One thing that does work well is if forum members note what they are looking for in their signature. This way, if a forum member finds something they might  be interested, they could simply send a PM. Or, maybe a forum member will come across something they saw in another member's signature, and could help out with making sure that particular typewriter finds its way into that particular member's hands. 

This also works well if you are looking for particular parts/components for repairing a typewriter already in your collection. 

Mech wrote:

I have been looking for a typewriter in rough shape that I wouldn't feel terrible about repainting. I found this one this evening - the seller description states "The keys will only hit half way and will not touch the paper. The roller on the back will not move left or right."  I know that I would get $89.95 worth of pleasure out of cleaning and tinkering with it, but is it crazy to spend that much money on a machine in such bad shape?

Short answer? YES!!! Definitely crazy, and there is absolutely no need to pay a seller nearly $100 for a typewriter in bad shape. I could sell you a few others for FAR cheaper if you are just looking for one to repaint, such as a Skyriter or Royal Royalite.

Just find a junky typewriter locally. I'm sure in a weekend of hitting up all the local antique stores and flea markets, you could find several nice examples for under $90.
 

Hm, I don't know what my opinion is on the sm3. On the one hand it's almost the cheapest sm3 on eBay right now by a large margin.  Otoh, most of the sm3's on eBay ate probably overpriced (imo).  I guess I'm sort of leaning towards Uwe's "what's $90" if it gives you a lot of pleasure?

Here's a listing that's been kicking around on eBay for a while, and I've never heard of a Trixi before.  I haven't done an extensive Google seach, but a quick search doesn't bring up much except this listing and some stuff about a font called Trixi.

Last edited by Spazmelda (10-6-2015 05:36:38)

Uwe wrote:

Mech wrote:

is it crazy to spend that much money on a machine in such bad shape? 

I think so, but only because I've bought SM3s in far better shape for less than a third of that price. On the other hand, what's $90 these days, especially if it gives you hours of entertainment? Oh, and there's nothing wrong with that machine. The seller doesn't realize that the carriage lock is engaged, which is obvious from the photo and would be the cause of the 'problems' he described.

Here's an example of a $20 SM3 that only needed a little cleaning:
 

That is a beautiful $20 SM3. And thank you for the tip on the lock.

If the junker Olympia sits, I may ask the seller if they'll consider taking less. Its broken junkiness and fun potential are really what appeal to me. It would be more of a rescue mission than a savvy collector's move.
 

Looks like the back of the carriage is a real mess in terms of paint. Did they really paint over the margin stops and ruler?!?  Unbelievable. However, never underestimate a terrible paint job to blind naive buyers and liberate them of a ridiculous sum. Unless the description for that auction spells out the home handiwork, I wouldnt be surprised if that machine skyrockets in the last hour of bidding. I'd stay well clear of it - too many SMs in the sea to be worrying about this one.

EDIT: I just took a look at that auction and it's far worse than I imagined. It looks like the paint was applied with a brush! Overall it's probably one of the worst paint jobs I've ever seen and it needs to be stripped down and sent to the media-blasting booth for a couple of hours.

Last edited by Uwe (12-6-2015 15:59:17)