Typewriter Profile: The Smith-Corona Silent-Super

[@someonespadre]

The other day wife showed me a photo of a turquoise SC-5 (I assume refurbished second hand) which she got for High School graduation gift. I’m sure it was not a silent super because no tab set/clear keys on the right. Literally the next day a turquoise Sterling (1960) pops up on marketplace locally, so I got it. Only needs cleaning and fix the bent bell trigger, everything else works perfectly. Will be 40th wedding anniversary gift. Her iPhone cover is turquoise.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Excellent, @someonspadre. Sounds like a great gift to me. Wishing you both the best with your new find.

[@someonespadre]

Sears sold the Silent Super as the Tower President in 1957 & 58. People being sensitive to brand names those might be more affordable.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Very true, David, and probably worth of a future video. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@someonespadre]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Brooksaw has one on eBay for $425 but it looks nearly mint. That would indicate Tower vs Smith Corona doesn’t affect value.

[@theodorec1882]

I'm watching this video because I actually found one of these in my attic recently! Apparently it belonged to my great great grandmother. I was thrilled to look it up and discover how beloved it is, and after playing with it for a bit I can see why; it functions beautifully for a machine that's now seen four generations!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Fantastic, Theodore! Great to hear about your find. Wishing you all good things with it. Thanks for sharing your good fortune and thanks for watching!

[@niteowl1914]

Hello! Thank you for your informative video! I'm fairly new to the world of typewriters but have always wanted one. Finally after copious research I bought a wonderful Olympia SM9 in good condition. I guess the word got around that I love typewriters, because a distant relative offered two for free, a Smith-Corona silent super still in the case, and a Royal KMG in need of some serious cleaning. Your video has made me oh so excited for the silent super to arrive! It'll take some effort to refurbish, but I'm determined to fix it up myself and add it to my collection. I'm officially hooked on typewriters. There's no going back now!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

NIteowl, welcome to the fold. And congratulations on three very smart choices for typewriters. The Smith-Corona Silent-Super, the Olympia SM9, and the Royal KMG are all serious machines. You have done well, sir. Now go out and use them. Write something wonderful, and may all the gods of creativity help you. Thanks for watching!

[@ka-powUSA]

The 'paper loading wheel' you mention at about 9:05 is called a Page Gauge.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Ka-Pow, thank you! My nomenclature slips a lot and I find myself referring to parts as "that doo-hickey here" or "this thingamabob there." Page Gauge it is. Appreciatively, Damon

[@reedolightningweaver2732]

Watching bc I picked up a 60s sterling the other day, and it seems like functionally the same machine except for a couple missing features and different styling. Neat and informative video. Love your voice and sense of humor

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Good to hear from you @reedolightningweaver2732. Thanks for watching, and congrats on your new machine. You nailed it. The Smith-Corona build was frequently mimicked across several models, plus or minus different functions, with varied stylings, but basically the same dependable build. It's one of the reasons I love the brand. I've got several Smith-Coronas and they all deliver consistent results if you treat them right. Plus there's that buttery snuck-snuck-snuck the keys tend to make. No other brand does that. Very comfortable and compelling. Wishing you the best of luck with your Sterling!

[@annhaveman9092]

Just got a Silent Super at a garage sale, Seafoam Green. This was super helpful to find out what all the levers do.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Excellent, Ann. Super cool! Wishing you all the best with your new treasure. Write well!

[@Lasuperzambi]

Thank you very much for this video! I have just received a vintage typewriter (Everest de Luxe), and although it is beautiful, it has precisely the problem you explain in the video. And where I live, nobody is capable of fixing it. I will do it myself! Thank you again!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Very pleased to hear it's been helpful for you, Laura. And great to meet you. Wishing you the best of luck, and thanks for watching!

[@ventura4316]

Very enjoyable video. I hit it lucky and got the exact same model (alpine blue) shipped to the UK. Probably my favourite typewriter (Blue Bird pushes it close though!).

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Thanks for the good words, Ventura. Agreed about the Silent-Super, it’s a fine machine. And I’m envious. I’ve not yet had a chance to try the Blue Bird. Can you describe the action? Is there any other machine you can compare it to? Good to meet you!

