In Mechanica Antiqua

This machine was another repair job.  When I got it, it looked pretty decent, but it was 100% frozen.  The simple act of trying to get a key moving would disconnect the clevis linkages underneath.  That was also a pain to fix, as several had already been disconnected. My first order of business was to remove the platen and paper tray.  In this case, there is no quick release.  The right knob has to be removed entirely, note that there is a divot in the platen rod that the set screw fits into.  The two screws on the right hand side of the platen also come out.  On the other side, the left knob is pulled (ratchet detent) and pulled more (ratchet disassembly) and comes off with the entire platen rod.  I cleaned and polished both knobs and the platen rod.  Beware the two spring clips that work the detent.  They are inserted long end first into the body of the platen, and kind of just sit there.  There’s a spring wire holding the...

Manufactured very early 1938, must’ve been one of the very first few off the line.  This machine was another repair job for a large collector.  It came in beautiful shape, albeit very dirty.  My task was just to clean it up.  The paint on the machine was a gorgeous maroon, and there was not a single scratch or paint chip.  I have never handled a more immaculate machine.   Mechanically it was fine, it just needed a lot of cleaning.  My first order of business was to remove the platen and paper table, as well as the body.  The body came off like most corona typewriters.  The platen was a little different.  On the right side, it has a little slider over the knob that lets you lift it out, and on the left, there’s a leaver that lets you remove the entire left knob.  After that it’s smooth sailing.  Also standard for corona was the two screws holding down the paper tray.  Both accessible from the underside of the carriag...