1912 L.C. Smith 5 #158114-5
Status: Sightings
Hunter: Gerald Ambrose (Oliver9)
Created: 12-04-2016 at 05:09PM
Last Edit: 04-16-2021 at 01:10PM
Description:
This machine was a craigslist find. Cosmetically, I would say that it is in good condition. Mechanically it is good, too, but needs some adjusting, a drawband, and a new platen.
The story I got with this LC Smith 5 is that was the previous owner's mother's for some time (she had it 'tuned up' in the 1980s) and she used it up until 2012. I assume that it was in the family for a long time.
Update 1/14/2017 - I had J.J. Short recover the platen. Wonderful job! This 105-year old machine can now type with the best of them!
Type Sample coming soon.
Update - 2/26/2017 - I would say that this machine could be used as a 'everyday' typer. It types very quickly, and, surprisingly, quietly! Even before the platen was recovered it was fairly quiet! The tabulator works well, as does the backspace, and ribbon key. The only thing I have not got working is the shift lock, but there is an unknown issue with the shift mechanism.
Overall I like this machine.
Update: I found that the serial number of this machine puts in the 1912 era.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Gerald Ambrose (Oliver9)
Gerald Ambrose's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 941
I started collecting typewriters several years ago and it started with a late 1960s Smith-Corona Sterling portable that I got as a gift.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the L.C. Smith 5 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the L.C. Smith Serial Number page and the L.C. Smith 5 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.