[@SouthernGeologist]

Where can we find the ad with the kid looking in the window? Wonderful ad, but Google is making hard work of this.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @southernGeologist. I found it at this website: www.atticpaper.com/proddetail.php?prod=1955-smith-corona-typewriter-ad-santa-jack-in-the-box You could also try Ebay and Etsy. Between you and me, I was pleasantly shocked to see that some places retain such lovely pieces of magazine art. Hope you find what you're looking for. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dadtype2339]

Just found your channel, I'm a writer and I used to work on a typewriter then moved to a Brother word processor/Electric typewriter the one that was 1000 lbs of portable joke printer and screen that saved on a 3.5 hard floppy 💾, then into MS Office Word, 20nor so years later I've been wanting to move back to a typewriter as it helps to add a second layer of proofreading and editing. Been looking at a SCM Smith Corona Electric just can't decide if I want to have the mechanical carriage return as I have read and heard there are less problems with that, or the 210 or 220 with a power return? I write a lot, I'm a published author, and I crack out a minimum of 10 single spaced, clean pages a day. So I need a work horse companion and one that can keep up and from what I understand the SCM Smith Corona Electric is a great option. I just try to imagine using my left hand to push the carriage over which I think is both fun and rewarding, brings another layer of that connection to the creative process and physical work...or just hit that power slide like a tank with an auto loader, loading up another Muse shell to blast at the page? I'd be interested to hearing her thoughts on the two? The power return or the mechanical carriage return? I think you have a video on one of these Typewriters but can you do a revisit and another look at it's history, I love the history on things, and your thoughts on the them. I hear the manual ones are pretty easy to type on too, just not as fast as an electric of course. And that lol, their fully mechanical versions have basically the same guts and internal design, and it looks like they just add a motor and a different basket to the electric ones, interesting. Last not here, I was watching Arizona Typewriters and the guy over there says these Typewriters are built to last and that you can find them as hundreds of thousands were built but usually they are found because they put lived their owners. Easy to work on too, interested to know your thoughts... And author Danielle Steel uses a 1940's Olympia Model B, I'll look through your archives to see if you got a video on that but that would be a cool video... Okay seriously last question, so I have a 1933 Remington Mechanical portable typewriter, and it's in excellent condition, still has its cover, the leather strap and wooden brush and paper holder intact. I always check their value over the years and I'm surprised to see they are priced around $40.00-$100.00 and I was wondering why are they not more valued with a higher price? Such a neat little typewriter, and almost 100 years old. Where there tons of these made, as that's the only reason I can think of. Told you I'm a writer, apologies didn't mean for this to be so long. Thumbs up on all your posts! Thank you for your channel and your work!❤

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @dadtype2339. Responding to your questions in order: I don't use electric typewriters and therefore know nothing about their carriage returns. Power return vs. manual return? Do whatever keeps you writing. I think you mean Duane Jensen at Phoenix Typewriter. Either way, yes. I agree with this statement. There are many factors to how typewriters are priced, I've noticed. Yes, there were a lot of Remingtons made to the best of my knowledge. Glad you found the channel and thanks for writing in. I hope this helps.

[@paolocruz8392]

Not to mention the Piano Key Action of Smith Corona. It makes long typing sessions very comfortable.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

It sure does @paolocruz8392. It sure does!

[@infinitymiracle772]

Ok, tell you what, because of this video, i just have to tell you a story about my typewriter journey. It all started when I was 8 years old, having a class, we were studying a book could ‘A Study Of Scarlet’ from SHerlock Holmes, a typewriter appeared inside, i got curious. But it’s not until a year or so ago when it really struck me. It all started from the corona 4, then the Remington Portable 4, then the Smith Corona Silent, then, the Royal deluxe, then, the Smith Corona Silent-Super, then the Olympia SM9, then the Hermes 3000, then the Olivetti lettera 32. And what seems EPIC is how to the fact that i was on your website today, i saw your aqua blue BeAuTiFuL Smith-Corona SIlent-super (WHich I have always wanted) and the mug you were selling at the start of the video. Anyways, great video you got here, great job!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

IM, I love this. Sounds like you were bitten by the bug. Believe me, I get it. And you’re in excellent company. 😉 Thanks always for watching and commenting, my friend, and thanks too for visiting us at CreateX3.com!

