The Smith Premier #2 is another astonishing machine--it is more petite than I thought it would be (compared to a klunker like the New Century Caligraph), wonderfully light and compact. It needs a bit of tweaking here and there, and a new linkage, but it is a marvel of Victorian ingenuity. A vastly, and rightfully, popular typewriter in its day, it is still magnificent. Included in the deal was the original case-cover, an added delight.

All of which makes up for the Remington 16 that arrived along side it with a fractured back. The 16 has been one of my favorite machines for years, and this one, though admittedly not perfect, had potential. Now all I can do is use it for parts to repair my OTHER Remington 16. Fortunately, it had been insured--but I'd still rather have an intact machine than an insurance settlement.