Nice! Serviced 1950 Olivetti Lettera 22 Portable Typewriter Elite Book No.84
$800.00
Sale price
$800.00
Regular price
$800.00
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Nice! Serviced 1950 Olivetti Lettera 22 Portable Typewriter Elite Book No.84
$800.00
Sale price
$800.00
Regular price
$800.00
Brand
Olivetti
Type
Manual
Year
1950
Features
Portable, With Case
Country of Origin
Italy
Vintage
Yes
A fully functional and serviced 1950 Olivetti Lettera 22 represents one of the most influential portable typewriters ever designed. Made in Italy, this early production example predates the Olivetti-Underwood merger and features the original Olivetti badge along with the highly desirable round keytops, details that distinguish these earliest Lettera 22s from later production. Combining exceptional engineering with groundbreaking industrial design, the Lettera 22 set a new standard for lightweight portable typewriters and helped establish Olivetti as one of the most respected names in typewriter history.
Designed by the legendary Marcello Nizzoli, the Lettera 22 became an icon of mid-century design. In 1954, it received the prestigious Compasso d'Oro industrial design award, and in 1959 the Illinois Institute of Technology recognized it as one of the finest-designed products of the previous century. Its timeless styling remains as fresh and sophisticated today as when it was introduced.
Equipped with the desirable Elite Book Typeface (prints 12 characters per inch), this machine produces finely spaced text with the elegant proportions of Elite while featuring the distinctive character of the Book typeface. Its refined letterforms create beautifully balanced pages, making it an exceptional choice for correspondence, manuscripts, journals, and creative writing. Far less common than standard Elite or Pica, the Book typeface adds another level of desirability for both writers and collectors.
The Lettera 22 is celebrated for its remarkably light, responsive keyboard, smooth carriage movement, and precise mechanical action. Despite its compact size, it delivers a writing experience that rivals many larger portable typewriters, a testament to the thoughtful engineering that made the model a favorite of journalists, travelers, and professional writers around the world.
Carrying case is in good condition, both zippers zip all the way with no breaks
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 038772. Please see photos for condition.