[@robillingworth8503]

Thanks for the info about the carriage center "lock"; I've had my Sapphire Gray Silent Super 50 years, yet never knew about that function(my parents got it for me at a garage sale, but there were no instructions; I learned on my own how to center & put it it the case). From the start it was easy to learn accuracy and I relaxed to the quiet rhythm of the machine, which helped me reach 65wpm. When Mom & Dad saw this, they also bought me a Smith Corona Series 5 Electric; I reached 80wpm on that. This Smith Corona was my favorite because it's lightweight but sturdy (you weren't kidding when you called it a workhorse; I used it regularly for 15 years until I needed a computer). It's never been in a repair shop, but now it's hard to type and showing its age. Until then, I'll use it when singing "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down & Write Myself a Letter" in our Entertainers Club concert next month: I'll type rhythmically between song breaks, sing another line until the choir director rings a bell & I'll return the carriage, & rip out the paper so the audience can hear the platen as the last note!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Sounds like a very fitting tribute to me, robillingworth. Wishing you. great success with your performance and a lifetime of good work in whatever you choose to do next. Thanks for commenting and thanks for watching!

[@matt-lang]

I have a Sapphire Grey one, it's such a smooth typing experience! My only wish is that mine had an actual "1" key on it, I often mistype a "2" out of habit on it.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Understood, Matt. That’s an issue with some of the older model Silent-Supers and Sterlings and similar models. Just remember to hit that lowercase L key whenever you need a one. Made a video about it to clarify. But many congrats on your machine. I, too, love the Silent-Super and their Sapphire Grey model is beautiful.

[@Titere05]

I had the good fortune of finding one of these in very good condition, other than the dirt and sticky old oil that someone had sprayed on every mechanical piece they could find. Works like a charm now, though. Also my SC Silent Super, while still being a Series 5 SC, is an older model, which means it doesn't have the 1 key! Apparently that started shipping around 1957

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Excellent. Sounds like you get it, Pablo. Can’t go wrong with a Smith-Corona Silent-Super. You just can’t. You are correct about the older model Silent-Supers. Full keyboards started with the 5-T series so there was some crossover from earlier 5 series lines. Very much appreciate you pointing that out and thanks for watching!

[@BookClubDisaster]

Typewriters came in all kinds of cool flashy colors. Computer keyboards come in...........black and gray. Okay, some mechanical keyboards are flashy but 98% of people are using a very bland, industrial, dystopian looking keyboard. Then again everything has gone that way. Watching cars pass on the road is almost like watching a black and white movie.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I never saw it that way before, @BookClubDisaster ... but now I do. You propose a vision that's one of those "once you see it, you can't unsee it, kinds of things." Thanks for that. And for watching and checking in. Well met.

[@ravenshadowz2343]

The Silent-Super that I bought and checking the serial number shows in a google search the 1 button missing and also the ! missing as well. Here's my question, what GSM backing paper do you use, or are you using two sheets of plain printing paper? I watched a video about typing paper and he said, to use 85 to 100 GSM paper to type on and the backing paper should be thin to protect the roller.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

The lack of a 1 key and the ! hints to me that you have an older Silent Super. I believe in other messages you said that your model is year 1954, which would fit. I also believe it was the 5T series that began using a full keyboard in either 1956 or 1957. As far as the backing paper is concerned, I don’t have time to geek out on that stuff. I just use plain paper that has already been used many times. For instance, I’ll use a power bill for a backing sheet. I’ll use a paper on which I’ve penciled notes. I’ll use old typescript pages that I no longer need to generate copy. And so on. My interest is not to be a purist but to get to work as quickly as possible.

[@ravenshadowz2343]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco, it's a 1953, thank you for clearing that up. Thank you also for answering the paper question. 🙃

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@ravenshadowz2343 Sure thing!

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Great review!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Much obliged, Joe. It’s great to meet you here. I’ve watched your channel when time allows. Love what you’re doing with it! Congrats!

[@typewriter6885]

am a big fan of the smith corona line, urs is beautiful

[@DamonDiMarco]

Thank you, TW! I agree. That one was given to me by an old friend and I therefore consider it priceless!

[@nikitazaverskiy4334]

God, I want it so much now. As usual, amazing video, thank you

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

You're very welcome, Nikita. Thanks for watching!

[@Bettafishsandwhich]

Oh my god! Came from the other video at your mention and this is incredible! I didn’t even realize what I found I made! I in fact do also have the holiday carrying case! That made me laugh

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Excellent. A great find, indeed. Write well, new friend.

[@RyanDaFencer]

What a treat to discover this channel! I just acquired a SM9 as my daily user, would love to see some Olympia profiles in the future! Cheers!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Congratulations on your choice, Ryan. Olympias are excellent machines. I’ll put something in the queue immediately for you. Keep an eye out for it and thanks for watching!

