Last week I was inundated with several "modern" typewriters ranging from IBM Selectrics and Wheel Writers to a Swintec 7000. This week it is these two L.C. Smith typewriters. Both are dirt buckets that need copious vacuuming and blowing out of debris. I'm always impressed at how well made and stately these L.C. Smith's are. The one pictured above is an accounting typewriter with a dedicated row of tab stops so when you are updating a … [Read more...]

It's funny when I get a 1930's typewriter just after I've serviced a 1940's version of the same model how similar they feel. This beautiful maroon painted Corona Sterling has that classic style I really love. I have a black one at home that I refurbished and when I've had some family time it will eventually be sold. So many typewriters, such a short life... Well, back to comparing 30 vs. 40. They are essentially the same machine under that … [Read more...]

I don't get too many Oliver typewriters in the shop and each is a story. This beautiful black Oliver No. 11 is a family heirloom that had been in storage many years. A greased up dust bunny ready for some typing fun. The Oliver was saddled with a way too long fishing line draw cord tied to the side of the carriage, and as soon as Mr. Montgomery tried to show me (for what seems like the fiftieth time) how easy the carriage is removed from the … [Read more...]

Recently, a customer asked if I'd tune up a typewriter they were getting ready to sell. Of course, I said! We went to the car and when I opened the case I knew this was a nice machine. This Remington Quiet-Riter is in very nice condition, and looks like it was rarely out of the case. All it needed was a bit of degreasing, re-oiling the right places and a few type bar adjustments. There are soooo many French Grey Remington's that it is nice … [Read more...]

This Corona 4 portable came to the shop with a myriad of problems. Multiple type bars were bent, the ribbon feed on the right was not working and bent, paper would not feed and the back spacer was not working. Really, they could not even use the typewriter. I removed the front decorative section that says Corona and discovered the type bar rest was not attached, many loose screws under the carriage, on the sides of the frame, and get this... … [Read more...]

This Woodstock came into the shop for a new draw band. The old one finally gave up. Fortunately the spring (in the draw band spring drum) had not broken. Mr. Montgomery, every time a Woodstock comes into the shop, regales me with WWII memories. It turns out that Woodstock was a major supplier to the military and (as Mr. M. puts it) the wartime machines did not perform very well. I still find it funny (yes I really do laugh) when these early … [Read more...]

I like the Olympia portable typewriters. I especially enjoy the ones with Pica and this one comes with beautiful crisp type. If this wasn't a customer's machine, it would be in my home. We get quite a few dark green Olympia's in the shop and this one has that nice brown finish with the dark, almost purple key tops. A very pretty machine. The case was in rough shape, quite opposite the typewriter. The case was a real trooper and … [Read more...]

This was a customer's recent purchase and was brought in for refurbishment. Typewriters like the Corona 3 were typically used in the field and used often. I really appreciate the simple design of durability that was put into this folding typewriter. So, here is the list; the draw string was broken, the carriage release spring had been dragged across the carriage stretching it out of proportion, several small screws were missing, one rubber … [Read more...]