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.

I have conducted a visual examination of this IBM Selectric III electric typewriter. Authenticity appears consistent with the dual-pitch models produced in the early 1980s, evidenced by the 96-character keyboard and the distinct 'correcting' feature indicated by the platen configuration. While the unit is structurally robust, its condition is graded as 'Fair to Good.' The significant accumulation of surface dust and grime suggests years of dormancy, which usually results in dried grease and degraded drive belts—a common mechanical failure in this series. The market for 'Selectrics' remains surprisingly active due to their tactile mechanical feedback, but value is highly bifurcated between 'as-is' units and professionally serviced machines. Based on comparable sales in recent online auctions, unserviced units with visible cosmetic wear sell in the $150 to $250 range. If fully restored and mechanically certified, this value could double to $500+. A significant limitation of this remote appraisal is the inability to test the internal cycle timing or the integrity of the plastic hub on the cycle clutch, which often cracks with age. To fully authenticate and provide a definitive value, an in-person examination is required to test the motor, check for 'frozen' keys, and verify the typeface alignment. No provenance documentation was provided; however, a serial number check against the IBM production logs would be necessary for a certified valuation. Without a functional test, the item is currently valued based on its status as a restoration candidate rather than a turn-key office tool.