Lexmark Refurbished IBM F104 "Unsaver" + APL F122 keycaps

User avatar
subcat

03 Mar 2017, 09:59

Hi all. Not long after complaining about how bad the potential for great finds is where I live, I came across these. After enquiring about a terminal SSK listed for $50 Cindy posted about, I was sent an updated inventory list of all the store's IBM terminal keyboards. A quick scan through revealed about a million M122s, square label Ms, a few rubber dome Unsavers, but above all else, the PN 1397955. Not expecting much, I googled, and lo and behold recycledgoods.com bestowed upon me a picture of what looked like the famous "Unsaver". I've never typed an email faster in my entire life. However, the label on the back of this one claims it as a "Model M" and there were no parallel ports to be found at its rear, just a 270(?) degree DIN cable.

The owner of the shop informed me that there had indeed been other enquiries about this particular board, but I was the first, so I had 1st dibs.
Some of you might remember my post asking about this - my curiosity overwhelmed me and I made a post here asking about that PN. Shortly after, that curiosity was replaced by paranoia. The owner of the shop (who is a lovely man) informed me that there was a man who was VERY persistent about purchasing many of his IBM keyboards when I went to pick up that SSK (if you're reading this, hi ;)). I thought nothing of it. I then realised that, the man could use my thread as evidence that the keyboard was an Unsaver, and show him how much they sell for. I skillfully and stealthily edited my post. :P

It didn't help that the owner claimed he needed time to take the 1397955 down from his warehouse to his storefront. This process took over a week, which I thought was strange because I picked up the SSK literally the next day. After nearly a week had passed, I decided to have another look at the inventory listing he sent me. The first PN i checked was an F122 APL. Apparently, my rival didn't know his PNs too well, because he didn't notice this one. I emailed the owner of the store to ask if that one had been taken, and if not could I add it to my order. He informed me that I could and the next day I was able to go pick them up.

So, it appears 1397955 would be a genuine Model F PN, for a Lexmark refurbished Unsaver. They just slapped a "model M" logo on it, well - just because. The more we know! Notice the marks from where other labels used to be.

The Unsaver is in absolutely incredible condition - no cracks anywhere, both feet are fully functional, no cracks in their mechanisms either - it's very clean, the foam is still in pretty good condition from the little peek i've taken at it - only a couple of springs will need replacing on 2 of the PF keys. Other than that, my converter can't come fast enough! I've taken the F122's caps for now and put them on the 1397955. I think it looks fantastic. They are beautiful caps.

I only have pics of the Unsaver for now, as the 122 is in pieces as I clean it. Also, they're not very good (I took them on a smartphone).

Thanks for reading!

I paid about us$75 for the two keyboards. I am very happy with both, and I do NOT plan to sell either.
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User avatar
emdude
Model M Apologist

03 Mar 2017, 10:02

It was fun seeing this happen real time on the DT telegram channel! Definitely a great great find! :o

As mike52787 suggested, #DTA7. 8-)

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subcat

03 Mar 2017, 10:04

I should also add that the owner of the shop actually refused offers for this from the other guy that exceeded $100us. I'm so thankful for his fairness and honesty in honoring his FCFS business model. :)

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seebart
Offtopicthority Instigator

03 Mar 2017, 10:13

Most impressive subcat! Congrats. While I do have an "Unsaver" on the way to me not with these real nice keycaps. Quite a deal as I paid more than double that.

User avatar
subcat

03 Mar 2017, 10:19

seebart wrote: Most impressive subcat! Congrats. While I do have an "Unsaver" on the way to me not with these real nice keycaps. Quite a deal as I paid more than double that.
Very nice! I was very lucky to get such a deal. I don't know what I'm going to do with all these macro keys...

REVENGE

03 Mar 2017, 11:06

Nice find! Lexmark also had 1387033s done in the same manner. I have one from 1996.

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alh84001
v.001

03 Mar 2017, 12:04

Meh, ISO layout. Throw it out.

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snoopy

03 Mar 2017, 12:45

very nice find!

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y11971alex

03 Mar 2017, 15:15

I think my double 5251 find has just been bested :P

Congrats on this fabulous find! It seems the industry going rate for old keyboards is $75 regardless of model or make.

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ba7777
飞不动的加林查

03 Mar 2017, 15:32

It's beautiful.

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Harshmallow

03 Mar 2017, 18:20

You are a very lucky Australian! Awesome find dude.

