Smith-Corona Typewriter Guide

Historical orientation

The Smithsonian describes the Corona No. 3 as a folding portable produced from 1912 to 1941.

L. C. Smith & Brothers and Corona joined in 1926 to become Smith-Corona.

The Smithsonian documents Silent, Sterling, Standard, and later Classic 12 machines across different decades.

Model families to learn

• Corona No. 3 folding portable
• Corona Four
• Smith-Corona Silent and Sterling
• Smith-Corona Silent-Super
• Smith-Corona Classic 12

Identification clues

• The folding Corona mechanism is visually distinctive but should not be forced.
• Floating Shift markings help identify some prewar Silent-family machines.
• Postwar body generations can look similar, so compare controls and serial ranges.

Before buying

Ask for the serial number, a current typing sample, photographs beneath the ribbon cover, and a clear explanation of any service. Compare the exact family rather than treating every Smith-Corona as equivalent.

Useful comparison terms

Add the model, body generation, color, keyboard language, case, working status, or service terms to your search. For electric machines, include the exact generation and correction system.