Ben Metzger<br /> https://www.benmetzger.com/

https://typewriterdatabase.com/1963-olympia-sg1.16258.typewriter

Wide feet for large platens on a heavy standard typewriter!

https://typecast.munk.org/2011/04/23/1964-nomda-blue-book-olympia-font-styles/

The following were the available Olympia type sizes as listed in the 1964 NOMDA Blue Book:

• 10 pitch (2.6 m/m) pica
• 11 pitch (2.3 m/m) elite
• 12 pitch (2.1 m/m) elite
• 17 pitch (1.5 m/m, calculated)

Not in the NOMDA Blue Book, but found in the wild on a 1971 Olympia SG-3: - 6 pitch (4.2 m/m) with typeface: Basic Writing No. 67

Almost every day here there's at least one person asking where they can find new ribbon.

There is a seemingly a lot of talk here and on the web about re-inking typewriter ribbon, but the majority of it stems from the fact that people don't see new ribbon in the wild and assume that it isn't made anymore and thus the only way to type is to re-ink it. While it can be done it's a lot of work and effort with modest results and tends to be far more expensive and messy than it's worth in the end. Beyond this, it takes some research to find appropriate types of ink. You can also find advice about re-wetting old ribbon with WD-40 to "rejuvenate" it, but that process is also a lot of work and mess with poor results. Unless you really have to, I don't recommend reinking or rejuvenating.

Fortunately new typewriter ribbon is easily obtainable and is very inexpensive and easy enough to spool onto your already existing spools after you've removed the old ribbon. Even Tom Hanks has a video about putting ribbon on your typewriter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBbsNKaVAB0 Scores of similar videos exist covering various makes and models of typewriter, but the process doesn't have a lot of variability.

Both Baco Ribbon and Fine Line offer black/red bichrome ribbon in most of these materials for a very reasonable price per yard, in the range of:

• nylon ribbon $0.10 - $0.15/yard
• silk ribobn $0.33 to $0.40/yard
• cotton ribbon $0.25/yard

Most machines with 2 inch diameter spools will take from 18-22 yards of ribbon while ultra-portables with smaller spools will do 12-16 yards.

If you're going to buy even 3-6 spools of ribbon at individual prices of $9-20 per spool, you may as well make the investment in a half or full reel of inked typewriter ribbon and save yourself some expense.

Other purveyors exist including those listed at: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-faq.html#q1

If you really must, search Amazon or Etsy for smaller shops with larger mark ups on typewriter ribbon.

reply to u/Admirable_Duckwalk https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mj5qdg/ink/

Portable Typewriters Today - February 2015<br /> by [[Will Davis]] on 2015-02-10<br /> accessed on 2025-08-05T16:35:48

For installing ribbon on almost all machines, it's recommended you set the ribbon selector to the "red" position and then simultaneously press the H and G keys so that they meet in the middle and temporarily "jam" in the up position. This holds the ribbon vibrator in its highest position making the vibrator easier to access and thread.

Reading manuals for your particular machine can help with respect to whether the ribbon should come off the front or the back of the spool: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

Reply to u/Smurf404OP at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mifdaw/why_is_it_so_damn_hard_to_thread_ribbon_through/

Colman Manufacturing<br /> by [[Philly Typewriter]]<br /> accessed on 2025-08-05T08:20:31

https://cmfg.com/<br /> archived: https://web.archive.org/web/20210623172406/https://cmfg.com/

Typewriter Repair Tools Reference: 1960 Ames Catalog<br /> by [[Ted Munk]]<br /> accessed on 2025-08-05T08:14:59

Soldering Typeface to Typebar & Use of Type Gauge S-221<br /> by [[Ted Munk]]<br /> accessed on 2025-08-05T07:58:31

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1794856020751839/?multi_permalinks=4151646971739387

https://www.typewriterfeet.com/<br /> Antony Valoppi

https://github.com/joshshapiro/Selectric_III_typeballs

via https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mgu936/3d_printable_ibm_selectriciii_96char_ball_support/

Start here: https://typewriterdatabase.com/imperial.76.typewriter-serial-number-database Try to identify your particular model from the links at the bottom of the page to see specific examples. You can look through individual galleries to find a serial number and that may allow you to find the range of serial numbers made in particular years to narrow down your year. Looks like it's a "standard" from the late 30s or 1940s, possibly an Imperial 50.

