The mechanism that positions the typing element (“ball”) takes a binary input, and converts this to character offsets using two mechanical digital-to-analog converters, which are “whiffletree” linkages of the type used for adding and subtracting in linkage-type mechanical analog computers.

fifty with a conventional electric typewriter. The coolest thing? IBM also built the Selectric Composer that used a wild, manual justification system to create camera-ready type on a machine that, at the time, cost the equivalent of $30,000 in US dollars. A real, electronic Selectric word processer cost $150,000.

Inserting Paper Use the Paper Ball Load Lever to load paper semi-automatically. The lever has three positions: closed, open and load. Turn the typewriter on. Push the Paper Release Lever all the way back.

Typewriters that were made in the 1940s or earlier, especially those manufactured in the 19th century, may be worth some money if they’re still in working order. Non-working antique typewriters are typically worth about $50, but refurbished models can earn $800 or more.

Rare Antique Typewriters and Their Values

• 3) Crandall New Model. Company: Crandall Machine Company, Syracuse, New York, USA.
• 4) Williams No #1. Company: Williams Typewriter Company, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
• 5) Oliver No #1 1st Model.
• 8) Edison Mimeograph Typewriter.
• 9) North’s London.

Similarly, Royal typewriter values can fluctuate anywhere between £0.99 for damaged or commonplace models (of which there are many that have sold for this price online) up to as much as £500 for pristine originals.

Corona Typewriter When the Corona 3 typewriter was made, it was popular because it folded into a smaller size for easier transport, and working examples can sell for $100 and under. Also watch for children’s typewriters made by this company, and expect to pay for $100 or more for an example in excellent condition.

Beginning in 2013, we transitioned our business to manufacturing blank thermal labels. While it’s no longer via a typewriter, Smith Corona is still putting ink to paper, just as we did in 1886.

Smith Corona

The goal of keeping your typewriters maintained is to keep them in good, working condition for many years to come. Typewriters that are in near mint condition that are over 50 years old are in that good of condition because they were probably kept a good environment, and were maintained properly over the years.