I think Michael is correct. Much of the odor came from
the ribbon. Back in the day (loooong ago!) I'd use a
few drops of automotive AT fluid to get a few extra
months out of those ribbons, which were hard to find.

Still have a bunch of UPI and AP print outs from the
1970's made with those funky ribbons on my model 15.
Good times!

Steve

"Michael Black" wrote in message
ample.org...
On Tue, 3 Jun 2008, Bert Hyman wrote:

My wife has an old IBM Selectric II typewriter which she keeps in
running condition. She recently had it overhauled and it now smells just
like the old teletype machines I used at the MARS station at Ft.
Monmouth (K2USA/AA2USA) in the late 1960s.

Anybody know the type and brand(s) of lubricants that have that
characteristic odor?

Dab a little WD-40 behind your ear.

I thought the distinctive smell came from the ribbon.

Michael VE2BVW