1971 Smith Corona 250 Office Electric #6ELH 659867
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 10-09-2024 at 06:34PM
Last Edit: 02-14-2026 at 10:11AM
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Description:
There is no 6ELH on the main page. This is an updated MKII 250 that comes after the Secretarial 250 and has an electric back space. Otherwise, it is a MKII. This one doesn't have the supercharged carriage return system. I think it is the same as a 250XKE. The 280 XL has a 13 in carriage and this has a 12 in one.
It would probably be easier to locate these with the rest by calling it a 250 Office Electric.
The evolution of the office electric machines. What started with the 5TE being used in offices, sorta unforeseen by SC, they launched the 5LE with a 12 inch carriage (link). Then the 6LE Electra 12 series. Then the 250 MKI with electric carriage in 63.
There is a 6EL Secretarial that overlaps with the MKII numbers, then a 6EVC Secretarial 250 comes out in 72. This 6ELH 250 here with SN 659867 fits right in before the 6EVC machines. You can do the math on those and come up with an idea on units made and how long it was around (not long). Plus there is a one off ad showing this cosmetic scheme for 1971. So this is a 1971 model.
What you will most often note is that these office machines don't have the case provision in the back. However, some did come with large padded cases without attachment provisions.
This one has an interesting bit of damage on the side. Almost like a tooling/casting mark and then they pounded it out. What is unusual is that someone came up with an exact paint match for this odd off white. Had to be a dealer who could get the paint? Running quiet on the original belts.
Soon it with be supplanted with 280, 300 and four digit machines (ad -what a selection!). By 1974 SC put 2 million electric machines in play and kicked everyone but IBM and Remington to the curb.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
- Mark II 1969
- who needs Hanks?
- Simply the best!
- Office Upgrades
- The first 'office electric'.
- Speech writer
Photos:
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
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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 250 Office Electric on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Smith Corona Serial Number page and the Smith Corona 250 Office Electric By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