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taylorswiftttttt

03 Mar 2017, 20:44

removed
Last edited by taylorswiftttttt on 25 May 2022, 11:01, edited 1 time in total.

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ramnes
ПБТ НАВСЕГДА

03 Mar 2017, 20:46

Very nice, enjoy your new baby!

User avatar
seebart
Offtopicthority Instigator

03 Mar 2017, 21:52

And since we're on the subject:

photos-f62/ibm-3290-1-keypad-part-numbe ... ad#p256884
mr_a500 wrote:
joc wrote: Here are some photos of an IBM 3290-1 keypad (possibly Model F?). The keyboard being used in the first photo looks like an F122 at first glance but when you look closer you'll see that it's actually an F104 (unsaver) and separate keypad. Here's the IBM announcement that mentions the keypad: http://www-01.ibm.com/common/ssi/rep_ca ... index.html

Image
That big orange plasma screen would have been pretty high tech for the time period. I'm sure people were amazed by how "thin" it was - especially looking at that super thick 3279 beside it. (I've got a 3279, by the way)
Here's the same picture is larger:

http://www.chilton-computing.org.uk/gal ... 4r4410.jpg

User avatar
//gainsborough
ALPSの日常

03 Mar 2017, 22:36

I'm not going to lie - I'm a little bitter. I also contacted them and got that same inventory list, but when I returned with a message saying I'd like to buy one of the unsavers I never heard back =(

I'm glad it went to someone who appreciates them though, plus you were more local - I'm sure they just didn't want to hassle with shipping overseas for me, hahaha. Definitely a great pick up! Those orange sub-legends look absolutely fantastic!

orihalcon

03 Mar 2017, 22:39

Congrats! I'd messaged the seller about the APL F122 a couple months ago, but didn't get a response, so I just assumed it was gone. My APL F122 has more orange colored APL legends. Are those APL caps one or two piece? Glad it has found a good home!

User avatar
XMIT
[ XMIT ]

03 Mar 2017, 23:08

orihalcon wrote: My APL F122 has more orange colored APL legends
You mean my APL F122? :lol: :evilgeek: (orihalcon got it from me, I knew he would give it a good home)

Congrats on the great find! I may send you a PM if I ever make it to Australia. Would be something to listen to the Hottest 100 on a regular old radio instead of a live stream.

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taylorswiftttttt

04 Mar 2017, 01:44

removed
Last edited by taylorswiftttttt on 25 May 2022, 11:00, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
subcat

04 Mar 2017, 02:21

taylorswiftttttt wrote: Might I ask what store you got these from? "A few square label Ms" are not to be passed up if they are still there...
I got them from a1usedcomputers - but beware that shipping to the US basically kills whatever good deal you think you're gonna get. Also, there's no way to know what condition they're in, you take a gamble every time.

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Mr.Nobody

04 Mar 2017, 02:40

Congrats, so it's an F with an M label...Mmmm....good job Lexmark...

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mike52787
Alps Aficionado

04 Mar 2017, 04:05

but... but... its missing the backplate... :p
Spoiler:
Its a somewhat inside joke... I know its not actually missing the backplate...

User avatar
subcat

04 Mar 2017, 04:09

mike52787 wrote: but... but... its missing the backplate... :p
Spoiler:
Its a somewhat inside joke... I know its not actually missing the backplate...
:oops:

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taylorswiftttttt

04 Mar 2017, 04:09

removed
Last edited by taylorswiftttttt on 25 May 2022, 11:00, edited 1 time in total.

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mike52787
Alps Aficionado

04 Mar 2017, 04:15

subcat wrote:
mike52787 wrote: but... but... its missing the backplate... :p
Spoiler:
Its a somewhat inside joke... I know its not actually missing the backplate...
:oops:
<3

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pr0ximity

04 Mar 2017, 12:26

Beautiful find! All the better when there's some scrambling and hectic research involved :)

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Norman_

04 Mar 2017, 14:36

You just found my endgame!

Congrats, that's a killer find.

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Orpheo

07 Mar 2017, 06:07

You lucky dog!

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Wingklip

16 Mar 2017, 06:54

subcat wrote:
taylorswiftttttt wrote: Might I ask what store you got these from? "A few square label Ms" are not to be passed up if they are still there...
I got them from a1usedcomputers - but beware that shipping to the US basically kills whatever good deal you think you're gonna get. Also, there's no way to know what condition they're in, you take a gamble every time.
You are Australian right?
I'll dial them up

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