Serviced 1958 Olympia SM3 Grey/Burgundy Typewriter Modern Congress Pica No.91

Serviced 1958 Olympia SM3 Grey/Burgundy Typewriter Modern Congress Pica No.91

$825.00
Sale price  $825.00 Regular price  $1,100.00
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Serviced 1958 Olympia SM3 Grey/Burgundy Typewriter Modern Congress Pica No.91

Serviced 1958 Olympia SM3 Grey/Burgundy Typewriter Modern Congress Pica No.91

$825.00
Sale price  $825.00 Regular price  $1,100.00
Fully functional and serviced, this 1958 Olympia SM3 is a beautifully preserved West German portable typewriter featuring a classic grey body, distinctive burgundy keys and platen knobs, and the uncommon Modern Congress Pica No. 91 typeface. Manufactured during Olympia's golden era of precision engineering, the SM3 is widely regarded as one of the finest manual portable typewriters ever produced.

Manufactured in Wilhelmshaven, West Germany, the Olympia SM3 was one of the company's most successful portable models throughout the 1950s. Known for its exceptional mechanical construction, durability, and remarkably smooth typing action, the SM3 became a favorite among professional writers, journalists, students, and offices around the world. Often described as the "Mercedes-Benz of typewriters," Olympia earned its reputation through meticulous German engineering and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

This 1958 example features an elegant grey metal shell complemented by deep burgundy keys and matching platen knobs, a particularly attractive color combination that reflects the refined industrial design of Olympia's 1950s production. The SM3's sculpted body, chrome accents, and substantial all-metal construction give it a distinctive appearance that remains highly recognizable among vintage typewriter enthusiasts.

Equipped with the uncommon Modern Congress Pica No. 91 Typeface (prints 10 characters per inch), this machine produces distinctive, highly legible lettering with a more contemporary character design than traditional Pica. Modern Congress Pica offers a refined variation of the classic typewriter font, combining generous character spacing with clean, well-defined letterforms. Olympia's extensive selection of specialty typefaces was one of the company's strengths, and examples featuring less commonly encountered fonts are especially appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of vintage typography.

The Olympia SM3 is celebrated for its smooth, responsive keyboard, precise carriage movement, adjustable typing touch, and exceptional mechanical construction. Its substantial metal framework provides a stable typing platform, while the carefully engineered key mechanism delivers the controlled, consistent performance that established Olympia as a leader in portable typewriter manufacturing.

Serviced and ready for immediate use, this 1958 Olympia SM3 combines legendary West German craftsmanship, a striking grey and burgundy color scheme, and the uncommon Modern Congress Pica No. 91 typeface in one of the most respected manual portable typewriters ever built.

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 1311189. Please see photos for condition.

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