Next find a manual (or something close): https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

Learn how they were used: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/

Consider whether it will be cheaper/easier to have someone service it for you or to do it yourself: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/23/typewriter-repair-costs-and-valuation-professional-shops-versus-collectors-versus-first-time-buyers/

Go crazy: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/

Good luck!

reply to u/Pleasant-Ad9620 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mgg7xv/helping_dating_this_imperial_typewriter/

Use and maintenance

The use and maintenance details you might be looking for: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/

Typewriter Manuals

In case you need a manual: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html Your specific manual may be helpful for the tiny specifics like where the carriage lock is or how to properly thread your ribbon, but all the "good" stuff may be in much older manuals for other machines, especially in the 1920s by which time most typewriter technology and features were roughly standardized. Later manuals became less dense as it was assumed that newer users had friends/family/teachers to show them the "missing manual" portions for how to use them.

Typewriter repair

If you need to or decide to (for fun) go down the repair rabbit hole: https://boffosocko.com/2024/10/24/learning-typewriter-maintenance-and-repair/

from reply to u/FarInsect3003 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mggp8g/olivetti_lettera_32_uppercase_smudge/

reply to u/MirageAnne at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mgmwkq/remington_rand_17/

There are two general types of "sticky keys": 1. sticky going up 2. sticky coming down

Sticky going up

For stickiness slowing down the typebar (on the way up or down), it's likely that you've got oil, dirt, dust, or other sludge in the segment of your machine. You'll want to flush out your segment with some solvent and potentially blow things out with compressed air to remove the source of the friction.

While you're flushing out the segment with your solvent of choice (lacquer thinner, paint thinner, mineral spirits, alcohol, etc.), actually move the typebars using the keys or by other means. This will help to get them moving and allow the solvent and subsequently compressed air to help flush the oil, dust, hair, etc. out of your machine. You've already got a mechanical cleaning device of sorts (the typebar itself) inside the segment, so move it while you're flushing it out!

It may take a few repeated treatments/attempts to get it all clear for all the keys, but it's far easier than taking everything apart.

When you're done, it's common wisdom that one should NOT oil the segment.

Sticky going down

If your typebar(s) are sticking due to friction at the typing point, then they need some gentle forming to the right or the left to prevent them from rubbing on the typing point so that they can fall back down to the type rest. The two videos below will help describe and demonstrate the symptoms as well as the repair. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrlt6VyC8D0&t=485s - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arspyq1w4Iw

Other considerations

It's much less common, but once everything is clean and properly aligned, if you're still seeing sluggishness, it may be the case that the spring on the individual key has broken or become disconnected which prevents it from returning back to the type rest.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mgqcof/put_some_new_lights_in_the_cabinet_today/

Earlier this morning, I said to someone who was worried about typing topless:

You'll be joining a log line of typists, including Wood Allen, who liked to type "naked" or "topless".

I've even seen a few typewriter shops selling typewriters without the external shells. I'd a lot harder to keep them dust free, but it can certainly be fun. It's an fun, easy, and fascinating way to sell off a machine that's missing some screws or has dented/damaged panels.

reply to u/stiff_peach at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mf2seo/typing_without_panels/

The World's Last Typewriter Factory Closes in India - Business Insider<br /> by [[Gus Lubin]] for Business Insider accessed on 2025-08-01T09:26:55

Godrej & Boyce manufactured typewriters to 2009 and were selling off their final machines in 2011.

The final typewriter manufacturers still out there: - Shanghai Weilv Mechanism Company (you really don't want one: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/09/the-typewriter-you-probably-dont-want-to-buy/)<br /> - Nakajima still puts out daisy wheel word processors - Swintec still makes machines, but primarily clear bodied ones for prisons

The last of the serious manual typewriter manufacturers included: - Brother, who stopped manufacturing machines in Wrexham, Wales in 2012 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-20413234 - Godrej Typewriter quit manufacturing in 2009 and was finishing out the last of their stock in 2011 https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/world-s-last-typewriter-plant-stops-production-1.1090626

Reply to https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1meum7j/new_typewriters/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/artdeco1930/posts/10161193224076561/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266277055176

Typewritermuse's "Speedy Spooler"

Typewriter Ribbon Replace - How to : faster, easier, better. The Speedy Spooler by [[Bob Marshall]] aka [[Typewriter Muse]] on 2021-01-27

Who jury-rigged it first?

