Posted 2 years ago
msmichelle
(1 item)
How do I figure out what year this typewritter is, I can not find and year on the typewritter or brochure that is with it
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It should have pattent dates on the back.
Hi Michelle,
Right off the bat, you have a 'Flattop' Corona 'Standard' model typewriter, that doesn't have a tab key on the keyboard. Corona made three types of typers: Standard, Sterling (has tab key) and Silent (top of the line, better made with ball bearings for smoothness of function + tab key). Your manual has publication dates on the back cover that could help, but having the serial number is an accurate way to date your machine.
It's very easy to find your serial number, of which you look it up on the typewriter serial number database, and it will give you the year your typer was made. Yours is a flattop, made in the 1930s. Lift off the ribbon cover (the top panel of the machine), which may or may not be hinged at the back- so be careful about lifting it.
Next, look at the area immediately in front of the right ribbon spool, a right 'inside' panel if you will; there you'll find your serial number starting with a number "1," followed by the letter C (flattop model designation) and a string of numbers-- usually imprinted in white.
Once found, write it down and go to the typewriter serial number database: http://www.tw-db.com/indexen.htm and search under brand names, in this case Corona. Next, scroll waaay down ;) to 'Portables' and begin to look for your typer's serial numbers within the set of numbers provided. Look for the Corona Standard model section... I would make a quick guess that your typer is 1935-1936, or thereabouts. Another tip to know: most numbers listed represents last set of numbers for that year (it would be December XXXX), though some typewriter companies may do this differently. Usually, if your serial number comes before the number listed in the database for that particular year, then that is the year your typer was made. Good Luck!
Part of the fun of finding out your typer's age, is the time frame it came from, as it begins a historical quest of what happened the year your typer was made! :) In addition, as you get better at determining things, you can further your search to exactly what month it was made, and may determine if it was someone's Christmas gift, if made in October/November to be sold before Christmas in December, for example! :)
Have fun!
Warmly, Gigi :)