{"product_id":"excellent-serviced-1956-olivetti-lettera-22-ultra-portable-typewriter-new-platen","title":"Excellent Serviced 1956 Olivetti Lettera 22 Ultra-Portable Typewriter New Platen","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"item-specifics\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"specs-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-name\"\u003eBrand\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-value\"\u003eOlivetti\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-name\"\u003eType\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-value\"\u003eManual\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-name\"\u003eYear\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-value\"\u003e1956\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-name\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-value\"\u003ePortable, With Case\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-name\"\u003eCountry of Origin\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-value\"\u003eItaly\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-pair\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-name\"\u003eVintage\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"spec-value\"\u003eYes\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"item-description\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"description-text\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003efully functional and serviced\u003c\/strong\u003e 1956 Olivetti Lettera 22 represents one of the most celebrated portable typewriters of the postwar era. Designed by Marcello Nizzoli and engineered by Giuseppe Beccio, the Lettera 22 became an international benchmark for portable typewriter design, combining remarkably compact dimensions with the precision and writing performance expected from Olivetti’s larger machines.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis 1956 machine comes from the classic pre-Underwood era of Olivetti production, several years before Olivetti began its acquisition of Underwood in 1959. It retains the distinctive original Olivetti badge and round black keys, details that give these earlier Lettera 22s a particularly recognizable mid-century appearance. Its sculpted metal body and beautifully proportioned design reflect the Italian industrial design for which Olivetti became internationally renowned.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eEquipped with a \u003cstrong\u003ePica Typeface (prints 10 characters per inch)\u003c\/strong\u003e, it produces a traditional, highly readable print with the larger character spacing favored for correspondence, manuscripts, and everyday writing. The Lettera 22 manages to deliver an impressively refined typing experience despite its exceptionally compact size, with a responsive keyboard, smooth carriage movement, and precise mechanical action.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003enew rubber platen\u003c\/strong\u003e has been installed, replacing the hardened original typing surface and providing fresh rubber for improved paper grip, reduced impact noise, and a cleaner impression on the page. This is a significant functional upgrade for a nearly 70-year-old writing machine and complements its fully serviced condition.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe Lettera 22 earned worldwide recognition for both its engineering and design, receiving the Compasso d’Oro in 1954 and later being selected by the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1959 as one of the best-designed products of the previous 100 years. Its combination of portability, mechanical refinement, and unmistakable Italian styling helped establish it as one of the defining typewriters of the twentieth century.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWith its pre-Underwood Olivetti badging, round black keys, classic Pica typeface, and new rubber platen, this 1956 Olivetti Lettera 22 captures the model during one of the most desirable periods of its production while remaining a highly capable machine for real everyday writing.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eServiced by Adam Brooks of Brooksaw Antiques\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInspection\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLubrication\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moving parts—like the carriage rails, typebar pivots, and shift mechanism—are lightly lubricated with typewriter-specific oil.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustments\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRepairs\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTesting\u003c\/strong\u003e: 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.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShipments are all packed to be virtually indestructible\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 405001. Please see photos for condition.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .item-specifics, .item-description {font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 16px;}\n  .title {font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0 0 8px 0;}\n  .specs-grid {display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 12px 24px;}\n  .spec-pair {display: grid; grid-template-columns: 120px 1fr; gap: 8px;}\n  .spec-name {font-weight: bold; color: #111;}\n  .spec-value {color: #333;}\n  .description-text {margin-top: 8px; line-height: 1.4; color: #333;}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n","brand":"Brooksaw Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52145717805285,"sku":"v1|318767378899|0","price":600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0822\/5508\/5797\/files\/s-l1600_5161417a-341e-4b83-9c1d-2914b4b3ef47.jpg?v=1787434431","url":"https:\/\/brooksawantiques.com\/products\/excellent-serviced-1956-olivetti-lettera-22-ultra-portable-typewriter-new-platen","provider":"Brooksaw Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}