Oh dang, for $5, really what else could I do? It followed me home this SM-3 , like five bucks these days is practically free; yes I’ve got an SM-9 (or four) , and have little use for one machine more. It may wind up on the basement shelf, next to that SG-1 that seemed lonely by itself. “Restorable,” that hopeful word, will likely send this machine, and me, up to New York and Gramercy… Sooner or later, new
platen and rollers, then back to the Wilmhelmshaven herd, gradually transforming this rowhome into Mount Olympia. It’s the only maroon two- tone Olympia I have got… Why did I get it? How could I not?
CORRECTION: Due to an editing error, a previous version of this story stated that the Olympia SM-3 was the only two-toned Olympia in Mr. McGettigan’s collection. This is incorrect, as Olympia SM-9s are generally cream and dark grey; as are the 2 Olympia SFs that Mr. McGettigan failed to even mention in his missive. The Olympia Socialite might be also, but it’s in the basement and we’re not going to check it, as that will just weaken the entire narrative even more. Phillytyper more or less regrets the error, though we do not even feel a faded shred of regret having 9 (or is it 10?) Olympia typewriters, as some people collect Maseratis or Corkscrews and THAT is really weird, so let’s worry about them first, shall we?
phillytyper 
Ha ha ha. I could never walk past a $5 SM3. NEVER. I mean, I already have two, but they are such great machines!
Five bucks? That’s a no brainer if there ever was one.
Can’t beat that 5 Bucks! Nice looking typewriter.
I think it’s great that collectors like you are keeping these beauties alive. You did the right thing!
At $5.00 you have moral obligation not to turn away, as Steve K says you did the right thing. One day this little beauty will reward you ten-fold.
Erm, ten-fold?, let’s see five bucks goes into $150 for a new platen and lube, plus dessert and tip–more like getting into my craft beer budget 30-fold, ha! But an Olympia in good trim sure does type nicely and dresses up any desk.
Why on earth would you spend $150.00 on a new platen and lube. I wish you lived near me I would be glad to relieve you of your hard earned cash. But seriously, re-surface the platen as described in my Blog, “McTaggart’s typewriter workshop” and as for the lubing, it is no big deal and nothing mysterious, just get some light oil and silicone grease. Oil the small bits and lube the big bits. Just don’t get too heavy handed with either and no oil in the typebar segment. Wash it out with kerosene or some solvent of your choice.. Contact me if you have any questions regarding all of this, I will be happy to help.