89 - Smith-Corona Sterling manual portable typewriter featuring the rounded Speedline era body design. The steel frame is finished in a black crinkle-texture enamel and incorporates the manufacturer signature Floating Shift mechanism. It is equipped with a standard QWERTY keyboard featuring glass-capped keys set in metal rings and a chrome-plated carriage return lever. Marked on the front housing, paper rest, and rear panel Smith - Corona. 4" H x 12 1/2" W x 11" D.

Smith-Corona Sterling manual portable typewriter featuring the rounded Speedline era body design. The steel frame is finished in a black crinkle-texture enamel and incorporates the manufacturer signature Floating Shift mechanism. It is equipped with a standard QWERTY keyboard featuring glass-capped keys set in metal rings and a chrome-plated carriage return lever. Marked on the front housing, paper rest, and rear panel Smith - Corona. 4" H x 12 1/2" W x 11" D. The oldest machine in the sale, and the one with the deepest roots. This manual Smith-Corona came from the Benchley house on Nantucket, where Peter's father, the novelist Nathaniel Benchley, wrote, and where a teenage Peter was challenged to produce a thousand words a day. It is the typewriter on which the family trade was handed down. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: Significant surface oxidation and rust are present on the internal mechanisms, including the typebars, segment, and carriage rails. The exterior black finish shows accumulated dust, grime, and minor areas of wear. Pitting is visible on the chrome-plated carriage return lever. The rubber platen and rollers are hardened with age. The rear manufacturer decal is partially worn, and the ribbon is dry and frayed. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.