Typewriter Essential Features

This is a 1945 Smith Corona Sterling.

Pairs well with roses and dystopian novels.

Also lilies and utopian novellas.

And camellias and realistic biographies.

And hyacinth and deluded autobiographies.

Ok, any flower combined with any style of writing.

Versatilty is the word.

This is my best-selling machine.

This may be due to my fervent devotion, as I used one like it for 20 years without a hitch.

In any case, I also think it is the oldest machine that still has all of the essential features, that will send you joyously on your way, clacking toward the proverbial literary paradise.

What I consider essential features:

Tabs.
Two-tone ribbon selector.
Right and left margins.
Floating shift.
Easy-key action.
Ergonomic feel.
Durable crinkle paint.
Relatively portable in durbable case.
Low profile / small footprint.
Rubber holds up well to time.
Resilient against dust.
Old school 'glass-style' keys.
Single and double space option.
Paper support fingers.
Auto and manual ribbon reversal.

Doesn't have:

Tab set and clear 'keys': these come in the 50's (silent super). You manually move keys in the rear, which is fine for me because I barely every change their position: I just set one every 1/2 inch for some different tab positions, and use as needed.

A '1' key: you use the lower case 'L'.
Also, a '!' key: you use the "." key, and then back up and put an apostrophe over it. (This key also makes its appearance in the 50's, Silent Super.)

Comes with a new ribbon, installed, which I normally wind onto vintage spools... because it is much cooler.

Write on,

Steven Budden