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196X IBM Selectric Composer Serial # unknown 196X IBM Selectric Composer typewriter, Serial # unknown Guillermo Fernandez Boan's 196X IBM Selectric Composer typewriter. 2016-05-10 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Guillermo Fernandez Boan: 196X IBM Selectric Composer Serial # unknown This typewriter is gorgeous.
Until you intend to use it. There begins another (very different) story.
According to http://www.printmag.com/imprint/ibm-selectric-composer-got-balls/ "The original Selectric Composer, announced in 1966, required text to be typed twice. On the first pass, the machine would automatically measure the length of the line, providing the operator with a color+number (i.e. green-2) combination to be noted in the right margin. When the operator finished all lines of the document, they would put a clean sheet of specially coated paper into the machine and engage the justification lever. This time, prior to typing each line of text, the operator would turn a color dial to the noted color, and another dial to the noted number. Once the dials were set, the operator would begin typing the text. While typing, the Composer would insert incremental amounts of additional space between words such that the line would always be flush on the right margin. Errors could not be corrected, and when they occurred, the operator would simply space down a few lines and retype the line"
And serendipity happens. I find this typewriter past saturday, collect it past sunday, and lacks of the Owner/User Manual bring me again to the www yesterday. What did I found looking for the Manual?: Just another Gentle Giant (this one no that Gentle). An IBM MC (states for "memory card" composer. This jurassic monster is now at home... and you can find some pics here at the Typewriter Database.
And that`s all. I am looking for the serial number of both composers, and will appreciate any helping hand from you

196X IBM Selectric Composer #unknown

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Guillermo Fernandez Boan (ORTBRAKER)
Created: 05-10-2016 at 04:58PM
Last Edit: 05-10-2016 at 05:11PM


Description:

This typewriter is gorgeous.
Until you intend to use it. There begins another (very different) story.
According to http://www.printmag.com/imprint/ibm-selectric-composer-got-balls/ "The original Selectric Composer, announced in 1966, required text to be typed twice. On the first pass, the machine would automatically measure the length of the line, providing the operator with a color+number (i.e. green-2) combination to be noted in the right margin. When the operator finished all lines of the document, they would put a clean sheet of specially coated paper into the machine and engage the justification lever. This time, prior to typing each line of text, the operator would turn a color dial to the noted color, and another dial to the noted number. Once the dials were set, the operator would begin typing the text. While typing, the Composer would insert incremental amounts of additional space between words such that the line would always be flush on the right margin. Errors could not be corrected, and when they occurred, the operator would simply space down a few lines and retype the line"
And serendipity happens. I find this typewriter past saturday, collect it past sunday, and lacks of the Owner/User Manual bring me again to the www yesterday. What did I found looking for the Manual?: Just another Gentle Giant (this one no that Gentle). An IBM MC (states for "memory card" composer. This jurassic monster is now at home... and you can find some pics here at the Typewriter Database.
And that`s all. I am looking for the serial number of both composers, and will appreciate any helping hand from you

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:














Hunter: Guillermo Fernandez Boan (ORTBRAKER)

Guillermo Fernandez Boan's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 9679

Argentinian lawyer resident in Buenos Aires city.
For half a century, enthusiast typist. Now enthusiast typewriter hunter.



RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the IBM Selectric Composer on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the IBM Serial Number page and the IBM Selectric Composer By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.