, very catchy) which can be seen on Welcome to the Typosphere.

Three Olympia SM2/3/4 Carriage Repairs

Escapement rack alignment screws / left

Escapement rack alignment screw / right

Rear rubber washer

Front rubber washer

Front carriage rail adjustment screw / left

Front carriage rail adjustment screw / right

Messrs Polt, Bowker, and Kernaghan

...every carriage as long as it's not twisted beyond recognition, that is. I'm assuming these would also work on SM1/5/7 machines, and will update accordingly as I find out for sure. I figured it would be helpful to put all of this information in one place.

Sent from my Olympia SM3

Olympia SM3 Carriage Problems

Added the photos for fun since you've never seen this one up close. Though, the photos make it look a bit better than in real life! The paint scratches and stains don't show up.

Sent from my white Olympia SM3.

Dating 1960s Smith-Coronas Through Advertising

1957

We begin with the classic late 50s lineup. Silent-Supers in colours, along with the Sterling and Skyriter in grey and green.

1958

One change is made to the lineup of manual portables: updating the Skyriter to give it white keys and a slightly modified logo.

1959

Now the Galaxie is introduced with the white front panel.

1960

One year later, 1959 models are still being sold (likely just old stock).

1960

Sold alongside the new Galaxie, of course.

1962

By 1962 the Galaxie has superseded the Silent-Super entirely, and a modified Sterling (probably introduced in 1961) is sold. The Skyriter is updated once more (now made in England as well).

1963

Galaxie remains unchanged, the Skyriter is replaced by the Corsair, and the Sterling gets a facelift. Also, the introduction of the Coronet electric.

1964

One year later there are no changes, but the old Electric is still being sold.

1964

Galaxie II is introduced, with the jeweled bearing and Change-A-Type.

1965

Same Galaxie II unchanged for the next year.

1966

Super Sterling now replaces the Sterling in a Galaxie-style body. Corsair has red function keys.

1966 

1968

The Galaxie Deluxe with tabulator bar and half/rapid spacing is introduced, possibly in 1967.

1969

No apparent change for 1969.

1970

Corsair Deluxe replaces the Corsair, and the red keys are gone.

This is by no means comprehensive, or for that matter totally accurate, but it's what I could gather with advertisements! I hope that it will be helpful for dating your 1970s SCM machines. It also shows that SCM sold older typewriters longer than I'd previously known.

Ultimate SM3

1958 Olympia SM3 1138039

Exchanged out this SM3 and this SM9 for this one here. ^^

The ribbon's a bit darkish. I type very close to the bottom of these pages so that slight slipping on the platen wouldn't interfere with typical correspondence. The paper was also not centered in the platen.

Sent from my new Olympia SM3.