Posted 3 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
Once the gold standard of electric typewriters, then "the computer" came along. <groan> This one is in green, a very popular color for use in offices back then.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_Selectric_typewriter
Otherwise a way dusty (shoulda seen it before I brushed it off?!) and seemingly intact example, but I don't suppose it'd actually work right without being rebuilt -- these things are full of little rubber parts that probably haven't taken well to long term storage.
I'm not certain where the serial #'s are on these things, but didn't examine it too closely while moving it this afternoon. There is a label on its underside (pic 4) that shows it as having been "installed" in September of 1971.
My main career was a typist in the 70s-80s and the IBM Selectric was my absolute favorite typewriter, this is a real gem AO
AnythingObscure, This fills me with a mixture of love and loathing, because while they are indeed excellent machines, a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I took a course in repairing them. >8-0
No, don't ask me if you have a problem with one, because there are only a few things I remember about IBM Selectric maintenance and repair.
One is that they're full of 'Jesus' springs. They're called that, because they're small and difficult to install or uninstall, and not infrequently, one can lose control of a spring, causing it to go flying across the room, and causing one to exclaim, "Jesus!"
Spares were in short supply, so the loss of one would result in the loser having to take a push broom, and start sweeping the floor until it was found.
The other thing I remember was that when somebody asked the instructor a stupid or annoying question, he would starting humming. He was a retired Marine, and that humming was his way of controlling his temper, and not killing the questioner.
Anyway, serial number location and other information:
*snip*
When you lift the ribbon cover, the serial number should be engraved just left of center under the type ball, and the model number should be on a sticker just right of center under the type ball.
*snip*
https://typewriter.boardhost.com/viewtopic.php?id=724
IBM Selectric identification and factory codes, etc.:
https://typewriterdatabase.com/ibm.69.typewriter-serial-number-database