The Galaxie II. a mid-century modern mechanical marvel.
The Smith-Corona Galaxie II is my first typewriter. It's a popular 196X machine sporting a lovely mid-century design with a dash of googie on the faceplate. This faceplate and the inclusion of a single changeable type key (red 1/!) are the only differences between this and previous model... well, that and the gimmicky "jeweled escapement".[1]
My Galaxie comes with a grey metal body, black platen and off-white keyboard. It uses the standard Pica typeface. With some trial and error, I have removed and reattached the body to give it a deep clean. The only remaining issue is the broken right plastic carriage release lever, which I plan to replace or 3D print eventually.[2]
The machine has been cleaned throughout and is now working beautifully right down to the bell. I am getting better at using it, as typewriters require a bit more oomph compared to typing on computer keyboards. Typing on it is a pleasant acoustic and tactile experience.
The Galaxie is currently using a brand new universal black/red INKVO ribbon (2 inch spools and ½ inch tape) for some of that classic rubrication feel.
The instructions manual can be downloaded from xavier.edu typewriter manual repo.
Photos to come.
The jewel in the escapement is said to be a synthetic ruby or sapphire, but who can say for sure with 60s marketing. Issue 114 of ETC Magazine did a deep dive into the history and usefulness of that little jewel, and is worth a read ↩︎
A broken carriage release lever is a common sight on this style of Smith-Corona typewriters. The plastic becomes more bristle with age and snaps easily. Fortunately, there's already a 3D printable replacement on thingiverse ↩︎