Serviced 1958 Olympia SM3 Double Gothic Pica No.32 Green Portable Typewriter New Platen

A fully functional and serviced 1958 Olympia SM3 represents the exceptional engineering and craftsmanship that earned Olympia its reputation as the “Mercedes-Benz of typewriters.” Manufactured in West Germany, the SM3 is widely respected for its precision mechanics, smooth typing action, and robust construction. It stands among the finest manual portable typewriters of its era, combining the performance of a serious writing machine with distinctive European design.

The SM3 features elegant mid-century styling, with sculpted bodywork, carefully considered proportions, and the solid construction characteristic of Olympia’s celebrated machines. Its understated appearance reflects the German emphasis on precision, durability, and functional design. The well-engineered mechanism and refined typing action helped establish the SM3 as a favorite among discerning typists and typewriter enthusiasts.

This machine is fitted with the distinctive Double Gothic Pica No. 32 typeface (prints 10 characters per inch), an unusual all-capital style in which the uppercase letters are larger and more prominent than the lowercase-sized characters of a conventional typeface. The contrasting letter sizes create a bold, dramatic appearance, combining the visual impact of enlarged capitals with the distinctive Gothic character of the lettering. This specialty typeface makes the machine a particularly uncommon variation of the Olympia SM3.

The machine has been fitted with a new 3D-printed platen, addressing an important area of age-related wear and helping provide consistent impressions and clean, even print quality across the page.

A distinctive West German Olympia SM3 combining celebrated German engineering, classic mid-century styling, the uncommon Double Gothic Pica No. 32 typeface, and a new 3D-printed platen. With its precision-built mechanism and striking specialty lettering, this machine offers a compelling combination of Olympia’s renowned craftsmanship and distinctive typewriter character.

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 1212926. Please see photos for condition.