Ribbon Spool / Reel 'The Speedy Spooler' on Typewriter Muse Typewriter Accessory<br /> by [[Typewriter Muse]]

Typewriter Maintenance - Ribbon Re-Inking Jig

Baco Ribbons by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Typewriter Video Series Episode 244: Ribbon Winder by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

https://thetype.space/repair-services/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1md6p0y/thinking_about_of_surrounding_my_typewriter_with/

Surrounding typewriter with mirrors for better viewing.

An Orga Privat and its History by [[Will Davis]]

Bing Werke was the manufacturer and Orga was the distributor.

Piece of wood used to replace the rear legs of the typewriter to set it up by whittling.

A cut-rate typewriter without all the bells and whistles.

Restarting the Channel!<br /> by [[Will Davis]]

Restarting his typewriter-related channel because he's seen a bunch of of older typewriter collectors passing away.

reply to u/Impossible-Dance7442 at tk

Looks like a portable 4 bank B model Underwood from 1926 (see also: https://typewriterdatabase.com/underwood.4.typewriter-serial-number-database).

Appears to be in reasonable cosmetic condition with good decals, but the internal condition is going to be the biggest determinant of value. In unknown condition they sell regularly for $20-50 in online auctions, but cleaned, oiled, and adjusted from a professional repair shop they might go as high as $400, or perhaps $550 if you've had the rubber on the platen re-covered. Thinking that fair market for this in even the most pristine condition is $800 is pure folly unless it was used by someone famous. (The lack of interest from antique shops is a solid indicator here.) It assuredly is not going to make you rich, unless you bought the house from a famous author.

You might find some useful advice from some of the articles at: https://boffosocko.com/research/typewriter-collection/#Typewriter%20Market They're written with first time buyers in mind, but you could also view them from the first time seller perspective.

A local repair shop might give you a few bones for it and give it a new life: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-repair.html

You could also donate it to a local thrift shop.

Your best bet for time and money invested though, is to gift it to a kid or teenager you know who's interested in writing, perhaps as a birthday present along with a copy of either: (1) Polt, R. The Typewriter Revolution: A Typist’s Companion for the 21st Century, 1st ed.; Countryman Press: Woodstock, VT, 2015. (2) Flint, W. D. The Distraction-Free First Draft; One Idea Press, 2023.

Good luck with it.

Alternate version of this with heirloom push is also at: https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1mbf185/comment/n5mdydi/

Typewriter Artist Creates Meticulously Detailed Cityscapes and Portraits [Interview] by [[Emma Taggart]]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074SV5WTX

Drive belts u/NisKildegaard recommends for SMC electric typewriters. via https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1f7mhz6/comment/llb1peu/

Electric Repair Tip: Drive Belt Replacements by [[Sarah Everett]] of [[Just My Typewriter]]

reply to u/VampySiren on https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m7yz1m/silveretti_ribbon_vibrator_getting_stuck_in/

On most machines, the ribbon vibrator is meant to slide up and down freely and it typically returns with just gravity. 9 times out of 10 the reason that the vibrator doesn't go back down because it's either dirty/gummy or has been slightly bent. Put a few drops of mineral spirits or similar degreaser on it and give it a light scrub with a toothbrush. If it doesn't move freely after a round or two of this, is it bent and hanging on something? If so, bend it so that it moves freely.

The other 1 of 10 times, it's the ribbon that's been installed correctly.

How to use a typewriter or whatever. by [[Lucas Dul]]

IBM Wheelwriter keyboard height adjustment lever 3d printed replacement (Free download)

via https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m6c63h/ibm_wheelwriter_keyboard_height_adjustment_lever/

reply to u/HomosexualTypewriter at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m5qd7e/how_to_remove_stuckon_felt/

How to remove stuck-on felt?

