Smith Corona Silent / Sterling (Matte Black)
Elegant Reliability in a Bulletproof Case
Order Yours Today:
Order your typewriter today, and I will send you a beautiful specimen of this model in about 2 weeks.
Select AfterPay at checkout to pay in 4 interest-free payments.
It won’t be exactly as the machines pictured (all of which we recently sold) but it will be a beautiful working typewriter in comparable (or better) condition, serviced, adjusted, and ready to write!
Perfectly working typewriter. Types like a dream.
These machines have a very fast, loose action. I find them the quickest of vintage machines. And they are the earliest machine with a segment (or basket) shift, which adds to the speed.
While I’ve had countless typewriters pass through my hands, my go-to model is one of these. The vintage stylings with the practicality, durability, and reliability are all I ever need.
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Comes packed safely in eco-friendly materials, with a fresh ribbon, case, digital manual; adjusted and oiled for your writing pleasure.
Features:
Single, 1.5, and double line spacing.
Tab
Floating shift: Basket / segment shift
US QWERTY keyboard
10 or 12 character per inch serif font (Pica or Elite).
Black wear resistant crinkle paint
Paper supports
Ribbon auto reversal and a manual reversal switch
2-tone ribbon selector
Includes:
Fresh 2-tone ribbon installed
Lifetime Tradein Policy
Working Guarantee
Digital copy of the manual
Original hard shell case in usable condition. These are often quite worn at the hinges (which were designed to separate so the top of the case can come off).
The ‘Silent’ and the ‘Sterling’ are nearly identical, other than the decal on the paper support. As for ‘sound’, I think the Silent was once more insulated (with felt), and now that makes little difference. I generally sell them as one model, and will send you the best example I have.
If you have preferences or questions, please let me know via email writeon@classictypewriter.com
Best,
Steven
Classic Typewriter Co.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
classictypewriter.com
THE CLASSIC TYPEWRITER PROCESS
Working Guarantee
(Or: How dare we guarantee a 50 or 60 year old machine?)
Each machine is carefully screened for quality and reliability.
Each machine passes a rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.
Each machine is cleaned, serviced, and adjusted so that it functions as it was designed to.
Each machine is THOROUGHLY tested by a writer. (Usually people who say a typewriter ‘works’ haven’t tested most of its most important features. Sometimes the type bars move but are misaligned; sometimes the carriage won’t advance; sometimes lesser-used keys stick; sometimes whole pieces are missing, etc). If it is found to need work, we have technicians with 40 years of experience.
If it is found to be acceptable…
Each machine is described in vivid detail and carefully photographed from every angle in high resolution so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Each machine is cleaned and carefully packaged for safe shipment (believe it or not, improper shipping is the MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DAMAGE for a vintage typewriter).
The Classic Typewriter LIFETIME Trade-In Policy
If at any reason you decide that you are done with the machine you got from us, you can trade it in for the full value, minus shipping and, if there is any, wear and tear. You pay the difference and we will send your next dream machine.
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Classic Typewriter Promises.
What you'll get:
A beautiful writing machine to inspire decades of writing enjoyment. Serviced, lubricated, and ready to use.
I want to imagine that opening the box is like opening the curtain on a warm spring day: a glow of delight fills you.
Imagine the box with the 'Classic Typewriter' imprint delivered to your door.
Features:
Each machine passes our rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.
The machine comes with our 'famous Classic Typewriter Guarantee'.
(It will be working on arrival, or we will remedy the situation).
A Lifetime Trade In Policy.
(Trade it in for the value you paid toward another machine as long as we're in business).
A copy of the original manual.
(Original if we have it, or a digital copy).
Safe, eco-friendly packaging. (Double-walled 250 lbs pound tested box, secured carriage).
(We've shipped over 400 machines with very few problems).
A new ribbon, on vintage spools.
(We opt for high-end silk or cotton ribbons, for a more vintage feel, on vintage metal ribbon spools).
Machine support. (We realize that it may be intimidating to embrace an older technology, so you'll have support where needed).
A digital guide to using your new (vintage) machine and replacing supplies.
Refurbished, original platen.
(We resurface the outer layer, to create a beautiful surface for the type slugs. This is preferable to 'new' platens in many cases for a few reasons).
New feet or rollers as needed.
We source the best condition machine available, serviced by skilled technicians and ready to write.
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FAQ
When will I get my machine?
We ship your writing machine in 2-3 weeks, via UPS ground. (To the US. International shipping requires a few days more, USPS International services).
What takes that long?
We sell machines by model, so it takes take a machine out of inventory that matches your specs, and inspect, clean, and service it.
Can I just find a used machine somewhere instead?
Of course! We encourage you to explore the world. However, it won't quite work right. this is the nature of a machine sitting for decades.
If you need to get to writing, and spare yourself many nights of research and tinkering, we have the solution.
What about 'refurbished' machines on other vintage sites?
Usually, they are just cleaned up slightly and shipped out. They don't usually work 100% (more like 80%). This is because most people have never used a writing machine, so they don't know how it is supposed to work! They see an opportunity to buy a vintage machine and 'flip it', however... you get what you pay for, as the old adage goes!
Why do you charge X?
Excellent question!
Priceless heirloom, endless inspiration, the stuff of dreams.
You’ll pass it to your children or into the annals of history.
Ask yourself what this will bring you, and what you could create with it, and you’ll have answered your question.
This is one of my favorite typewriters of all time. It’s a survivor. I’ve compared it to many more refined and recent models and somehow it still sings. Because what newer models gain in precision, they lose in reliability and elegance. These models hit a sweet spot because they have all of the features you’ll likely need, while still maintaining the antique aesthetic.
The Smith Corona Silent Sterling typewriters are bulletproof, and so well-engineered that almost everything that goes wrong with them requires a simple adjustment to repair. The bottom is left open as in many earlier models, so that dust just falls right through. Mine has been sitting out in the elements for years without any sign of slowing down. I l like it out because a glance at it inspires me to pound out page after page. I’ve written at least two novels on this machine.
The round, glass keys add an iconic look that is difficult not to be inspired by. The streamlined, rounded finish make for a timeless desk-piece.
Mostly, I love how it writes. It is one of the earliest typewriters to incorporate a basket shift, rather than the more cumbersome carriage shift. They called it the ‘Floating Shift.’
There is something beautiful about the black and chrome finish dancing together.
You have to turn the machine around to physically set the tabs in the rear. Occasionally the carriage return lever pops out during typing, and perhaps occasionally she skips a space or doesn’t advance during the fastest typing sessions, meaning over 90 words per minute. Most people, under most circumstances, won’t notice this.
They have a cover that hinges rather than comes off entirely (though you can unscrew it). This is useful because the cover rarely gets misplaced.
Technicians love these machines because they are forgiving to work on.
They are heavy, and the case is heavy. Not ideal for constant carrying.
Specifications:
Size:
Weight:
Features:
Segment (aka Basket) Shift
Glass Keys
Durable, simple case that survives
Large ‘hard to miss’ space bar and carriage return lever
Clear-ringing bell
Insulated innards render it quieter than earlier models
Low maintenance design
Robust draw spring mechanism
Two-Tone Ribbon Selector
Tabulator