1977 Smith Corona Classic 12 #6LTV 530228
Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 04-12-2024 at 05:43AM
Last Edit: 04-28-2024 at 06:59AM
Description:
I am on a run of greasy pigs that are needing 2-3 rounds of cleaning - the kitchen queens! This one was seriously yellowed in both keys/controls and body plastic. My second UV reversal procedure on color stuff went much better than the first!
If Smith Corona is the Chevrolet of typewriters, this one was the Chevy II/Nova. A quick look at newspaper ads and SC spent a ton of money on these. See the early 80s test in which the Classic 12 wins and oh, the Olivetti 35 and Olympia TD tanked. The Galaxie XII and the Classic 12 were the last Smith Corona manual portables produced. Early in the run the Galaxie XII was a step up from the Sterling, but eventually it was the only non electric offering. The SN info ends at 1980, but there were variants of these two being sold as late as 1986.
These are just solid machines. The tab mech is improved and better than the push straight down three button setup. Tips - Dial the spring tension down and go through the factory escapement adjustment. Fortunately they ditched the rubber 'silencer' bit on this model!
Typeface Specimen:
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Photos:
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
James Grooms's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 7515
As with many, the bug is back there somewhere due to an Underwood No. 5. My grandfather was on a small town school board and used one for this. My parents had a yellow Royal Safari that I used to index card everything, including a beer can collection. Collection syndrome clue! The long dormant tic was activated when my neighbors left a Remington Quiet Riter on the curb when they moved in circa 2010, Yes a believe it or not story is next, when a Hermes 3000 comes home with the girlfriend from work for free. Yes, free! From there the addiction is full steam. And yes, I now have a No. 5. Typewriters are the perfect blend of using one's technical skills, history and functional purpose.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Smith Corona Classic 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 Classic 12 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.