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196X Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 Serial # 6ELN 141206 196X Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 typewriter, Serial # 6ELN 141206 Zigmund Hostutler's 196X Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 typewriter. 2025-11-25 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Zigmund Hostutler: 196X Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 Serial # 6ELN 141206 Pica; 12" carriage. Acquired November 2025.

Over the decade or so I've collected typewriters, I've come across a lot of 6-series Smith Coronas. Honestly, over time, I've grown to dislike and avoid them. A combination of universal mechanical woes, cheaper parts construction, vapid touch, and lackluster looks has left a sour taste in my mouth. However, this Coronet has changed my opinion of these later Coronas for the better. For that alone, I really appreciate this machine. Unlike its mechanical siblings, this Coronet is very pleasant to write with; quick, light, and consistent touch.

In many ways, I'd even argue that a machine like this Coronet is the "perfect typewriter" for a beginner or casual user. For one, an electric machine is much more forgiving of someone accustomed to a computer keyboard. A later electric like this even has a layout similar to a modern keyboard (e.g., "/' instead of "/2 and '/8). Calling this a portable is a bit ambitious, but it is storable -easily taken out or put away at will. Finally, here in the USA, at least these are inexpensive and pretty plentiful; this one was a $5 Goodwill find here in "the armpit of America."

This machine is part of the "6ELN" series, and the lower serial number would seem to indicate it is an earlier production. There's no date code, either. Based on ads (see below) from the time period, the Automatic 10/12 debuted in about 1970, so this might be a late '60s or early '70s machine. Pictures are from before cleaning.

196X Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 #6ELN 141206

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Zigmund Hostutler (Qwerpty)
Created: 11-25-2025 at 07:28AM
Last Edit: 11-25-2025 at 07:37AM

Description Hunter 13 Photos 0 Likes  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

Pica; 12" carriage. Acquired November 2025.

Over the decade or so I've collected typewriters, I've come across a lot of 6-series Smith Coronas. Honestly, over time, I've grown to dislike and avoid them. A combination of universal mechanical woes, cheaper parts construction, vapid touch, and lackluster looks has left a sour taste in my mouth. However, this Coronet has changed my opinion of these later Coronas for the better. For that alone, I really appreciate this machine. Unlike its mechanical siblings, this Coronet is very pleasant to write with; quick, light, and consistent touch.

In many ways, I'd even argue that a machine like this Coronet is the "perfect typewriter" for a beginner or casual user. For one, an electric machine is much more forgiving of someone accustomed to a computer keyboard. A later electric like this even has a layout similar to a modern keyboard (e.g., "/' instead of "/2 and '/8). Calling this a portable is a bit ambitious, but it is storable -easily taken out or put away at will. Finally, here in the USA, at least these are inexpensive and pretty plentiful; this one was a $5 Goodwill find here in "the armpit of America."

This machine is part of the "6ELN" series, and the lower serial number would seem to indicate it is an earlier production. There's no date code, either. Based on ads (see below) from the time period, the Automatic 10/12 debuted in about 1970, so this might be a late '60s or early '70s machine. Pictures are from before cleaning.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:











This medallion is made of brass.
This medallion is made of brass.

Toledo Blade; January 18, 1970. $159 in 1970 equates to over $1,300 in 2025 -pricey!
Toledo Blade; January 18, 1970. $159 in 1970 equates to over $1,300 in 2025 -pricey!

Eugene Register-Guardian; January 4, 1970.
Eugene Register-Guardian; January 4, 1970.

Hunter: Zigmund Hostutler (Qwerpty)

Zigmund Hostutler's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 462

"Typewriting is writing minus the drudgery." -1920s Underwood Advertising

Been enjoying the hobby since 2015; finally getting around to sharing my collection digitally. I only keep the typewriters I use and enjoy the most, so check out my sightings to see all the machines that came and went.


RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Smith Corona Serial Number page and the Smith Corona Coronet Automatic 12 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.

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