Ibm Selectric Iii Electric Typewriter Appraisal

IBM Selectric III Electric Typewriter

This is an IBM Selectric III electric typewriter, a revolutionary office machine first introduced in the early 1980s. The unit features a distinctive industrial plastic housing in a beige or light tan color, characteristic of corporate office equipment from the late 20th century. Notable for its spherical 'golf ball' type element, this model eliminated the traditional jamming of typebars. The keyboard is composed of black molded plastic keys with a high-profile, mechanical feel and white lettering. A small silver-toned 'IBM Selective III' emblem is visible on the right side of the cover. The machine includes a wide platen for varied document sizes and a prominent black power cord coiled over the top. Regarding condition, the unit shows significant surface dust and grime, particularly in the crevices and on the platen ruler, suggesting long-term storage without a cover. There are light scuffs on the housing and potential internal wear to the drive belts and lubricants common for this age. Despite the cosmetic dust, the build quality remains robust, representing the pinnacle of mechanical-electric typewriter technology before the dominance of word processors.