This Olympia SM9 typewriter has a carriage lock on it indicated by the #1 in the diagram in the manual at https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/OlympiaSM9.pdf Engaging the lock will cause two teeth to engage with a set of matching holes in the carriage on the left hand side of the machine that will lock the carriage in the center. (You should be able to physically see this happen by looking straight down from above on the left side of the front of the carriage as you engage the lock.) The Carriage Release lever (#15 in diagram) will allow the carriage to be moved left or right to properly center & lock the carriage into place.
Please ensure the typewriter is also properly seated into the hardware inside the case and locked so that it can't move and fill in any dead space in the case prior to shipment.
These two precautions will help ensure safe shipment of the delicate internal mechanisms under the carriage.
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Harlan Ellison with pipe at an SG3 typewriter 
Harlan Ellison leaning on an Olympia SG1 typewriter (alternate angle from photo already in Richard Polt's collection) 
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Harlan Ellison with pipe types at an Olympia SG3 typewriter 
