Smith-Corona Sterling Typewriter Value Guide

The Smith-Corona Sterling is a quintessential mid-20th century portable typewriter celebrated for its rugged reliability and sleek American engineering. Favored by journalists and novelists, these machines represent the pinnacle of personal document creation before the digital age.

What affects the value of Smith-Corona Sterling Typewriter?

• Mechanical functionality, specifically the responsiveness of the keys and the condition of the platen rubber.
• Cosmetic preservation of the brown and green paint, including the presence of original decals.
• The inclusion of the original hardshell carrying case which is vital for the $100-$150 value range.
• Overall cleanliness and the absence of internal rust or seized typebars.

How to Identify Smith-Corona Sterling Typewriter?

• Look for the distinct 'Sterling' branding prominently displayed on the paper table or frame.
• Verify the mid-century brown and green color scheme characteristic of the 1940-1950 production era.
• Check for the signature Smith-Corona metal body construction and the specific 'floating shift' mechanism.
• Locate the serial number under the ribbon cover to confirm the United States manufacturing origin.

History of Smith-Corona Sterling Typewriter

The Smith-Corona Sterling was a popular portable typewriter known for its reliability and compact design, making it a favorite among writers and journalists. Introduced by the Smith-Corona company, a leading American manufacturer of typewriters, the Sterling model represented an era of personal document creation before the advent of computers. These machines were instrumental in shaping communication and literature throughout the 20th century.