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...]

A customer stopped by with three typewriters, one to tune up and the others to trade. I don't really like taking trades for service as I rarely come out ahead. I'm just not that smart. On the other hand, this gave me the opportunity to work on a unique machine and soon I'll explain why. The trades were the All-American previously featured and a Remington that is a parts machine. The Smith-Corona Silent-Super that needed servicing has very … [Read more...]

This customer’s typewriter had a few items for me to correct. The shift mechanism was interfering with the space bar, shift lock was not locking, ribbon feed was sluggish, paper would not feed unless two sheets were used, and boy this little guy was filthy. I label typewriters that come into my shop, mostly for some fun and this one is Coffee Shop. There was so much food crumbs and sticky mess in the mechanisms this guy must have been used while … [Read more...]

This Royal Quiet DeLuxe came in for general cleaning, oiling and adjustment. It sure is nice to have a machine that really only needs minor work and is in like new condition to boot! This customer sure has a gem, and it types real nice. … [Read more...]

Yep, this is still my favorite portable! Every time one comes in for refurbishment I appreciate the simplicity of design. These are not the most exacting machines making a kind of messy typing sensation, yet feather light and fun to use.It has manual ribbon reverse in the classic Corona “S” pattern by tightening the top ribbon spool nut on the ribbon you want to feed. Loosen the nut on the opposite side and that one will spin free feeding to the … [Read more...]

I’m sure I’ve mentioned we get quite a few Underwood model 5’s in the shop. The volume never stops the enjoyment each machine brings as I discover its history. This typewriter was a local machine and came with an aftermarket TAB activator located on the right near the shift key. This allowed the typist a quick way to hit tabs such as when you would fill out ledgers that had repeating columns. It was a real time saver to just nudge that plate … [Read more...]

I have a few of this model in the backlog of machines to get ready for sale. This is a customer’s that needed a good dusting (copious amounts of compressed air for the dust bunnies), cleaning, oiling and adjusting. Also, so typical of the Royals, it was not reversing the ribbon feed. The segment was kinda gummy and the type bar faces needed cleaning with a few slow keys, then it was on to the ribbon. The left side is notorious for getting … [Read more...]

Portable typewriters are a conundrum. Folks like them because they are portable (ha, ha), light, have an easy touch on the fingers and many have interesting designs. Folks hate them as the keys get stuck, ribbon feeds are finicky and are prone to skipping if the escapement gets out of alignment. This Royal portable is a real workhorse for the customer and when brought in you could tell it is used often. There was a lot of ribbon debris on the … [Read more...]

This Royal KMM was repainted wrinkle finish grey. Personally, I like the big shiny gloss black models (sooo shiny!) yet this grey finish was very popular after WW2 in the forties. This fine example of post war industrial art had a line space lever that was bent so bad it was hitting the ribbon cover. It is pretty hard to get any work done with that little disaster. The funny thing about being a typewriter repairperson is we look at the … [Read more...]