Generally I've dusted the worst off into the trash and then used a mild soap and soft bristle brush to clean the remainder. You won't get 100%, but it's not visible and doesn't affect performance, so I don't worry about remaining residue. You could try light solvents that won't affect the paint too much or attempt some light sanding. Another alternate is to replace the old foam with new felt and you won't see anything.

I just pulled out my '57 FP that has foam with a black, molasses-like adhesive to hold it on. Goo Gone works incredibly well at removing that adhesive and any residual foam without damaging the paint. I put a small patch of Goo Gone soaked paper towel on top of the adhesive smudge to let it soak for a few minutes and then was able to relatively easily remove all of the adhesive without any issues. A pass or two removed it pretty quickly.

My later '61 FP has the somewhat more standard industrial felt which was in reasonable condition, so I've left it on and not tested that.

Honestly, unless it's really thick or cumbersome and you're replacing it with felt, simply gluing over the original is probably your bet course of action.

Vintage Typewriter Office by [[Przemo Bania]]

content farm intro to typewriters for decor and use in an office... very meh.

Read it because it linked to my website

Typewriters Still Find a Few Key Customers by [[Laura Kusisto]]

Brother was still manufacturing typewriters in 2013.

https://archive.org/details/HowToMakeTypeys/mode/2up

How To Make "Typeys" by Underwood

https://archive.org/details/FunWithTypewriter/mode/2up

The Written Image by [[Erik Winkowski]]

https://www.neighborhoodarchive.com/mrn/episodes/1083/index.html

https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1gdo6lw/the_ergonomic_keyboard_goes_back_a_lot_further/

https://www.acmetypemachines.com/restoration-process<br /> archive copy

a reasonably nice list of typewriter adjustments for a restored machine

https://www.acmetypemachines.com/buy-a-vintage-typewriter

via u/TypewriterJustice at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m1w6s2/tune_up_key_strokes/n42glpz/

via u/TypewriterJustice https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m1w6s2/tune_up_key_strokes/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m4sz08/difference_in_cases_between_1954_and_1956_sm3s/

Small differences in typewriter cases for the Olympia SM3: - Older versions (circa 1954) were simply painted inside and didn't have the flocking - Older versions also had Bakelite handles rather than the flexible plastic strap - Older versions also didn't have the plastic curved feet molded into the (typewriter half of the) bottom of the case.

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m3qt9x/ribbons_where_to_buy_in_uk/

We R Memory Maker Typecast Typewriter Review! (Royal Classic, Royal Epoch) by [[Transcendental Airwaves]]

He's got a mention of where to adjust the on-feet/motion adjustment screws are on the carriage at the 6:20 timestamp.

via u/LycO-145b2 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m2vc8m/rules_for_endofline_hyphens/n3soefg/

Rules for end-of-line hyphens? by u/Heavyduty35

Back in the heyday of typewriters in the office books like Dougherty's Instant Spelling Dictionary were kept on the desks of most typists and secretaries for looking up words for hyphenating. Standard dictionaries also provide this functionality, but obviously tend to be 10x the length and size and take longer to look up words, so for doing this at greater speed, these spelling books were common tools in the office.

See: https://archive.org/details/texts?tab=collection&query=instant+spelling+dictionary

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lu9173/turns_out_mineral_spirits_are_illegal_in/

Traditional mineral spirits are illegal in some states in the US including California. As an alternative odorless mineral spirits are low VOC, safer, and a solid alternative. Typewriter shops like Typewriter Justice in Keller, TX recommend it. Some who have access to cheaper mineral spirits still prefer the odorless version for the reduced residual smell.

Nashville Typewriter, another shop, recommends camping fuel (aka white gas) which is mostly naphtha. Zippo lighter fluid is primarily naphtha, but is much more expensive. In Germany, it goes under the names of Testbenzin or Reinigungsbenzin.

Jennifer Colombo, a repair person of Colombo Collection suggests linseed oil to clean and protect metal surfaces and create a barrier against rust and oxidation.

The Molle! Disassembling, Cleaning, and Aligning a Rare 106 Year Old Molle No. 3 Typewriter by [[Dynamically Typed]]

Rust removal and polishing of some of the brights on a Molle typewriter.

