1919 CORONA 3 Folding Portable Typewriter – Working – “Hemingway” Model

Classic American-made Corona 3 folding portable typewriter, the model famously used by Ernest Hemingway. Estimated year of manufacture: circa 1919 (based on serial number). Fully functional with period-correct character and expected vintage quirks. Case is not included.

Highlights

• Iconic Corona 3 (3-bank, double-shift keyboard: each key prints three characters).
• Working condition: cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted; types smoothly in normal use.
• Authentic vintage feel: retained patina while stabilizing rust with inhibitor.
• Bell works — classic end-of-line “ding”.
• New ink ribbon installed and rewound onto original spools.

Condition & Servicing Performed

• Disassembled as needed to correct age-related issues; old grease and debris removed.
• Keys, linkages, and levers cleaned and lubricated; general mechanism moves freely.
• Surface rust and grime reduced; remaining patina preserved. Rust inhibitor applied to slow further oxidation.
• Base/feet protector replaced with carefully trimmed modern substitutes (originals had deteriorated).

Known Quirks (Please Read)

• Platen (rubber roller) has cracks; larger cracks were treated with rubber repair compound. It types and feeds paper, but long-term durability cannot be guaranteed.
• Occasional paper feed hesitation: if paper doesn’t advance smoothly, assist by pressing the sheet in while turning the feed lever/knob. Lower carriage rollers were replaced with new parts; slight frame tolerances and spring aging may still affect feed behavior.
• No case included.

Ribbon & Typing

• Fresh ribbon installed and rewound onto the original Corona spools.
• Some characters may print a little light, but overall text is legible (see photos if available).
• Note: aftermarket spools will not fit. When replacing the ribbon, rewind a new ribbon onto the original spools.

What’s Included

• Corona 3 typewriter (circa 1919), as shown.
• Newly installed ribbon on original spools.
• Simple user guide created by the seller (adapted from a similar model) covering key/lever operations and ribbon changes — perfect for first-time users. Not a full factory manual.

Specs & Notes

• Model: Corona 3 (folding, portable; 3-bank double-shift keyboard).
• Origin: USA.
• Year: c. 1919 (estimated from the serial number; number not shown here).
• Use as a functional machine or as a striking vintage display piece.

Important Vintage Disclaimer

This is a 100+ year-old working typewriter. While it has been serviced and types well in testing, further age-related issues may emerge with extended use. Sold as-is with the honest quirks listed above. If you prefer pristine or modern-reliability items, this may not be the right piece.

Keywords: Corona 3, folding portable, Hemingway typewriter, 3-bank, double shift, Underwood 3-bank style, antique typewriter, vintage typewriter, 1910s, 1920s, USA made.