Order this typewriter today, and we will send out a beautiful, working specimen of this model in about 2 weeks.

It won't be this exact machine, and there may be slight variations. It will be an exquisite typewriter, ready to write, serviced and adjusted with case and new ribbon installed, in condition as good or better than the one shown.

This machine has excellent action an is in exceptional condition.

Typewriters come in all shapes and sizes, and this one certainly embodies the aesthetics of the 60's. That being said, it also incorporates some of the most refined features of typewriter engineering.

The Classic 12 was Smith Corona's attempt to take all that was good in typewriter design, and include it in one model.

The tab key is actually on top, as it was on the oldest desktops. As are the tab set and release buttons.

Margins and tabs are easy to set.

The only wear is on the bottom of the machine, which is mostly in excellent condition. This machine came very clean, with only a few eraser shavings inside. One of the pros of getting a machine of this vintage is that they were often very lightly used. Usually they came on the cusp of the electronic age, so people (and companies) often bought them and shifted to electric soon after.

This machine has a cover that slides out, so the ribbon can be changed. After changing a ribbon on a Noiseless from the 40's a few minutes ago, I can say that the ribbon change on these is a breeze by comparison, taking 3 minutes instead of 15.

I've included a 2 tone ribbon wound around a vintage metal ribbon spool (an upgrade!).

The case is in excellent condition, and includes the original key.

This machine comes with a wide carriage, meaning you can type with a letter-sized sheet in landscape mode. This can be a handy feature, though it makes for a slightly wider machine (and case).

The bottom is sealed off, so dust does not really become a problem for this machine.

The rubber rollers, platen, and feet are in excellent condition and the feet are even soft.

Though I tend to prefer the aesthetic of older machines, when you really want to type precisely, use features such as tabs regularly, fill out forms, or write letters, these machines are difficult to beat. Even loading the paper is a breeze compared to machines from a few decades earlier.

Please let me know if you have questions. This machine comes with our lifetime trade in policy and working guarantee.

Steven Budden

Classictypewriter.com

When the inspiration strikes, be ready!™

Your trusted source for writing machines in the US.

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.