1969 Smith Corona Electra 120 #6ELL-143160
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 03-22-2025 at 08:57AM
Last Edit: 03-22-2025 at 07:37PM
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Description:
Might be the original ribbon. If not, period correct replacement. Minty machine from the son of the original owner. No. 75 script and he knew it wasn't 'cursive.' On the bench for service.
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This typewriter had never seen a screwdriver. See the bottom cover as it was dropped. They told me they thought it had been used a half dozen times. Sure I have heard that one, I believe it on this one.
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Unfortunately there is no SN breakout for these hugely popular machines. It appears they went to 6ELL and the different front panel in around 1970. See the main page "6ELE" which would appear to actually be 6ELL. The newspaper ads, always slow to show an image of the actual model's styling changes, seem to confirm circa 1970-71 for this panel.
I think it goes like this:
6L E machines in tan with no changeable slugs are circa 63 ish. Before this the 6L E for 62 was an Electra 12.
6LE2 Red changeable type.
6LEV Black changeable type.
6ELL new for Aug 69, ie 197X with the disco panel.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
James Grooms's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 12202
As with many, the bug is back there somewhere due to an Underwood No. 5. My grandparents had a No 5. My parents had a yellow Royal Safari that I used to index card everything, including a beer can collection. Collection syndrome clue! A casual interest in typewriters started with a garage sale 3 bank simply because it said Underwood on it. Typewriters were found here and there , but I wasn't actively looking for them. The long dormant collecting tic was activated when my neighbors left a Remington Quiet Riter on the curb when they moved.
Typewriters are the perfect blend of using one's technical skills, history and functional purpose. My goal is type tested machines. My interests are not isolated to anyone area. For example, I am a big fan of Smith Corona electrics, mid century electrics and all things Royal.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Smith Corona Electra 120 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Smith Corona Serial Number page and the Smith Corona Electra 120 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
