Smith corona 60’s Classic 12

Below is the manual for your machine, (or a very similar one) in case you wish to peruse in the meantime.

This machine has a carriage lock, but it just releases when you hit the carriage return lever.

Take  it slowly and gently at first, and try not to force anything.  Everything was tested when I sent it out, so it should be working when  it arrives. I pack as carefully as possible, based on years of  experience.

If something is not working as specified, we can find a solution.

That  being said, each machine has it's little quirks, and that is just part  of writing on a functional antique. No two are exactly alike, and I say  this after going through hundreds. Learning to dance with a particular  machine is a process, and a worthy one!

And  some people write about skipping letters or the carriage not advancing,  etc. Sometimes that has to do with the. mechanism. Usually it has to do  with technique. It takes some practice to type reliably and consistently  on a typewriter. Some fingers are weaker than others at first, or they  linger longer, causing skipping. Use a quick, firm keystroke.

The  weak link of these machines are the carriage release levers. Because  they are plastic, sometimes they break or crack. They can be glued or  the bottom wrapped with a zip tie, and also just used as metal pieces.  That plastic doesn't age well. When I send them, I make sure they are  solid and in one piece, but it's just something to be aware of.

The ribbon will auto reverse when it reaches the other side.

The manual attached is for a similar model, but you should get the gist.

The  branding varies a little bit, and the features by year. A few are  Classic 12, Classic 10, Galaxie 2, Galaxie 12, Super Sterling, etc.  Sometimes they have added features, which were added at the onset of the  electric typewriter age, like 'power spacing' or a wide carriage.  Sometimes there is a 'stuck keystroke' unstick key.

The  keys on either end of the numbers are sometimes covered, either black  or red. This means you can change them out, if you find replacements.  There are special characters that some people like or prefer, accents,  etc. So if you have one of these models, that is kind of a fun  consideration.

As for paper, you can use any computer paper. Traditionally, typewriter paper was very thin. You'll get a different impression if you use two sheets, one as a 'backing sheet'. Or you'll get a nice feel for letters if you use cotton resume-type  paper. Pretty much any paper that the rollers will hold onto will work. Card stock will even work in some machines as well, as some writers used those as note cards literally, and typed them out.

I sell ribbons here.

Here is the manual:

Classic 12 (or 10)

Please let me know if you have questions.

Mostly, enjoy the writing!

PS.  I offer a trade-in policy, in case you ever want to upgrade or switch,  you can trade your machine in for the value you paid toward anything  else.