Molle only lasted for a few years as a brand in the early 1900s, but as a typewriter repairman, he was interested in easy access for repair for the mechanic in the overall typewriter design.

https://typewriterdatabase.com/typewriters.php?hunter_search=7870

GK Mandigo

also u/HumorPuzzleheaded407 <br /> with link via https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m10qih/comment/n3hni2q/

https://www.reddit.com/r/TypewriterRepair/comments/1m126k6/i_fcked_up/

Fulgentin is a Swedish polishing agent which can be used to polish up a typewriter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1m18qlk/anticipation/

A lovely little piece on the anticipation of a new typewriter by collector u/IrmaBecx.

Good Enough Is Very Fine: Royal KMG Tabulator Issue by [[maryech]]

Carriage on a Royal KMG was grinding, so Mary disconnected the spring on the brake gear for the tabulator rack to fix the issue.

The brake gear on Royals isn't meant to be engaged during normal typing operation.

https://boffosocko.com/tag/typewriter-display/

Learning Typewriter Maintenance and Repair by [[Chris Aldrich]]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1027629382889169/

reply to u/FriendlyAd4234 at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1cn004l/olympia_sg1_dust_cover/

Other than the traditional fabric-like dust covers, you might consider doing a thicker plastic/acrylic cover, particularly if you've got several machines and are using them for display purposes. I live in Los Angeles and there are half a dozen places that do this sort of custom work all the time for very reasonable rates. Searching for "plastic fabricator memoriabilia case" along with variations of plastics (acrylic, lucite, plexiglass) should get you what you want locally. (Here's a few examples I've used in Los Angeles before to give you an idea: https://solterplastics.com/, https://www.plasticfactoryinc.com/, https://www.customacrylicproducts.com/, https://plexidisplays.com/). Search for something similar in your area for easier communication and pick up/shipping.

If you search around for companies that make plastic displays, particularly for memorabilia (baseball bats, baseball cards, etc.), you can have them design and make a custom sized clear plastic box/enclosure that will keep the dust and dirt out, but still allow you to see the machine inside.

You can certainly keep them out on shelves and rely on occasional dusting.

If they're in a dustier-than-typical room or you have compounding factors, like the presence of cats or dogs (like my German Shedder, I meant German Shepherd), and don't want to go the route of traditional fabric-like dust covers, you might consider doing a thicker plastic/acrylic cover which will give you a clear plastic layer of protection, but still show off your machines.

I live in Los Angeles and there are half a dozen places that do this sort of custom plastic work all the time for very reasonable rates. Searching for "plastic fabricator memorabilia case" along with variations of plastics (acrylic, lucite, plexiglass) should get you what you want locally. (Here's a few examples I've used in Los Angeles before to give you an idea: https://solterplastics.com/, https://www.plasticfactoryinc.com/, https://www.customacrylicproducts.com/, https://plexidisplays.com/). Search for something similar in your area for easier communication and cheaper pick up/shipping.

If you search around for companies that make plastic displays, particularly for memorabilia (baseball bats, baseball cards, etc.), you can have them design and make a custom sized clear plastic box/enclosure that will keep the dust and dirt out, but still allow you to see the machine inside. If done well it may actually make them appear more precious because you've taken the additional precaution.

Enclosed glass shelving is also a potential solution as well, but requires a larger investment and also requires more work to rotate machines out for regular use.

Most of my machines get daily use, so I'm not really using them for display or presentation purposes (except for one machine which sits on our library card catalog, but even then, it is frequently used as a standing desk, for occasional poetry by everyone in the family, or for guests who want to try their hand). I go through lots of index cards, so I'll usually temporarily protect against dust, dirt, and fur by slipping an index card on top of the hood or slightly into it to protect the segment.

But at the end of the day, as long as you haven't used WD-40 or some other lubricant on your segment and typebars (and what typewriter monster would do such barbaric things?), you should easily be able to go long periods between dustings and still have a highly functional machine. After all, who hasn't bought a machine full of dirt, dust, White Out, and eraser shavings/crumbs that still works like a dream?

