1978 IBM Electronic Selectric Composer #30-5102780
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Created: 03-08-2023 at 08:05PM
Last Edit: 05-21-2025 at 08:07PM
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Description:
I had a chance to buy this IBM Electronic Selectric Composer (different from the earlier electromechanical IBM Selectric Composer) as "non-working". This adds to my small collection of machines in the same family:
- Memory Typewriter
- Memory Typewriter 100
- Mac Card/A
All of those use similar electronics that essentially control an almost-standard Selectric machine where the keyboard and the printer are decoupled.
This machine was shipped to me. Unfortunately, some switches broke during shipping. That's hopefully fixable and not fatal. I haven't yet thoroughly checked the machine for hidden damage, but I hope this is all there is, except for broken paper table hinges.
The difference between this and the IBM Memory Typewriter or Mag Card are:
- no internal tape loop or external magnetic tape drive for storage
- proportional spacing and ability to justify text
- no correcting feature/correcting tape!
If anyone has some of the special type elements that work with the Composer (either model), let me know! This machine only came with one, with code PR-11-M:
- Press Roman
- 11 pt (the red arrow means 11/12 pt size)
- Medium
This machine features a huge "storage" capacitor. I suspected that it might be to keep the memory of the machine alive if there is a brief power cut, or if the user shuts down the machine by mistake. This appears to be correct based on a comment I found on a YouTube video. I suppose that the capacitor is not necessary to the proper operation of the machine. Also, it is supposed to contain a ton of PCBs.
The power supply has a "May 24 1978" stamp, so presumably 1978 is close to the production date of this machine.
UPDATE: The planar (electronics board) has some chips with date codes of 1974 and 1975. The board has a number "7775", which could indicate a year of 1975 or 1977. However, while my other Electronic Selectric Composer has a code of "0376" which could mean March 1976 or third week of 1976, 77 doesn't make sense as a month of week. This said, it is possible that planars were made well a head of the rest of the machine, who knows. The 1978 date of the power supply is curious, as as the serial of the machine is newer than my presumed 1976 machine. It is also possible that the power supply was swapped at some point. Conclusion so far: dating the machine is a challenge. 1975 would be the earliest possible date, given the dates of the chips.
Weight (with hood and platen knobs): 59 lbs (26.7 kg)
2023-03-12: Did some initial cleaning. Disconnecting the capacitor and planar, I tested that the motor runs. So that's some good news!
2023-03-17: I took out the capacitor from its housing to find markings. It is a Mallory-branded 5200 µF/200 VDC capacitor. It looks in good shape but I probably won't use it as it's 45 years-old.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
- Restoration in progress
- Pictures before restoration
- Blog post: Restoring an IBM Electronic Selectric Composer - Part 1
Photos:
Hunter: Erik Bruchez (ebruchez)
Erik Bruchez's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 12050
I started collecting my first pre-WW2 standard typewriters in 2017. Since then I have added a few machines to my collection, which now ranges from the 1880s to the 1980s. As of 2024, I have more big standard (desktop) typewriters than portables, a few standard electrics, and some unusual machines like Varitypers, uncommon IBM machines, and more. I am not a pro restorer, but I have restored a few of my machines beyond simple cleaning.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the IBM Electronic Selectric Composer on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the IBM Serial Number page and the IBM Electronic Selectric Composer By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
