Summary

Portable typewriter of the typebar, front strike class, Model 3 Special Portable, manufactured by Smith & Corona Typewriters Incorporated in Groton, New York, U.S.A. Made 1926-1929.

The company was formerly known as the Standard Typewriter Company and later merged with the L. C. Smith Company in 1926 to become the Smith & Corona Typewriters Incorporated. The Model 3 entered production in 1912 and continued until 1941.

In the Model 3 the carriage, complete with platen and ribbon spools, folded forward over the keyboard to reduce the height and depth of the machine for portability. The Model 3 Special was produced in the 1920s and 1930s. It was available in a range of colours and had an improved keyboard. This particular machine is red and is complete with a leather-covered wooden case.

Physical Description

Red metal typewriter with 32 keys, black plastic spacebar at front, black roller for paper at top back. "Backspace" key on upper right side. Metal ribbon spool on either side above keyboard, and ribbon rest in centre against paper holder. Case with thin wooden rectangular top lid and base covered with black, finely grooved vinyl. Metal closing attachment, leather handle, and domed metal feet. Hinged platen sits over keys in transport configuration, and can move back when operated.

More Information

  • Collecting Areas

    Leisure, Information & Communication, Childhood

  • Acquisition Information

    Purchase

  • Manufacturer

    L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters Inc., Groton, New York, United States of America, 1926-1929
    According to the National Museum of American History https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_849999 The Corona Three was an extremely popular typewriter, produced from 1912 until 1941. In 1926 the company joined with the L. C. Smith & Brothers Typewriting company in to become Smith-Corona. As this example is marked Smith and Corona Typewriters, it was made 1926 onwards. Its appearance suggests latest date as 1929.

  • Place & Date Used

    Australia, 1950-1990

  • Inscriptions

    Stamped on front of typewriter: CORONA / SPECIAL / Smith & Corona Typewriters In[c.] Stamped on back of typewriter: CORONA / Made in U.S.A. Inscribed metal lock on case: CORONA / TYPEWRITER CO.

  • Classification

    Communications, Typewriting, Mechanical

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    History

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Object Dimensions

    300 mm (Width), 250 mm (Depth), 183 mm (Height)
    Dimensions of typewriter only, with platen in operating position. Dimensions in transport configuration: Width: 300mm; Height 105mm; Depth: 235mm

  • Case Dimensions

    314 mm (Width), 121 mm (Depth), 261 mm (Height)
    Dimensions of case standing upright on feet. Handle can extend a further 70mm, making total height: 331mm

  • References

    The Corona Three was an extremely popular typewriter, produced from 1912 until 1941 according to this website - [Link 1]

  • Keywords

    Typewriters, Toys, Travel, Writing Equipment