1957 Olympia SM3 "Ernestine Tomlin" Quirky with Personality..Snort, Snort - Read

Description

Short Story:
If you are seeking a Green Olympia SM3 that looks incredible on a desk and you will be using it for occasional correspondence, Ernestine is a gal for you.  She has some quirks but types GREAT compared to 10 random typewriters bought on eBay, but she does not type near as well as my SM9's for sale.
Ernestine Tomlin’s Story: (HBO Version… NOT NBC – This is written for adults)
One Ringy Dingy...  Two Ringy Dingy...  Hello, this is Ernestine Tomlin from The Phone Company...  It's been a long time hasn't it!!!  I'm calling to tell you that I have been reincarnated into a Green Typewriter.  At least I came back as the Typewriter used by more famous authors than any other typewriter model.  Snort, snort - I'm a "model" now...
Let's us get straight to the business of my call.  I am quirky, and that's why my name is Ernestine, obviously...  If you want to see the whole letter on the page, you'll need to put the ribbon adjuster all the way down as shown in my picture.  If you put it on the "normal" height, the tops of my letters will not show up, or maybe you’re a pervy and want to see me topless unless you’re a repairman named Vito.  I just cannot believe KB put this topless photo of me, but KB believes in letting the customer know exactly what they are going to get because he was and still get frustrated with buyer covering up problems, etc.  AND, it is a pain in rumpus to return a typewriter.  AND, don’t let me get started with USPS Priority Mail thingy.
So, you’ll see some shading, but that will go away as my ribbon was really wet and new when KB used me.  And, I do take a few keystrokes to get warmed up as my ribbon vibrator won’t go down right away.  But, after I get warmed up, I’ll beat 99% of the typewriters on eBay. NBC would have definitely censored that paragraph, don’t ya thinky… Snort… Snort)
My capital alignment is good but you’ll need to fully depress my shift key.  However, it’s easy to shift me compared to other SM3’s after a couple adjustments KB made on me.  I know I’m sounding salesy, but I’m quirky and whoever gets a letter from me knows I’m not a dang computer because of my "character" snort...
Also, I have a couple places on my top that lost some texture.  Vito couldn't keep his hands off me.  And, my case works but isn't the best.  Of course, if you plan on keeping me in a case and not occasionally use me, please let someone else buy me.  KB works really hard to find people that have a passion for writing and spent a lot of time getting me cleaned up and working as well as I can.
Let’s see, you’ll notice that I’m temperamental as ribbon direction thingy beside the ribbon spools sometimes need help changing directions.  When I feel a little tight, you’ll need to lift my top and help me switch directions.  KB will be happy to help you with my quirkiness should you want to be yours.  I can promise that I’ll put you in a better mood when you walk up to Ernestine and start getting me warmed up…
KB even believes that you’ll use me more because of our positive emotional connection.  He’s been smiling the whole time and also laughing to himself while writing with and about me.
Again, if you are looking for a typewriter to type multiple pages, I’m not your girl as much as I’d love to have multiples / SORRY, got sidetracked there / But seriously, you need to get one of KB’s SM9’s that aren’t so quirky even though they have soul and personality.
I’m going to hand it over to KB, and I hope you’ll be my new Vito, or I can be Vito so you can be Ernestine if you know what I mean… Snort Snort Snort
KB Here…
Ernestine has her quirkiness, but she's really a good girl.  With the exception of the texture lost on her top, I do believe her problems can be fixed.  I thought I'd just discount her since she still types better than 99% of the typewriters sold on eBay.  I have a bunch of typewriters I want to clean/service/list so people out there can get a great typing typewriter unlike the first couple bought.  I didn't fix all of Ernestine's quirks, but I usually have to fix multiple problems on the typewriters I receive.  And, I buy typewriters on eBay just like you do, and I don't buy the typewriters sold for parts.
I WILL PAY shipping back and forth if the typewriter is not as described or broken, but I want to see if there's an easy adjustment that will get your typewriter working correctly before I pay for shipping back and forth since it's expensive and will cause me to raise my prices.
To Save Time for you reading through my typewriters I think by rating (based on the 100’s of typewriters I’ve used in the past) what I look for in a typewriter geared for a writer is the best way to get a lot of information quickly.  Also, PLEASE read my typing sample where I am actually using the typewriter and discussing what's good and what's not so good...
