1976 IBM Correcting Selectric II #93 4336811
Status: Parting Out
Hunter: Tas Kyprianou (Tas)
Created: 05-15-2023 at 10:36AM
Last Edit: 05-17-2023 at 03:02AM
Description:
I arrived at the seller's house only to see the machine dumped in the garage, next to a lawnmower.
Despite confirming with the seller that it was FULLY functional . . . twice . . . before heading out, the once magnificent Selectric II was dead as a doornail when I plugged it in. I began to walk away but the seller insisted on just giving me the thing. I had a strong feeling it was not within my skillset to repair it but thanked her and took it home for a laugh.
I was right about my hunch. Very right.
The list was long. No power when using a tester, everything was gummed up, and most white plastic parts were now yellow/orange and brittle or already broken. The golf ball removal mechanism broke. Couldn't even successfully salvage that. I did eventually manage to clean up the on-off switch and power it up only to hear the motor clank into life like an old tractor. It then died.
A friend who's repaired two Selectrics tried to help via text messages but my brain was not having any of it. I wasn't even able to salvage anything for him without breaking what he asked me to salvage. Utterly soul-destroying. These things are incredibly complex but utterly beguiling. I know that I will now forever be looking for a working one to call my own. To those of you who have one, bravo. To those of you who were able to repair one, I doff my hat to you and have my utmost respect.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Tas Kyprianou (Tas)
Tas Kyprianou's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 4045
UK member with Greek Cypriot heritage, living in London.
Relatively new to the hobby - My first machine was an Everest Mod 90 that I bought after watching a Violet Evergarden anime in December 2021.
My collection now consists of 40 machines. Nice round number. Time to stop I reckon. . .
My absolute favourite remains (just) my 1939 Royal KMM. For me, it's both the prettiest and the "warmest" to type on. It has "Majik" (with a nod to Sandy1)
I count my blessings that I am lucky enough to have amassed such a beautiful bunch.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the IBM Correcting Selectric II on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the IBM Serial Number page and the IBM Correcting Selectric II By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.