Well worth it for that typeface! Looking forward to seeing the pictures.

Richard Polt describes the later SCMs as a little rattly; I think that's apt, but they are nice machines to use all the same.

No, he definitely was talking about the larger portables, like the 6 series.  I know what he's referring to -- the machines don't seem to be particularly well damped, which leads to extra vibrations in the mechanism (and so the space bar connectors, for example, seem to make more noise than they should. Compare with an SM9, for instance.

Don't get me wrong -- there are some characteristics of these machines, like the short throw of the line spacing lever, that no other brand does better. And the typing action itself is really crisp.

Uwe wrote:

Fleetwing wrote:

Richard Polt describes the later SCMs as a little rattly;

That's odd, surely he meant ultra-portables like the Corsair and not the 6-series models such as the Classic 12, which I would never describe as being 'rattly'. I have a number of Classic 12s and other 6-series variants and they are solid portables that perform quite well.
 

There is some validity what Richard Polt said.  I will say that the 1950's models seem to me a little bit tighter and quieter.  However, the difference is quite small, and I never worried much about it.  I've always enjoyed Smith-Corona typewriters--Big and small, manual and electric.  I've had them as small as the Corsair manuals, and as big as the big electric 410s (Gosh I miss those--just mash down on the impression control and it electrically sets itself, and the power switch has a big ol' light on top.  The ribbon buttons (there were four) set the ribbon--including a carbon ribbon)
 

Those Royal 440s were big, boxy things.  Kind of like a Volvo car.  The best part is that you can remove the outer shells on these beasts, paint them up good, along with bits of hardware on the carriages, and you should have a decent looking pair of typewriters.  Also, a bit of tranny fluid on a toothbrush will help shine up their teeth real good.  Be sure you wipe all the excess off afterward.  As to the designer, I am not sure, but he may have been proud of his new Volvo.

1940s Standard lovers: prepare to swoon.



I've finally got my hands on an Olympia Model 8... with English type! Is it just me, or do these things seem more common with Cyrillic keyboards? Not sure why.



I found it in a very odd vintage store. It was sitting in between a 19th century butter churner and a stuffed badger, would you believe?



I've been after an English Model 8 for a long time (because I think they are utterly beautiful). I ended up paying more than I usually would for a typewriter (US$150), but I still bartered the store owner down from its original price tag of US$200.


Not in great condition, either. But nothing a good clean and lubrication couldn't fix. It's working wonderfully now.

You know when you finally get to use one of your dream typewriters, and it really is as good as you'd hoped?
Because I do.