Machine Details
Smith Corona
5S (Silent)
1949 (Syracuse, New York)
5S 154473
Available for Acquisition
Elite, 12cpi
Carriage
QWERTY
Portable
Manual Electric
10"
13.5 × 12.5 × 5.5"
≈12.6 lbs.
Yes
Machine Description
This is the model that opened the Super-5 line. Smith Corona launched it in 1949 alongside the Clipper and Sterling, replacing the black-bodied, glass-keyed Speedline series that ran from 1938 to 1948. The 5S serial prefix covers Silent models built from 1949 through 1958, so a “5S” on its own doesn’t pin down the year precisely; check the full serial number against the Smith Corona registry to confirm.
The Super-5 redesign changed three things at once:
- Crinkle-finish enamel bodies in brown, cream, gray, and later pastel colors replaced the old glossy black.
- Round bakelite keys gave way to green plastic “teardrop” keys with cupped tops.
- The body kept its rounded, compact shape, but the materials and color signaled a clean break from the prewar look.
This particular machine has the brown crinkle body with green keys, the most common color combination from this run today. It comes with its original brown plastic carrying case, a nice survival for a 75-year-old machine.
The exterior shows scattered surface rust. On a Super-5, this almost always sits on top of the enamel and doesn’t compromise the steel underneath. Fine steel wool with a light oil, or a rust-specific product like Evapo-Rust on a cloth, will lift most of it without touching the crinkle texture. Go slow around the decals and any chrome trim; both can strip faster than the rust does.
Mechanically, this one is in good shape. The 5-series basket-shift design and frontstrike typebars were built for daily use, and a clean example from this period can still type as well as it did in 1949. If the action feels good now, a basic service, ribbon, platen check, and lubrication, is usually all it needs.
A Silent from this era is a solid entry point if you want a Super-5 without chasing the higher trims. The Clipper sat below it, the Sterling above it, and the Silent-Super topped the line a few years later. All of them share the same chassis and type the same way; you’re mostly paying for features and finish, not function.
Serial Number Location:
Under ribbon cover, stamped on to the left side of frame Serial Number Location Image
Features
- Tabulator
- Ribbon Selector Bichrome + Stencil
- Variable Line Spacing
- Margin Release
- Touch Selector
- Paper Support
- Pop-up Ribbon Cover
Condition Report
Decent condition, but spots of rusting on body.
Perhaps it's in need of a slug cleaning. Characters are a bit soft.
Present & clear, but a bit muted/thin sounding
Condition Notes
There are spots of exterior rusting in various parts of the machine's body. The internal mechanics are solid & operative, if not clean.
Case Condition Notes
Case is solid and internal mechanics are clean & operational.
Provenance
Secondary B
Acquired pre-2008 (possibly late 90s or early 2000s). Has been in the Hanttula Typeworks collection since then.
Related Resources
- How to use all functions on a 1949 Smith-Corona vintage portable typewriter (via Brooksaw Antiques)
- 1949 Smith Corona 5S on the Typewriter Database
- Smith Corona 5-Series (via The Antikey Chop)
Type Specimen
