What is the function of the L/H lever on the Hermes 305 typewriter

It's been a while since I've seen a Hermes but i believe the margin release key looks like >//<

DickyO

You either squeeze the margin stops or push them down, they may be stuck so a little light machine oil on the margin rails should move them.

The typewriter needs the escapement adjusted, or you have a bind in the escapement, and it probably needs a good cleaning and oiling. This usually done by a pro.

The mainspring is not bad or the carriage would not move that way. It sounds like and escapement problem either from the carriage release sticking, the escapement itself needing adj. which you probably cannot do, the escapement rack is bent or maladjusted, or the tab function is sticking or maladjusted. Check the carriage release levers to see if they are sticking. Also make sure the tab function is knocking off so the carriage is not in constant tab mode. Hope this helps.

It is not broken. The machine was designed this way. If you hit the key number 34 (two arrows on the right hand side) it will release. It stops a few spaces after the bell. There is another way to release this feature and I am trying to figure it out as well.

I think there's a lock there in the spacing. Mine can be locked by pulling the spacing lever far upward. Just set your spacing and I think it will unlock.

After you press the margin release key, space to the desired R. margin location, press the R. MAR key.

DickyO

On the top row there should be 2 keys one + one - these are the set and clear tab keys. Theone with the 2 arrows is the margin release key there should also be a key that says tab that will move you rfom tab to tab.

DickyO