It may bear brief mention for those who display their machines and forget, that you might also disengage the paper lock/paper release lever which will release the tension on your rubber rollers against the platen so that they don't go "flat" or become misshapen when not in use for long periods.

Expansion of https://hypothes.is/a/NjoVMA1REe-f47d0T4ZOkg

Reply to u/Styr0foam at https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1djgjv2/how_to_display_typewriters_properly/

https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1g2z5r9/displaying_your_typewrtiers/

The IKEA KALLAX and their FABRIKÖR make pretty nice typewriter display cabinets.

reply to u/MarkC64 at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lyq6o8/smith_premier_model_50_60_help_needed_plz/ on typewriter manuals

While it's nice to have the exact manual for your typewriter or even something close enough, there isn't a huge amount of variability in typewriter functionality by the time your machine was built, so pick almost any manual you like and you're probably good to go: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/tw-manuals.html

Because of the disparity in general knowledge as typewriters became more ubiquitous in society, manuals from the 1930s are going to have lots more detail in them than the manuals from the 1960s.

If you need more help on general usage and functionality try some of the films at: https://boffosocko.com/2025/06/06/typewriter-use-and-maintenance-for-beginning-to-intermediate-typists/

https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lyed0l/lois_lanes_typewriter/

Lois Lane in Superman (2025) has a typewriter in her apartment.

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lyef05/slug_work/

James Grooms use a brass wheel brush on his Dremel tool for cleaning his typeslugs.

How to Use THE TYPEWRITER DATABASE by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

via Koponewt (aka Otto Koponen) https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1kg83kz/olympia_typeface/

1970 – Rarotype Typeface and Font Catalog by [[Ted Munk]]

https://archive.org/details/typewriterephemera

Typewriter ephemera on the Internet Archive<br /> Collected by Otto aka u/Koponewt

Reply to u/Charlea1776 at https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lx86q0/1950_smith_corona_sterling/ on how to mount a typewriter to a typing desk:

If you're a room or two away, the noise may not be too bad for sleeping children. Typing on a felted wool mat may also be helpful.

The specially made typing desks made of wood, often had holes drilled into them that allowed one to insert bolts from below that threaded into custom holes in the frame of the typewriter. Generally these only worked with standard machines which were manufactured to be used this way and it's reasonably obvious where the two holes were (usually about midway up the bottom of the frame). When not in use, the top of the desk flips over and hides the typewriter upside down near where one's legs would be positioned. When flipped in typing position, the top of the desk on which the typewriter sits is often lower (25-26" off the floor) than the rest of the desk top (28-29" off the floor).

I would suspect that your 1950 Sterling, being a portable machine, does not have the requisite mounting holes in the typewriter's chassis for allowing this to happen. Being a portable, these were designed to be put in the case and stowed into a closet or credenza when not in use.

If you have a later mid-century 20 gauge steel tanker desk, some of those were made with a cabinet section which had a springloaded metal platform which allowed the typewriter to swing up and out of the desk and into position. If this is the type you have, your typewriter might work with this sort of configuration, but these typically didn't have or require mounting hardware like the wooden versions.

u/jbhusker's cleaning out a typewriter

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lngsj1/smelly_machine_please_help/?sort=old

De-smelling a typewriter:<br /> - sunshine<br /> - airing it out<br /> - baking soda scrub<br /> - toothpaste on the shell, esp. with baking soda<br /> - ozone<br /> - replace felt/foam<br /> - clean case<br /> - car fresheners<br /> - vodka spray and then put in freezer?!?

Sottsass, Ettore, and Perry King. Valentine Portable Typewriter. 1968. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic, synthetic chloroprene rubber, metal, 2017.169a- typewriter: 3 7/8 × 12 3/4 × 13 1/2 in., 9.3 lb. (9.8 × 32.4 × 34.3 cm, 4.2 kg)2017.169b- cover: 4 3/8 × 13 1/2 × 13 7/8 in., 2.4 lb. (11.1 × 34.3 × 35.2 cm, 1.1 kg). https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/739409.