Rating/Review
Rating Scale – 1 Terrible, 5 Good, 10 GREAT / Approximately on 4/15/20 I stopped giving typewriter scores higher than 10 to avoid confusion.  Please understand that I'm comparing my typewriter to ALL manual typewriters on eBay in which most are straight from estate sales and the buyer is afraid to clean, etc. because of possibly doing damage to the typewriter
Platen and Rollers     8
She's average to above average for an SM3 sold on eBay
Ease to get mark       9
Could put a 10 when compared to all typewriters on eBay
Shifting Action       9.5
Remember, a whole carriage that weighs a couple of pounds is being lifted your pinky fingers, and Ernestine doesn't take much effort - SM3 are normally a 6 or 7 when compared to the basket shifter out there.  HOPE I'M NOT SETTING THE WRONG EXPECTATIONS
How Snappy is it      8
She is probably a 9.5 but because the ribbon vibrator goes all the way up to get a full mark.  It's not snappy like the SM9's I have.  You will not get along with Ernestine if you type faster than 60 WPM.  I type around 40 to 50, and she was fine for me.
Exterior Condition     9
She's a 10, but I have to take off a point for the texture spots on the top that I didn't notice much when typing with her
Chrome on Typewriter  10
Just gorgeous and I have to admit that the materials used on the SM3's might have been a little better than the 1970's SM9's because they were trying to keep the typewriters affordable in the 70's.
Mechanics             9
She has her quirks, but I'm significantly discounting her.  Everything is in tip-top shape -   Tabs are working for me as I did test this typewriter and used the tabs for my paragraphs,
BUT I CANNOT GUARANTEE THE TAB SYSTEMS, OR I WOULD HAVE TO RAISE MY PRICES.  If it’s a deal breaker, please contact me.
Quality of Machine    11
The quality of the Olympias are unparalleled, especially after being check through and cleaned out.  Actually, there's more quality in these 68-69 machines compared to the boxier white 1970-78 SM9's.  The chrome is UNBELIEVABLE
Cleanliness           10
She's clean and Happy :)
Ribbon – All are New  11
Just got a new shipment from Ribbon Unlimited, and these ribbons are especially wet.  Also, they have a bigger rivet to help the mechanism change directions.
Backspace Key          9
Works great
Return Smoothness     9.5
VERY solid, quiet and smooth
Feet                  10
Best feet I've seen on an SM3 in a good while...
Case – Looks          9
Inside is pristine and the outside is good, not great
Case – Hinges/Lock Key?  9
No key for the lock but works better that 95% of SM3 cases like this one
History of this model  12
Woody Allen and MANY OTHERS - The largest group of famous writers used this typewriter in my opinion...  I'll update when I find my list again because I haven't been listing many SM3's because the SM9's usually work SO MUCH better for someone that's going to USE it.  And, please don't buy Sarah unless you are going to use her because she's really special.
Pica or Elite        Olympia 11 Pitch/Characters per inch
* Snappy
, to me, is how fast the hammer hits the paper and goes back down, which is VERY important for someone that types 40-50 WPM or more.  Also, more important for those who use all their fingers.
* Quality of Machine
– This is based mainly based on how expensive was the machine at the time (A Mercedes (Olympia) costed more than a Chevy (Royal) or Ford (Smith-Corona)) – Note that the Silent Super is more like a Loaded Lincoln, in my opinion if it was cared for
* Cleanliness
is how I’m comparing this machine to other decent typewriters on eBay. (12 would mean as clean as a restored one)
* History
– What authors used a typewriter like this one?
*** ALSO, I am comparing this particular to all the Smith Corona’s, Hermes, Royal’s, Facit’s, Olivetti’s, and some supposed high-quality German typewriters I’ve used and done 200+ typing samples with…
Pricing
My thoughts on pricing - 0 for a mint/new Green 1957 SM3 and Case
Minus – Exterior Condition - There's a mark on the right side of her and not to mention where Vito rubbed off some of her texture on her top :)
Minus - Case could be better
Minus - Ribbon vibrator not going all the way up when on regular setting
Minus - It takes typing around a line to get her going up and down like she should at the higher setting as she'll momentarily keep her ribbon hiding what you are typing.  Occasionally, you'll have to tap ribbon/ribbon vibrator to have it go down.  I really think this will improve with use.
Minus - The smearing from the new ribbon, which will go away with use.
