Hi Uwe

The two square holes in the lower housing are a genetic throw back to when the Skyriter was fitted with a metal case or hard shell. The shell had two corresponding pins that locked into these holes and the spring clips latched onto the front of the housing either side of the space bar. From what I've found out so far, this is a rough genealogy of the Skyriter.

Series 1Y- The Zephyr; round keys, individual ribbon covers, short carriage, return lever and hard shell.

Series 2Y- The Skyriter, injection molded keys, one piece ribbon cover, short carriage return lever and hard shell.

Series 3Y- Same as 2Y- except for soft shell or zippered carry case which was usually tan

Series 4Y- Built in England after Smith-Corona had bought and retooled the British Typewriters factory and became SCM. Identifying features are the long carriage return lever and a firm zippered black carry case.

Series 5Y- and 6Y- were the SCM Smith-Corona Corsair, Cougar, Calypso etc. The light weight plastic bodied units with the same basic internal mechanism.

As I say, this is how I understand the progression of the Skyriter series. I'm always open to learn new facts about this model. All the best,

Sky

Hi UWE

Indeed what you have is a broken detent spring. Lift the mechanism out of the housing and look at the left side. Just below and behind the left ribbon holder, you'll see a screw holding a small circle of metal onto the side of the frame.

This is the other end of the broken spring you found in your unit. The 'V' shaped part of the spring detents into the 'W' shaped notch in the reverser linkage just below the spool holder. Hope this helps and all the best,

Sky