Smith Corona electric portable typewriters

[Baz]

I just purchased 3 of them from eBay. All 3 sellers claimed they were tested and worked when shipped.

Only one worked.

One of the sellers is taking his back on his dime and will refund.

The other will take back and refund - except wants me to pay for shipping - which I think is no bueno.

I made three demos. I will share the one of his not working with him and see what he says.

His is the first one. Just chatters...

The second one doesn't power up at all.

The third one works great!

[rfuerst911sc]

My SIL worked for Smith Corona in Corning NY back in the day . That was quite a while ago 😃 . Good luck with the returns .

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

My SIL worked for Smith Corona in Corning NY back in the day . That was quite a while ago 😃 . Good luck with the returns .

Thanks! I've never been a typewriter user so this is kinda new, but I love these SC portables! I got another one just now and it works perfect! It's a Mark XXIII and has even more features than the others. Will post a pic later.

I sent the other two back this morning. Pain in the butt to go to the post office but whatever. Kinda surprised the sellers didn't just take my word for it and issue a refund. That's what I would have done. They are both located here in Florida. This latest one came from Nebraska and the other one from Indiana.

I bet your sister has some good stories from those days.....

[Danimal16]

Looks just like this one. (but with an S-Stock)

[porsche930dude]

They are cool. Iv sold quite a few on ebay over the years always sell as not working even if they do. I think I still have an Ibm selectric III somewhere now that is an impressive unit! It was working when I got it but it munched the belt I think.

[jhynesrockmtn]

What are you buying them for? Screenplay writing old school?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by porsche930dude

They are cool. I've sold quite a few on eBay over the years & always sell as 'not working', even if they do. I think I still have an IBM Selectric III somewhere now that is an impressive unit! It was working when I got it but it munched the belt I think.

They are impressive. I never realized they have so many features! Not sure if I will get one of the 'word processor' models. The ones that can write to a floppy disc. Would make a cool curiosity item. At some point I will try to get some kind of reference guide to all the different models. There's some websites that have a lot of info but haven't had enough time to read them as thoroughly as I'd like.

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

What are you buying them for? Screenplay writing old school?

Good question, Jerry. Mostly because they are old school. For nostalgic and maybe also a bit romantic reasons, I guess.

I also intend to use them to help with sending mail correspondence - addressing envelopes for example - maybe post cards - and certainly hand typed notes and letters.

I need to learn more about their use and am a bit excited about that part. There are many people who have typed all their life - but not me. Nice alternative to a computer! Always nice to have options...

[Baz]

Well I sent both defective units back and so far one seller gave me a full refund and the other just refunded the item but not the shipping.

In the meantime I now have 3 working units and another 2 on the way.

They are all different models.

I'm taking a pause on buying any more until I figure out what I want to keep.

Here's the last one that arrived.....




And the one before it....the Mark XXIII, which is REALLY nice!

[jhynesrockmtn]

Excellent, love the way you think about them.

https://typewriters.com/blogs/blog/typewriters-more-than-just-a-hobby-for-tom-hanks

[Baz]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

Excellent, love the way you think about them.

https://typewriters.com/blogs/blog/typewriters-more-than-just-a-hobby-for-tom-hanks

Thanks - and also for the link - that's pretty cool! Guess I'm in good company.

I bet there's a FB group.....

[Baz]

This one delivered to me today......works perfectly!