Smith Corona Sterling 5AX

I hope that you're pleased with this typewriter! It is one of the classics from typewriter history.

Here is the manual for your machine,  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 or move the carriage to the right.

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.

Unlike the machines from Smith Corona of a similar era, these have metal carriage return levers that rarely break or bend. The later machines (Super Sterling) use plastic ones. So that is a benefit of this model.

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

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.

The special paper that that note came on is here.

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.