I created this budget option for you, if you need a typewriter to get writing without wanting to make a large investment. This is the perfect first typewriter for any writer.

This will be a beautiful Smith Corona typewriter, similar to the ones below. Shipped in about 2 weeks.

There will be variations in terms of style, color, typeface, model. If you need something specific, let me know via contact or simply put requests in the notes in the order form.

I keep the price down on this option by selling machines from my inventory that are available, so I can’t take specific requests for this option. However I do have separate listings for most of the machines in the images.

All of my machines come with my working guarantee, and a case and new ribbon installed (which will last many months). Ribbons are available at my site and even on Amazon and other places.

These are all essentially the same machines with slight differing features. Colors vary as shown.

(Gray, blue, greenish, tan). Sometimes the branding is Galaxie Deluxe, Sterling, Super Sterling, Classic 12, Classic 10, Galaxie Deluxe 2, etc).

If you want, nay, NEED a beautiful working writing machine, and aren’t OVERLY concerned with slight stylistic differences, this is for you!

Remember, you can use it for as long as you need to and then trade up.

Condition notes.

Average. I just need something working. May have lights scuffs and wear, etc. No rust. No ‘beaters.’ Works like a charm.

Excellent. We select the best machines, well-cared for and loved. Very slight signs of use (they’re decades old, of course!)

Best A++. Sometimes we get machines that came down from time capsules. If you order ‘best’, I’ll reserve the next one for you!

***

Features:

• Single, 1.5, and double line spacing.

• Tab set and clear

• Floating shift: Basket / segment shift

• US QWERTY keyboard

• 10 or 12 character per inch serif font (Pica or Elite).

• Paper supports

• Ribbon auto reversal and a manual reversal switch

• 2-tone ribbon selector

Sometimes:

• Powerspace key

• Dislodge key

Includes:

• Fresh 2-tone ribbon installed

• Lifetime Trade in Policy

• Working Guarantee

• Digital copy of the manual (or original when I have one)

• Original Hardshell Case

Best,

Steven

Classic Typewriter Co.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

classictypewriter.com

THE CLASSIC TYPEWRITER PROCESS

Working Guarantee

(Or: How dare we guarantee a 50 or 60 year old machine?)

Each machine is carefully screened for quality and reliability.

Each machine passes a rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

Each machine is cleaned, serviced, and adjusted so that it functions as it was designed to.

Each machine is THOROUGHLY tested by a writer. (Usually people who say a typewriter ‘works’ haven’t tested most of its most important features. Sometimes the type bars move but are misaligned; sometimes the carriage won’t advance; sometimes lesser-used keys stick; sometimes whole pieces are missing, etc). If it is found to need work, we have technicians with 40 years of experience.

If it is found to be acceptable…

Each machine is described in vivid detail and carefully photographed from every angle in high resolution so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Each machine is cleaned and carefully packaged for safe shipment (believe it or not, improper shipping is the MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DAMAGE for a vintage typewriter).

The Classic Typewriter LIFETIME Trade-In Policy

If at any reason you decide that you are done with the machine you got from us, you can trade it in for the full value, minus shipping and, if there is any, wear and tear. You pay the difference and we will send your next dream machine.

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Classic Typewriter Promises.

What you'll get:

A beautiful writing machine to inspire decades of writing enjoyment. Serviced, lubricated, and ready to use.

I want to imagine that opening the box is like opening the curtain on a warm spring day: a glow of delight fills you.

Imagine the box with the 'Classic Typewriter' imprint delivered to your door.

Features:

• Each machine passes our rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

• The machine comes with our 'famous Classic Typewriter Guarantee'.

  (It will be working on arrival, or we will remedy the situation).

• A Lifetime Trade In Policy.

  (Trade it in for the value you paid toward another machine as long as we're in business).

• A copy of the original manual.

  (Original if we have it, or a digital copy).

• Safe, eco-friendly packaging. (Double-walled 250 lbs pound tested box, secured carriage).

  (We've shipped over 2000 machines with very few problems).

• A new ribbon, on vintage spools.

  (We opt for high-end silk or cotton ribbons, for a more vintage feel, on vintage metal ribbon spools).

• Machine support. (We realize that it may be intimidating to embrace an older technology, so you'll have support where needed).

• A digital guide to using your new (vintage) machine and replacing supplies.

• Refurbished, original platen.

  (We resurface the outer layer, to create a beautiful surface for the type slugs. This is preferable to 'new' platens in many cases for a few reasons).

• New feet or rollers as needed.

We source the best condition machine available, serviced by skilled technicians and ready to write.

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FAQ

When will I get my machine?

We ship your writing machine in 2-3 weeks, via UPS ground. (To the US. International shipping requires a few days more, USPS International services).

What takes that long?

We sell machines by model, so it takes take a machine out of inventory that matches your specs, and inspect, clean, and service it.

Can I just find a used machine somewhere instead?

Of course! We encourage you to explore the world. However, it won't quite work right. this is the nature of a machine sitting for decades.

If you need to get to writing, and spare yourself many nights of research and tinkering, we have the solution.

What about 'refurbished' machines on other vintage sites?

Usually, they are just cleaned up slightly and shipped out. They don't usually work 100% (more like 80%). This is because most people have never used a writing machine, so they don't know how it is supposed to work! They see an opportunity to buy a vintage machine and 'flip it', however... you get what you pay for, as the old adage goes!

Why do you charge X?

Excellent question!

Priceless heirloom, endless inspiration, the stuff of dreams.

You’ll pass it to your children or into the annals of history.

Ask yourself what this will bring you, and what you could create with it, and you’ll have answered your question.