[@danieldeary9344]

I have 3 models of the updated version of the Silent Super, the 2 Classic's and a Sterling of the 5X and 5AX series from 1963 and '64. The internal mechanism is identical to the Silent Super...except they lost the finger holders (and no racing stripes). The best part is they often sell for less than the Silent Super. They are terrific typers! I will say though, your example is prettier than mine. Great video!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Daniel I’m so glad to hear all this, it’s great information. Didn’t know that about the identical mechanisms. Thanks for sharing it.

[@messenger3478]

The Silent Super I found recently had the tab select in the back.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

I believe it. There appears to have been a great deal of overlap in the Sterling, Silent, and Silent Super models. Last weekend, for instance, I picked up a 1955 Sterling which is, for all intents and purposes, a Silent Super except that the tabs are in the back. But the Sterling line, like the Silent line goes back to the 30s or so. The Silent-Super I show in this video is from the 5T series, which was the last in that line, I believe, and therefore had tab sets up front. I’m curious, do you know the serial # and year for your machine?

[@messenger3478]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco Cool! I didn't know there was a lot of overlap. I don't know the serial number. I was looking to get that one or a Royal Quiet de Luxe with Elite typeface. I love both. Just couldn't decide. I'm going to the typewriter shop tomorrow to pick one. I'm not sure which on for my secondary one.

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@messenger3478 Tons of overlap. Serial number on a Smith Corona of this model should be under the hood to the left hand side of the keyboard. Good news is you can't go wrong with either make. Royals QDLs are also good machines and I'm sure you'll be pleased with either. Good luck!

[@someonespadre]

Standard Sterling Silent Silent-Super, seems like a theme. Then they changed Standard to Clipper and broke the spell, maybe standard was confusing since standard usually refers to full size desktop machines.

[@douglasjackson9058]

Another fine video! You make me want to get one of mine out and play😃. Great instructional video 👍

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Thank you, Douglas. Always a pleasure to hear from you. Thanks for watching!

[@benjaminishere]

I've recently gotten a silent super in need of some TLC (though the volunteer at the store I got it promised me it likely just needs some lubricating and cleaning as all the buttons and keys work) and I love your channel for the great info on these machines

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Very happy to help in any way I can, Ben’s Here. Thanks for the good words and thanks for watching!

[@mysticmeadowshomestead6209]

No bell at the end of the line to let you know you need to hit the carriage return?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Ah, yes. Of course there's a bell. Sorry if I didn't highlight that. I try to keep these videos from running overly long...

[@notmychelle]

I love mine too. Would be hard pressed to choose between this and an H3K for “deserted island” machine. For the time period the SCSS is maybe the best American made. Gotta get the model with pinstripes and the 1/! key though!!

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Do it, Archelle. It’s worth it! Wishing you my best. Btw, your video on tips for traveling with a typewriter is scheduled to drop on September 27. Keep your eyes out and thanks for suggesting it. Thanks for watching!

[@notmychelle]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco oh I did, that’s the one I have in the Desert Sand color 😎 just mentioning in case anyone was considering buying one, get the one with all the keys. Looking forward to the travel vid, thanks!!

[@DamonDiMarco]

@@notmychelle Ha! Small world. When I mentioned that I have two Smith-Corona Silent-Supers, I forgot to mention that my second model is the Desert Sand. Great minds think alike, Archelle. Thanks for watching and I agree, consider buying the model with the 1 key. Thanks, too, for the suggestion about the how to travel with a typewriter video. I hope you find it informative and fun. Talk soon!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

I ❤ only Allah.

[@ravenshadowz2343]

Where can I find replacement ribbons for a 1953 model?

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

If it's a Smith Corona? Here: amzn.to/3K3lOaF

[@ravenshadowz2343]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco, thank you very much! :)

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

@@ravenshadowz2343 My pleasure!

[@plabby7892]

also another question where do you get your typewriters

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

That, my friend, is the subject of a forthcoming video. Stay tuned! And thanks for watching!

[@CleopaOrthodox]

Can you review the Olympia du Luxe

[@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco]

Hi @Sulla-the-Roman. Yes, I plan to review the Olympia SM3 soon. Other people have asked me to do this, too. Only fitting. It's an excellent machine. Apologies, my video output has slowed as I handle consulting work and writing assignments. Very much appreciate you watching and wishing you my best.

[@CleopaOrthodox]

@@TheWriteStuffPro-DamonDiMarco your typewriter content is the best of YT it's one of the reasons I bought one.