Uwe wrote:

I used to have a truck, and back then it cost me $120 to fill the tank, so I guess you're saying that it wasn't expensive. Then again it's all relative. I'm used to getting at least three typewriters for $120, but typewriter pricing is all over the map and dependent on so many factors such as how knowledgeable the seller is, whether or not other collectors are bidding against you, the condition of the machine, etc. And we shouldn't forget the buyer role in the equation either. I've never understood why anyone would pay a premium price for a machine just because it has a case finished in a colour that isn't black (or gray), and yet there are buyers out there who are paying ridiculous amounts of money (to me) just because a machine is red (or pink, or blue, or green). When it comes to collecting, and getting machines you really want, I've found that patience is the key element; given enough time you will inevitably come across an inexpensive example of whatever you're after. 

Ouch, forgot you're in Canada and how expensive it is to fill up the tank up there. Figure I usually put in around 20 gallons when I fill up, and gas right now is right at the $2/gal mark... so right in line with the three for $120 that you mentioned. I'd been looking for a musicwriter for a while and my patience paid off, this was more than reasonable price wise (I basically just paid for shipping).

Fleetwing wrote:

Who can explain what the deal is with this machine?? I think there is one like it pictured at the Machines of Loving Grace site also. I mean, 10 keys only, and with Greek (mathematical, presumably) symbols?

There are some reasonable theories out there, the best being that it was a special order for universities for engineering departments to help out with typing out equations in ones thesis. But to date, no documentation has been found which absolutely supports any theory   and yes, Alan Seaver (Machines of Loving Grace) has one as well which is on his site

Interested in watching this as I have a few Smith Premiers that I need to get to restoring sometime soon...

Do I get to play too? Not your typical SG3, but with the amount of other machines I have it's hard to justify more SG sized machines...

KatLondon wrote:

I have a Swissa Piccola that has a very broken ribbon vibrator or something under the carriage - the ribbon just will not move. I am determined to get it going though. I'll do an album of that, in due course

I'll try to remember to pull out my Piccola out for you when I get stuff out of storage to hopefully help you get yours working again!