Serviced 1963 Olympia SM7 Wide Carriage Typewriter Elite No.8 (11 CPI) UK Layout

A fully functional and serviced 1963 Olympia SM7 represents one of the most mechanically refined professional portables produced during Olympia’s peak West German engineering years. Designed as a top-tier writing machine for demanding office and professional environments, the SM7 earned a strong reputation for precision construction, exceptionally smooth operation, and long-term mechanical reliability.

Built on Olympia’s rigid internal metal frame with a refined segment-shift mechanism, this machine delivers a stable, controlled typing experience with excellent alignment and consistent impression. The wide carriage configuration expands the working capacity of the machine, allowing for larger paper formats, tabular layouts, and documents that require additional horizontal space while maintaining the smooth mechanical feel Olympia is known for.

Fitted with Elite No. 8 (11 characters per inch), the machine produces slightly more compact, neatly spaced text with crisp clarity and uniform impression. Elite No. 8 is valued for its clean professional appearance and efficient line density, making it particularly well suited for correspondence, manuscripts, and detailed documentation.

This machine is equipped with a UK English keyboard layout, including the £ (pound) symbol and British punctuation arrangement. UK-layout Olympias are less commonly encountered outside the British market and add both practical versatility and collector interest.

Performance is defined by smooth carriage travel across the extended rails, precise escapement engagement, and Olympia’s signature controlled key response that supports fast, accurate typing with minimal fatigue. The SM7’s carefully engineered mechanics and stable carriage system provide a confident, office-grade typing experience rarely matched by portable machines.

A highly respected early-1960s West German wide-carriage portable combining precision engineering, refined Elite No. 8 output, expanded formatting capability, and a UK keyboard configuration — a serious professional writing machine and a standout addition to any vintage typewriter collection.

Serviced by Adam Brooks with Brooksaw Antiques, an experienced typewriter technician of over 7 years. 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 2323228. Please see photos for condition.