Uwe wrote:

I would assume that the elements are for an IBM Selectric. If they are then each element should have a pitch marking and the name of the typeface on the top. The simple way to differentiate their application is that elements with white markings are for a Selectric I and II, and yellow is for the Selectric III. 

Brother elements have similar markings, but the shape of the locking latch is completely different and it's much larger. Olivetti elements also have a larger latch but smaller than those of Brother's.

I borrowed this image that shows the difference between them (from left to right: Olivetti, Brother and Selectric):

The totals are 281 elements and 30 daisy wheels. The majority seem to be Selectric I and II, but there are Selectric III too. Additionally, some Brother and Olivetti have been identified, along with others which haven't been identified.

The differences in appearance are evident, but what are the functional and mechanical differences between the 2Y, 3Y and 4Y Skyriter?

skywatcher wrote:

Hi PDX

Last spring, I bought a Tower Chieftain and gave it a thorough going through so it could be a birthday present for one of my wife's former Sunday School girls. This girl has now finished university and is herself a teacher. If I recall correctly, the color combination was close to slate grey and an almost ivory cream. A very pretty machine.

If you can afford it, hang onto the Skyriter as well as getting the Tower Chieftain, you'll be surprised as to how convenient it is to have 2 typewriters. You don't have to pull a half typed letter out of your only typewriter in order to type a more urgent letter, you just get your other typewriter out and start using it. All the best,

Sky

I made an error as to the typewriter that Tom Hanks references in the film. It's the Smith-Corona Silent and he mentions the Skyriter as being among his top 5 favorites.

If it's financially feasible, I'm leaning towards keeping the Skyriter and searching for a 5LTT Tower President in great condition. It's my understanding that only the Chieftain III and President XII were offered with both the "Cadillac style" Tower emblem and two-tone paint.

I had a couple of typewriters at various stages of my childhood, but I wanted to purchase my first typewriter as an adult. I was unsure which to purchase, until I stumbled upon the documentary California Typewriter. In the film, Tom Hanks mentions that if he were to keep only one typewriter from his collection of over 250, it would be the Smith Corona Skyriter. My decision was made and the search began.
I recently purchased a 4Y Skyriter in great condition and I absolutely love it, but I've discovered the Sears Tower Chieftain III now. Of course, it's the same typewriter, but much more visually appealing to me! The classic 'Tower' badge and two-tone color stand out over the SCM label and single color.
Was it available in different color combinations? Is the lid color white or light gray?

https://i.etsystatic.com/5164562/r/il/d5b012/1753850643/il_fullxfull.1753850643_cl0s.jpg

I'm tempted to trade or sell my Skyriter for a Chieftain III.

I recently purchased a 1962 Smith-Corona Skyriter and 1982 Brother Correct-O-Ball XL-1 model 7300. It's exciting because the former is manual, has metal casing and and a typebar and the latter is electric, has plastic casing and a ball element. I confirmed that I'm the second owner of the Brother. The original owner was the late Col. William Zale and it's from his estate. I feel they're both beautiful machines and great representations of their respective eras.

Anyway, I look forward to interacting with the forum.