Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter

Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter

$750.00
$750.00 $1,000.00
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Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
  • Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter
Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter

Excellent! Rare 1971 Olympia Elite No.60 11 Pitch Font SM9 Serviced Typewriter

$750.00
$750.00 $1,000.00
Brand
Olympia
Type
Manual
Year
1970
Features
Portable
Country of Origin
Germany
Vintage
Yes
This fully functional and serviced 1971 Olympia SM9 equipped with the less commonly encountered Elite No. 60 typeface represents Olympia’s West German portable engineering at its most refined. By 1971, the SM9 had developed into Olympia’s premier portable writing machine, combining exceptional mechanical precision, a responsive keyboard, and a full range of practical features in a design built for serious, sustained use.

Manufactured in West Germany, the SM9 comes from the period that established Olympia’s reputation for producing some of the finest mechanical typewriters in the world. Its substantial all-metal construction and exceptionally precise mechanism earned these machines comparisons to the engineering found in German automobiles, and the SM9 remains one of the most highly regarded portable typewriters for actual writing performance.

This machine is particularly notable for its Olympia Elite No. 60 Typeface (prints 11 characters per inch). The 11-character-per-inch spacing falls between traditional 10-character-per-inch Pica and the more compact 12-character-per-inch Elite commonly encountered on portable typewriters. The result is an exceptionally balanced page—slightly more compact than Pica while retaining a larger, more open appearance than standard Elite.

Typing performance is where the SM9 truly excels. The keyboard has a fast, controlled response, complemented by smooth carriage travel, precise alignment, and the substantial feel expected from Olympia’s German engineering. Its combination of speed, accuracy, and mechanical refinement makes the SM9 particularly well suited for correspondence, journaling, manuscripts, and extended writing sessions.

The SM9 has long been considered one of the benchmark portable typewriters of its generation, offering the performance of a professional office machine in a more manageable format. With its less common Elite No. 60 typeface, 11-character-per-inch print, West German construction, and outstanding writing performance, this 1971 Olympia SM9 is a top-performing machine from one of the strongest periods in Olympia production.

Please note: Does not include a carrying case.

Serviced by Adam Brooks of Brooksaw Antiques, an experienced typewriter technician with over seven years in the field and a trusted name among collectors and enthusiasts for quality restoration, precision service, and dependable workmanship. Servicing vintage typewriters involves a series of steps to restore it to optimal working condition, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Here’s a summary of what’s typically done:

Inspection: The process starts with a thorough check of all components—keys, typebars, carriage, platen, ribbon mechanism, and springs—to identify wear, damage, or stuck parts.

Cleaning: Decades of dust, ink, and grime are removed. A soft brush and compressed air clear out debris from the typebars and chassis. Keytops are wiped down, and the platen (rubber roller) is cleaned with a mild solvent to restore grip. Harsh chemicals are avoided to protect metal and rubber.

Lubrication: Moving parts—like the carriage rails, typebar pivots, and shift mechanism—are lightly lubricated with typewriter-specific oil.

Adjustments: Alignment is key. Typebars are adjusted to strike evenly, ensuring crisp impressions. The carriage tension is checked, and the escapement (which controls letter spacing) is fine-tuned.

Repairs: Worn or broken parts—like springs, screws, or rubber feet—are replaced. A brand new universal ink ribbon is installed, which is easily replaceable and widely available on most online platforms.

Testing: The typewriter is typed on extensively—every key, shift, spacebar, and return—to confirm smooth action, proper alignment, and consistent ink delivery. Any sluggishness (e.g., sticky keys) is addressed by revisiting problem areas.

Shipments are all packed to be virtually indestructible and shipped same or next business day. You are risking damage if you buy from a non experienced shipper! Check our reviews! Serial number is 4261119. Please see photos for condition.

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