1921 Cyrillic Corona No. 3 Folding
Up for sale is a beautiful Corona Folding No. 3 with a Cyrillic (likely Russian or Ukrainian) keyboard which was manufactured in 1921. For being nearly a century old, this typewriter is in remarkable condition both cosmetically and mechanically. Everything works perfectly on this typewriter, right down to the bell. However, despite being fully functional, this is not a typewriter that you're going to want to use heavily at all. While this typewriter can still be used to write the occasional note here and there, this machine is not the best typer. The Corona 3 was one of the first original portable typewriters. It was designed to be extremely compact and light, yet still functional (and it was for its era). The Corona 3- coming out in 1912- was commonly used among war correspondents in the First World War. In order to be compact, this typewriter folds over itself to fit in the case. The keyboard is a "3-bank" meaning there are three rows of keys. The characters shown above the letter on each key can be utilized by holding the figure key (the key above the shift key) down. If you have big hands, this is not a friendly typewriter to write with, but with patience and attention, it still can be used. This typewriter does not use universal ribbons. You will want to re-thread the ribbon on this typewriter. The owner's manual can be downloaded for free here: http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/Corona3.pdf
The Cyrillic keyboard on this machine makes this typewriter essentially a one-of-a-kind. This is the very first (out of hundreds of machines I have owned or resold) with this keyboard, although since I listed this machine, I suddenly have two others.
The Corona No. 3 folding is collectible and rare enough in this kind of condition, but the keyboard is truly the cherry on top.
This typewriter was probably made for domestic sale and not for export to Eastern Europe, however to put things into context, this typewriter was manufactured just four years after the Russian Revolution, and one year before the USSR was created. There were a ton of historically significant events going on in the region of Russia/Ukraine when this typewriter was manufactured.
Condition-wise, this typewriter is near mint both cosmetically and mechanically. The paint shines beautifully like a mirror, complemented by the crisp gold labeling and beautiful nickel plating.
The carrying case is in decent shape, and still functions perfectly. There are a few minor stains and there is a piece of tape supporting the bottom-front flap.
If you're looking for a truly one-of-a-kind machine that makes for an excellent functional conversation piece, then this is an impressive option.
