1976 IBM Correcting Selectric II #93 4336811
Status: Parting Out
Hunter: Tas Kyprianou (Tas)
Created: 05-15-2023 at 10:36AM
Last Edit: 05-17-2023 at 03:02AM
Description:
I arrived at the seller's house only to see the machine dumped in the garage, next to a lawnmower.
Despite confirming with the seller that it was FULLY functional . . . twice . . . before heading out, the once magnificent Selectric II was dead as a doornail when I plugged it in. I began to walk away but the seller insisted on just giving me the thing. I had a strong feeling it was not within my skillset to repair it but thanked her and took it home for a laugh.
I was right about my hunch. Very right.
The list was long. No power when using a tester, everything was gummed up, and most white plastic parts were now yellow/orange and brittle or already broken. The golf ball removal mechanism broke. Couldn't even successfully salvage that. I did eventually manage to clean up the on-off switch and power it up only to hear the motor clank into life like an old tractor. It then died.
A friend who's repaired two Selectrics tried to help via text messages but my brain was not having any of it. I wasn't even able to salvage anything for him without breaking what he asked me to salvage. Utterly soul-destroying. These things are incredibly complex but utterly beguiling. I know that I will now forever be looking for a working one to call my own. To those of you who have one, bravo. To those of you who were able to repair one, I doff my hat to you and have my utmost respect.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Tas Kyprianou (Tas)
Tas Kyprianou's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 4209
UK member with Greek Cypriot heritage, living in London.
Relatively new to the hobby - My first machine was an Everest Mod 90 that I bought after watching a Violet Evergarden anime in December 2021.
My collection now consists of 41 machines.
My absolute favourite remains (just) my 1939 Royal KMM. For me, it's both the prettiest and the "warmest" to type on. It has "Majik" (with a nod to Sandy1)
I count my blessings that I am lucky enough to have amassed such a beautiful bunch.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the IBM Correcting Selectric II on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the IBM Serial Number page and the IBM Correcting Selectric II By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.