- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
The Peter Benchley Collection: Jaws, A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Ocean Conservation.
Lot 90:
Description
IBM Correcting Selectric III electric typewriter. The unit features a textured composite housing in a light tan or camel color with a black base and coordinating black keyboard. The machine is equipped with a dual-pitch scale showing 10 and 12 characters per inch, a centering scale, and a top-mounted paper support arm. An internal black font element marked COURIER is installed on the carriage. The housing bears a printed square mark on the front left reading IBM Correcting Selectric III and a similar mark on the rear panel stating Double insulated grounding not required. 16 1/2" H x 19 5/8" W x 7 1/4" D.
The workhorses of Peter’s later career. These IBM Selectric III came into his office in the 1980s, and carried the novels The Girl of the Sea of Cortez, Beast and White Shark, most of his National Geographic articles, his screenplays and a steady stream of letters to fans and friends. The blue machine was his primary typewriter and the tan one his backup. Peter’s younger brother, Nat Benchley, remembers them side by side on his desk. The tan Selectric (Lot 90) was exhibited at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, in 2025, in “From the White House to the Deep Ocean: LBJ, Jaws and Conservation.”
Provenance: Exhibited in "From the White House to the Deep Ocean: LBJ, Jaws and Conservation, " held at the LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, from April 19 through October 19, 2025.
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
The typewriter is in good cosmetic condition with no visible cracks or heavy staining to the plastic housing. The black keycaps show light surface wear from use. Minor dust and debris are present in the internal carriage area. The power cord is intact and bundled with zip ties. Working status is not tested.
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