Here's one that might be good for me to learn about platens.

# 231627452937

Vintage 1950's Olympia SM-3 Typewriter - Color: Light Green

Was tempted to snipe because of price + book & kit.

Taking a pass because photos look like the platen has been hammered. String of question marks, 0's,  and letters across it.
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1.) This is a *good* thing (shows platen still has some give to it?)

2.) Best avoided if letters imprinted in it?

3.) Doesn't matter.

Appreciate patience with these beginner questions.  I'll learn. 
 

ztyper wrote:

I say if the price is right, then it doesn't matter. Most of my typewriters have letter imprints on them, and that usually means that it's hard (or at least in my case). Just use a backing sheet of scrap paper in between the sheet you're typing on.

Cool.  Two of mine have vertical lines hammered into them over the years, but never seen one where looks like maybe someone tested it w/o paper?

00000000000

???????????

Anyway, I'll find out because ermm...  My $75 snipe won at $74 & some change.

Figure something has to be wrong with it, or why would someone give it to the Salvation Army?  Otherwise sell it on Craigs List or something.    Maybe I'll get lucky, but probably a good project machine.  : )
 

Last edited by BrianE (28-7-2015 19:07:24)

Retro-Z wrote:

Not everyone sees the value in what they otherwise feel is "old junk".
 

That's exactly what I've been trying to tell people not to do! As the old say goes, "One man's junk is another man's treasure" 

Looks like all of you were right!  Was very plesantly surprised because I'd been expecting the worst. 

An owner's manual that survived 56 years in perfect condition was simply stuffed into the handle as you can see.



I'm nominating it for BoneHead of the Month packing.  Might also msg. Salvation Army with nasty-gram.

Very disappointing.  Has original kit & inside the case I found maintenance & receipts going up to 1976.  Belonged to a lady who took care of it, and kept records. 

Good news is mounts in case strong enough to prevent any real damage to machine itself.  The paper conductor had fallen off & was jangling around in there but no harm done. 

Typewriter is the best I've had the pleasure of using in the short time I've been into this hobby.   Diana and Hermes got nothin' on Mt. Olympus!

"Ztyper" - thanks for reassurance or I'd have never bid on it.

Now to try and flatten out owner's book & find spring for paper conductor.

Brian 

 

Well I'm glad you enjoy it! The Olympia SM line is one of my favorites and I love the touch of the SM-3/4. And nice score with extra records that most people just throw away! I love it when they come with extras like that.