Minus - Having to occasionally help the ribbon switching direction, and I really think this will fix itself or get a lot with regular/occasional use.  It's just the right side.  Left side is working fine.  I circled the part where you just have to touch to switch direction.
Plus -  {{detail_product_description}} - This is one of the last SM3's I'm going to sell after the three I have as of 7/27/21.  The SM9's just work so much better.  If I get a decent deal on a rare SM3, I might sell another one.
Comments about the pricing
I think this is a fair price for a beautiful working (right out of the box) typewriter and you do as well.
Below is the same for all my listings.
This is a summary of what I do for each typewriter I sell:
- Select the best typewriters for writing from my research and my personal experience of trying MANY different typewriters that were used by famous writers
- Make sure all the functions are working properly and if it’s something difficult, I take it to a repair professional.
- Clean and dust typewriter along with using a cleaner that gets the WD40 oils out that are BAD for typewriters and leaves an extremely light protectant against rust, etc. in the future (Nu-Trol Control Cleaner for Electronics (Phoenix Typewriters swears by it)
- Clean out typebars, as you can see in the picture, and this is why my typing samples look so good.  I do clean out the typebars BEFORE I do the typing sample.  So, you’ll see some black on the typebars when your machine arrives
- Make sure that the capital and lowercase letters are aligned and hitting the platen where they should be
- Clean out the typewriter case and will often make small repairs and/or reinforcements if needed
- Check and flush out the encasement if needed so that your typewriter returns smoothly/quietly or I note and reduce the price
- Make sure the rubber feet are acceptable and will use a rubber rejuvenator for the feet and also a platen rejuvenator if needed
- Your return shipping is covered by me if the typewriter is not working like I explain in the writing sample (I will not pay for repairs, see note below)
- Polish chrome parts and compound wax typewriters with smooth finishes.
- Take off the clear card holder that's on the right and left side of where the typehead hits the paper and clean along with making adjustments if needed
- Carefully pack your typewriter in a custom-sized box and will secure the carriage to avoid shipping damage.
- Will usually mail/ship out the same day if you buy before 11:00 am and can sometimes after but will definitely mail the following day at no extra cost.  I put 1 day to make sure I can follow through.
- Please note that shipping the typewriter properly is the most important factor of buying a typewriter in my opinion. You must lock the carriage, stuff the basket with bubble wrap, engage the shift lock key, and shrink wrap the carriage so it will not move AT ALL. Otherwise, you will have escapement problems causing the typewriter to make a grinding sound when you make your rewarding carriage return to your next line to your next page without distractions!!!
Also, your typewriter will come in a new custom-sized box to ensure its typing for you like it’s been typing for me.
If this is your first typewriter purchase, it’s going to take a little while to get used to snapping your fingers instead of the tapping we have done for years on a computer keyboard.  You certainly do not have to buy my typewriter, but I would strongly suggest that you buy one that is working really, really well.  The first typewriter I bought was a piece of crap because I was in grad school without any money.  I was done with typewriting until I saw Tom Hanks talking about the Hermes 2000, Olympia SM3, and the Smith Corona 5 series.  I bit the bullet and got a decent Hermes 2000 (like Tom did) and have been hooked ever since.  That Hermes worked great, and I got a Smith Corona 5 series Sterling that worked okay but required more finger strength to get a mark.  However, if you plan on using your typewriter, I highly recommend the Olympia SM9 over the SM3 because it has a basket shift making is a lot better on your pinkies.  Plus, the platen is going to be 10+ years newer.
Happy Typing,
KBtyperunner... Growing Typewriting One Typewriter at a Time...
NOTE:
If your typewriter is damaged from shipping or is not performing like it was when it left my home, I will pay to have the typewriter shipped back so you are not out a penny. I cannot contribute to an adjustment or improvement from a professional repair shop. You are getting charged hundreds less than typewriters in their shops, and these professionals are likely to find something that doesn’t meet their high standards, hence their rightfully higher priced machines. If this is the case and if you decide to pay in order to get the adjustments, etc., you will still save hundreds and have an even better typewriter for decades to come.
NOTE TWO: IF YOUR TYPEWRITER ARRIVES IN THE CONDITION AS DESCRIBED AND YOU SIMPLY DO NOT LIKE IT, I WILL ACCEPT THE RETURN, BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY SHIPPING BOTH WAYS