1959 Smith Corona Silent Super #5 T 725058X

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Gavin Oherin (valiantchicken09)
Created: 08-19-2025 at 09:55AM
Last Edit: 08-19-2025 at 11:05AM

Description Hunter 28 Photos 0 Likes  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

This typewriter was acquired from a local antique mall called the Screen Door, which has now gone out of business to be replaced by apartments. So the story goes. I had gotten back from the beach not long before, to which I had taken my Underwood Correspondent, and I had visited the place a few times. There were often one or two typewriters at one booth in the back of the store, but none had really spoken to me until I found this one and a ‘48 Dreyfus QDL. I was really leaning toward the QDL, as it was glass-keyed and tuxedoed, but I dutifully took a type sample, and this machine of course came out on top (though I thought it a bit ugly at the time). It is the only machine I have spent more than $100 on; $104 & some change, if I remember correctly. One of the most worthwhile purchases I have ever made.

I was still early into my typewriter collecting, as this was the summer of 2023, and I had only gotten my Underwood 4 & Remington 10 at an estate sale a few months before. However, I am an information hoarder. I read everything I can get my hands on. So, once I found the typewriter rabbit hole, I fell in fast. I learned about typefaces relatively quickly, and was thrilled to learn there was such a variety. Of course, I never thought I would get a machine with something like italics or double gothic or some other rare style. Surely, the seller would realize what they had & get greedy? I guess not. And to think, this machine was probably professionally serviced in ‘87, and then put away, never to be used until I got my hands on it. Absolutely spotless inside.

The touch of this typewriter is not the absolute best even among my other 5 series machines, but I am probably spoiled with my other ones. It stands its ground, and it is great for friendly letters & showing off at public events. As for the typeface, the numerals are one of my favorite bits because they are quite old fashioned for 1959. They look like the numerals on my ‘25 Royal 10. The imprint isn’t as crisp as I would like it to be, but I think that is typical for Smith-Corona machines, as is the slightly wonky line of characters.

It really isn’t a silent machine. Not even quiet! It is probably my loudest S-C portable, despite the soundproofing. A friend who had it during Helene said it drove their family crazy listening to it type all day. Not sure how to make it better, because I can’t be sure if the sound dampening material contains any asbestos. If it does, then it will be quite a job, if at all, replacing the stuff.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

Look at the "f"! and the v, and the x, ...just all of them actually.

Look at that 2!

Un-underlined Logo from the late '50s. This machine was made after they re-introduced the racing stripes on the ribbon cover.

Right side with some ink stains.

Right carriage damage.

Back of the typer with the sound deadening baffles. Another feature introduced on 5 series machines.

Triple line spacing selector with the patented time saving mechanism. The return arm rotates the platen as soon as it is moved instead of a dead space that it sinks into before activating.

The Complete Underbelly! No plastic inside *ahem, 6 series, ahem*.

Super clean linkages!

This machine's escapement is very simple, but I have never been able to understand what the little spring wrapped around it is for. Such a mechanism is not present on my earlier 5 series typewriters.

Another close-up of the escapement. The Shifting adjustment for lower case is just above the star wheel, and that for capitals is above that on the raised bit.

The painted-on date on the underside of the carriage rails. I can only assume it was a professional servicing, because only a couple other machines I have are as clean as this, and none are as old.

Pant Splotch. Probably from the same time they dated their servicing.

The feet on this machine are practically brand new. I can't tell if it is 62 or 82, but it could be when the feet were made.

Proudly made in the USA.

Platen's Out!

This platen guaranteed to be of high quality & unspeakable loudness.

Right side of the carriage with the platen out. Tiny little rusty spot.

X = x-tra keys. 1/! and =/+ on the top row.

Touch Selector. Doesn't really do anything, so I just leave it on Low.

Can't say why the =/+ key rides higher than the rest. seems to happen to some of these Silent Supers. Original ribbon spools with silk ribbon! (Dry, unfortunately.)

The Holiday case this Typewriter came in. A little dented, but still does it's job wonderfully.

Bottom of the holiday case.

Why it went sideways, I have no idea. The machine's in the case & looking smart.

Hunter: Gavin Oherin (valiantchicken09)

Gavin Oherin's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 179

I am a typewriter user & collector in Western North Carolina. The typewriter bug bit me with an ancient Underwood Standard #4. Now, the collection just keeps growing. I never imagined having so many typewriters. It mostly consists of American brands, but I am always on the lookout for something better than your average Smith-Corona. (Not that there is anything wrong with them, of course.) I am also interested in quality stationery, trains, tractors, vinyl records, and pretty much anything else that operates mechanically. Happy Hunting!