1953 Smith Corona Sterling

This typer came to me in rough shape. That's the bad news. The good news is, it only cost me $15.00. It had endured a some careless treatment (so it seems) and about half the keys didn't work. I took it home, put it on my work bench and had at it. A couple hours later, I had a working typewriter. The work was tedious, but the reward was great. Although plain in appearance, it rocks the work. Some consider this model one of the best machines made. I'm inclined to agree with them.

[@TypewriterMinutes]

I bought our first family typewriter 3-4 years ago for my now 11-year old--a 1956 or so SC Silent Super--same color but tan keys and tan knob. Love that he still types on it and it gets used by several kiddos in the family. Very good typer and very durable!

[@SusanMJB45]

My parents gave me the 1959 version of the Smith Corona Sterling for my 8th grade graduation. I used that typewriter all thru high school and college (class of 1967). I sure wish that I still had it. I have no idea what happened to it.... sigh. But I recently purchased a 1946 SC Silent typewriter that was the high end version of this machine. It has the vintage glass keys, but is the same solid typewriter that yours is..... Great machines. And the one that Tom Hanks - a noted typewriter collector - recommends as a workhorse dependable typewriter for writers..... In the 40s and 50s there were slightly different models with slightly different features..... but basically the same machines: the Standard, the Sterling, the Silent and the Clipper.

[@altongansky]

Thanks for writing. Congrats on you '46 Silent. I've been fond of most of the mid century Smith-Coronas and have owned several. I hope it serves you well.

[@SusanMJB45]

@@altongansky Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry that this channel is no longer active, so a reply is very kind of you. You will see that I also posted on your video of the Royal Dreyfuss two-toned QDL. My typewriter collection is now complete. I have my Dad's one owner 1926 Royal No. 10 that he used throughtout high school and college (class of 1937) and the 1976 Adler J5 that I bought him... new... for his 60th birthday. And now.... I have recently purchased the 1946 SC Silent that I mentioned here and the 1948 Dreyfuss two-toned QDL . In my humble opinion, I now own 4 of the best made typewriters in the world. Unfortunately, I am 78 years old so don't have a whole lot of years left to enjoy them, but.... enjoy them I will...... 🙂

[@joanneginever1890]

I have this exact same machine bought it off Ebay some time ago here in Australia. I was a bit dubious about the dull color at first but this tw has really grown on me, I really love it. Types beautifully and lovely feel about it. Love the two shades of green keys, and smooth lines. It really is a beauty. I have 6 typewriters and love them all, this is probably one of the best to type on, along with my Adler Tippa. 😊thanks for the great video.

[@altongansky]

Good for you for rescuing the typewriter and giving it new life. They are great machines. Six typers, that's a nice collection.

[@someonespadre]

My ugly duckling is a 1956 Tower Commander (nearly equivalent to a 1949 Sterling). Green keys. It is a workhorse. It’s not pretty but it works. Still trying to get the bell working.

[@captainkeyboard1007]

The typewriter was my thing since I was 12-years-old. This typewriter would have been good for me to have and to use. My first typewriter was an Olivetti Lettera 32. I remember the old days were when anyone who worked in an office should know how to use a typewriter. This Smith-Corona Sterling was a nice typewriter. Even though I am using a Dell computer, a Smith-Corona typewriter would fit right in my niche.

[@altongansky]

Hey Cap, thanks for writing. I use an apple MacBook Pro but I'm surrounded by typewriters. It's good to work in the present but also to be reminded of the past. The computer typewriter has it roots in the typewriter keyboard. And you have one up on me. I've never owned or used a Lettera. So many typewriters; so little time. All the best. Al

[@captainkeyboard1007]

@@altongansky The computer keyboard derives from the typewriter. I did key punch, data entry on a cathode ray tube terminal, plain data typing on the IBM 36, and light word processing on a microcomputer for a graphics shop. One thing a former co-worker from my first job in 1970 told me, "if you can type fast and accurately, you can learn anything that has a typewriter-like keyboard. I will never be better than you. I would be lucky to be a great as you. Thank you for writing to me. Happy Keyboarding!

[@karenmadtes1174]

It would also be helpful if you showed how to set the tabs, otherwise, nice video and information. I learned where the ribbon reversal mechanism was from your video - thanks!

[@altongansky]

Thank you for taking the time to write. I'm glad the video was useful to you.

[@havemic5243]

I just got one. Needs work :( Help me out…How do you type the number 1?

[@altongansky]

Hello Have Mic. Congrats on the new-to-you typewriter. Yes, most classic machines need work. Check out Phoenix Typewriter on KZbin. He has tons of videos about typewriter repair. Now to your question. To type a 1, use the lowercase letter "L." That's the way it used to be done. Enjoy the adventure.

[@formgh841]

I just got one, cleaned it, and it works. But the noise keys make is sort of dull, unless you hit them hard. Don't you find this to be the case (it seems like it in the video too short typing sample at the end)? I'm wondering how to improve that.

[@altongansky]

Congrats on your typewriter. I can't say with certainty because I can't see or hear your machine. The first thing to check is the platen. The rubber on the roller often get's as hard as rock. That could be the problem. Try using two pieces of paper at one time, using one as a backing sheet and see how that changes the sound the keys make when striking the paper.

[@eviedenell9179]

What are their value today in good condition in case and with manual and 331/3rd Smith corona record that came with it ?

[@altongansky]

Value varies on condition, location, etc. This model of typewriter is not rare. What is rare (at least I haven't seen one before) is the record with the typing lessons on it. No matter how you chose to sell the typewriter, be sure to mention anything else that came with it such as the record, receipts, user manual, etc. That increases the value to the buyer. So I can't give you a specific price (especially without seeing it in person) but I can tell you that I've seen them sell for $50 to $200 or so. Sorry that I can't be more useful to you about this. Thanks for writing.

[@colinmoore5991]

I've never cared for the look of these. Too rounded for my taste (I own a '32 Standard and a '36 Sterling.) I've never tried one of the more modern versions like this, but I understand the action is to die for.

[@altongansky]

The color isn't very exciting (although I have one in hunter green with white key caps that is to die for), but they great machines.

[@kandiceszafarski2926]

How do you know the typewriter was made in 1953?

[@altongansky]

Hi Kandice. I use www.typewriterdatabase.com as my primary source for dates. If you have the serial number of a typewriter, then you can look up the year-at least for most models. Another way to estimate the age of a typer is to search for advertising. I use Ebay and do a search for print ads. That won't give you an exact year but it will get you close.

[@irrelevantideas92]

Your videos would greatly benefit from some actual typing on the machines. Typewriter porn without real action - this is kind of frustrating :)

[@altongansky]

I have done that in a few. I'll keep your suggestion in mind. Thanks.

[@dimthecat9418]

What is typewriter porn and where can I find it