You know, it's like this lovely cream Silent-Super that's just been listed - there are four pictures of different bits of the machine, but none of the whole thing, or the case. You think: a, what's he hiding? And b, is this someone who will be able to be bothered to pack it carefully?

This Good Companion person seems at the very least a little bit excitable, & also to be someone to makes their problems into everyone else's problems...

Perssonally, I think a type sample is a massive selling point when buying on line.  Sure, as Uwe points out, there are dangers (just show a sample from another machine, for instance) but it helps me build a little confidence in the sale all the same;  I find that most sellers are fairly honest about things, and that relatively few engage in downright deceit.  If a type sample is not there, I always wonder why!

I only just noticed this Victor S, and I think it is too late for me to consider it. I love the description though.
"Still works, but ink is now faint as expected." There's no ribbon! No spools, even. Sometimes I do wonder. Perhaps the seller thinks the ink comes out of the typeslugs?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Smith-Premier-Victor-S-1930s-Junior-Typewriter-In-Original-Case-/111693442328?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1a0172ad18

Spazmelda, what became of the burgandy olympia? I tried to look at the pics but it was a bit too blurry to make anything out.
However, what I am really watching in wide-eyed interest as spectator now, is this beauty:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-The-Royal-Portable-Typewriter-With-Wood-Grain-Finish-1930s-Art-Deco-/391176606008?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5b13f15138
How did they get that paint effect?!
 

I didn't bother bidding on the Victor S, though I love the glossy shape. There seem to be quite a few Remingtons or rebranded remingtons of that era about at the moment, but I still have my Remington 1 to fix up.

OMG, the typing booklet alone looks gorgeous - it's like 'typing with Man Ray'. Up to £11.60 now. It'll skyrocket.