First post, first typewriter, and a “what is this part?” question
Hi folks! I have come into serendipitous ownership of a beautiful 1959 Smith Corona Electric 5TE in seafoam green with its original case (not pictured).
It’s in pretty solid shape, I’ve dusted her off and cleaned the basket with mineral spirits which seems to have fixed my occasionally sticky “e” key.
I’ve discovered that my += key isn’t firing, the arm is disconnected (and dangling over in a spot I have NO idea how it got over there!) so that will be a repair adventure at some point.
Question: what is this wheel/dial on the underside? It’s numbered 1 thru 4 and seems to be a tension wheel? Device? Of some sort? What does it adjust?
I just got new ribbon that I’m planning to put in today. She had old ribbon that was still working, and aesthetically I kind of liked the slightly faded look to the old, starting to dry out ink. But I’m also excited to see the higher contrast of fresh ink 😊
Working on an Anthony Bourdain quote currently in a mix of hand lettering and typeface, I’ll post up once I’m happy with it!