Difference between revisions of "Smith Corona "Flattop""

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[[Category:Typewriter]]
 
[[Category:Typewriter]]
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The Smith-Corona "Flattop" was the successor to the Corona 4 and represented a total redesign of the Smith-Corona portable line. They came in 3 main variations: the Standard, which came in a short- and medium- length return lever, and the Sterling/Silent, the higher-grade version with a tabulator system, paper-table extensions, and a curved return lever. The Silent had all the features of the Sterling and added some felt soundproofing. They tend to be viewed quite highly, noted for their light touch and [[shift|segment-shift]] mechanisms.
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[[File:Flattop.jpg |frameless|right|400px|''A "Standard" Flattop"]]
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[[File:Flattop.jpg |frameless|right|400px|A "Standard" Flattop]]
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=History & Basic Info=
 
=History & Basic Info=
Smith Corona "Flattops" are the successor to the [[Corona 4]] and the predecessor to the [[Smith Corona Speedline]]s. Made from 1931 to 1941 and also known as the "1 series", these are very sought after and reliable portables. They can be found in several variations; they can be found with or without tabulators, paper table extensions, paper fingers and/or a paper bail, and/or 3 different types of return levers.
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Smith Corona "Flattops" succeeded the [[Corona 4]] in 1931 and was built until 1941. Known as the "1 series" as their serial numbers started with the prefix 1C [Standard], 1A [Sterling], or 1S [Silent], the Flattop was a complete redesign from the Corona 4. Smith-Corona designed new linkage and escapement systems, and an extremely light segment shift marketed as the "Floating Shift" mechanism.  
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The Flattop was marketed in 3 colors: black, burgundy-maroon, and green, and initially sold for $60 in 1933.
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=Variations=
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* Animal Key: Smith-Corona marketed certain flattops with animal images on the keys to promote children learning touch-typing. This variation is quite rare and tends to carry a significantly larger price-tag.
  
 
=Common Issues=
 
=Common Issues=
 
The typebar linkages tend to come off rather easily on these machines, but are very easy to reattach with just a screwdriver. These machines are very mechanically sound and reliable, so they tend to age very well.
 
The typebar linkages tend to come off rather easily on these machines, but are very easy to reattach with just a screwdriver. These machines are very mechanically sound and reliable, so they tend to age very well.
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[https://youtu.be/4Hdr8ilkwgk?t=1332 Smith Corona Typewriter Typebar Links Off, Repair, Reattach, Straighten, Adjust | Phoenix Typewriter on Reattaching Linkages]
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[[File:Flattop 1.jpg|250px|Typewriter shown with case.]]
  
 
=Documents=
 
=Documents=
 
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/CoronaInstructions1937.pdf 1937 User's Manual]
 
*[https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/CoronaInstructions1937.pdf 1937 User's Manual]

Latest revision as of 04:36, 28 May 2022

The Smith-Corona "Flattop" was the successor to the Corona 4 and represented a total redesign of the Smith-Corona portable line. They came in 3 main variations: the Standard, which came in a short- and medium- length return lever, and the Sterling/Silent, the higher-grade version with a tabulator system, paper-table extensions, and a curved return lever. The Silent had all the features of the Sterling and added some felt soundproofing. They tend to be viewed quite highly, noted for their light touch and segment-shift mechanisms.

A "Standard" Flattop

History & Basic Info

Smith Corona "Flattops" succeeded the Corona 4 in 1931 and was built until 1941. Known as the "1 series" as their serial numbers started with the prefix 1C [Standard], 1A [Sterling], or 1S [Silent], the Flattop was a complete redesign from the Corona 4. Smith-Corona designed new linkage and escapement systems, and an extremely light segment shift marketed as the "Floating Shift" mechanism.

The Flattop was marketed in 3 colors: black, burgundy-maroon, and green, and initially sold for $60 in 1933.

Variations

  • Animal Key: Smith-Corona marketed certain flattops with animal images on the keys to promote children learning touch-typing. This variation is quite rare and tends to carry a significantly larger price-tag.

Common Issues

The typebar linkages tend to come off rather easily on these machines, but are very easy to reattach with just a screwdriver. These machines are very mechanically sound and reliable, so they tend to age very well. Smith Corona Typewriter Typebar Links Off, Repair, Reattach, Straighten, Adjust | Phoenix Typewriter on Reattaching Linkages Typewriter shown with case.

Documents