Photo still from A Clockwork Orange (1971) combining a Valentine and a Wesselman

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lvzn34/say_hello_to_the_monpti/

The Montpi typewriter in 1968 presaged the Olivetti Valentine.

https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/8CdH0yFjbLTaKXqHIh7X9UcODIFs1guk/

3:48 in, Carl Gottlieb with his Smith-Corona typewriter

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lvr3sc/not_sure_what_to_type_on_my_typewriter/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4770669677/?multi_permalinks=10162232824949678

Reported via Elisabeth Paton.

The Last Typewriter Shop Near Boston Is Closing. Here's What Its Owner Learned Along the Way by [[Jake Kleinman]]

https://www.ebay.com/usr/spanghew

A gentleman in MA named Nis Kildegaard heavily refurbishes and sells various electric and mechanical typewriters on eBay under the seller name "spanghew." via Derrell Sherrod https://www.facebook.com/groups/705152958470148/posts/1023976513254456/?comment_id=1024077156577725

See also: https://www.youtube.com/c/NisKildegaard

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_Wt-mzuzLVhNtRyw_Sz9iNRDn37axBO0HAePv7-_dG4/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Typewriter collection of u/JoelBerger via https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ltj1eh/comment/n1tszxi/

US Navy Underwood Universal<br /> by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Royal Arrow by [[Joe Van Cleave]]

Joe Van Cleave on the importance of holding your mouth just right as you effectuate typewriter repairs.

https://youtu.be/qrlt6VyC8D0?si=rsFVWr30nmzpb8Zd&t=1052

Description of a set screw on the drive mechanism on the Royal Arrow / Royal Quiet De Luxe portables' ribbon reversal system for cleanly effectuating the reversal

https://youtu.be/qrlt6VyC8D0?si=rMlSFmo1rrbsfuEW&t=800

The adjustment points for the on-feet and motion on a Royal Arrow (and similar for the Royal Quiet De Luxe). The outer screws (one on each side) is for the lower case and the inside set is for the upper case.

https://youtu.be/qrlt6VyC8D0?si=USFciplj-5rOIPhb&t=537

https://youtu.be/qrlt6VyC8D0?si=yHjByRVLa2BMYt-4&t=485

Description of typebars sticking at the typing point and needing forming to repair them.

https://youtu.be/qrlt6VyC8D0?si=nqMErXlEd-rfkQL0&t=409

I love that Joe sets up a camera inside the case of the Royal Arrow to show how the metal fixtures on the case dovetail with the machine. In one instance the piece on the right has been bent while the one on the left properly tucks the carriage return arm inside.

reply from u/andrebartels1977 to u/Electrical_Raise_345's question: "Hey what should I do with my type writing." at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lru709/hey_what_should_i_do_with_my_type_writing/

https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1lrkpuy/whats_inside_your_typewriter/

"The Hermes 3000 Mk2 I picked up last Saturday had a purple Polish pencil (still sharp), a marble, a drawing pin, and a well-mouldy green Smartie."

also: - broken glass<br /> - ball bearings<br /> - receipts<br /> - picture of a cat - typewriter servicing receipt - eraser shavings - multiple safety razor blades<br /> - paper clips - disintegrated foam

making my own RAINBOW TYPEWRITER RIBBON by [[Just My Typewriter]]

via u/brianlpowers who spent a lot of time buying and repairing/restoring typewriters. https://old.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1awrqb3/whats_the_consensus_on_typewriter_stores/

I'm a bit curious about just how much "profit" he's made on them? What would his hourly wage be?

u/Dangerous-Ratio6448 is a typewriter repair person at TB Writers Plus

Trying an ULTRASONIC cleaner...? (EPIC FAIL) by [[Just My Typewriter]]

Sarah uses a very small and inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner for some small typewriter parts. Probably not the way to go. A bigger cleaner and better detergent is probably the way to go.

Bremerton Typewriter uses three different ultrasonic cleaners in their shop.

via u/palump at https://reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ad9hge/ultrasonic_cleaner_for_mid_size_portable/kk0npc2/

https://www.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1ad9hge/ultrasonic_cleaner_for_mid_size_portable/

https://typewriterrevolution.com/a-green-machine/

Richard Polt's experience in cleaning a Royal Portable with an ultrasonic cleaning tank with Simple Green in a 1:20 ratio.