1958 Smith-Corona Electric 5TE
Up for sale is a beautiful and rare Smith-Corona Electric (5TE-Series) which was manufactured in 1958. This typewriter was Smith-Corona's very first successful electric portable typewriter, and was one of the first successful portable electrics to hit the market. This machine is more-so known as an "electric assist" since many things are still mechanically operated, including the carriage return, backspace, etc. The electric motor only powers the keys and the shift mechanism. This machine is a really neat one since it doesn't look like an electric at all (if you take away the power switch and the cord, of course) - it still looks like a manual, and closely resembles the manual portables being manufactured by Smith-Corona at the time. To emphasize this, I put the back page of the instructions manual as the second picture (take a look!) which shows off all the portables being marketed by the company at the time. The biggest difference with this machine is the size and weight- this electric is a bit taller and has several extra pounds to it compared to the manuals.
Also included with this machine in addition to the instructions manual is a "Holiday carrying case" card with the key attached, a warranty card, a cover, and of course the carrying case.
This typewriter is fully functional right down to the bell, and is a really fun machine to write with. It can definitely be used heavily and frequently, and would be great to write a novel with. Universal ribbons fir this machine and are sold on this site.
I of course have no idea how long the original electric motor will last, but I have no reason to believe it shouldn't last for many years to come.
If you're looking for an amazing early electric portable that doesn't quite look like an electric, then this is a perfect and uncommon choice.