Olivetti Typewriter Guide

Historical orientation

MoMA identifies Marcello Nizzoli’s Lettera 22 portable as a 1950 design.

Olivetti produced both compact portables and larger office machines.

Country of manufacture, keyboard, case, and model generation should be recorded carefully.

Model families to learn

• Olivetti Lettera 22
• Olivetti Lettera 32
• Olivetti Studio series
• Olivetti Valentine
• Olivetti Lexikon standards

Identification clues

• Do not confuse a design family with one exact model.
• Check country marking and keyboard language.
• Plastic components, knobs, and cases can age differently from the metal mechanism.

Before buying

Ask for the serial number, a current typing sample, photographs beneath the ribbon cover, and a clear explanation of any service. Compare the exact family rather than treating every Olivetti as equivalent.

Useful comparison terms

Add the model, body generation, color, keyboard language, case, working status, or service terms to your search. For electric machines, include the exact generation and correction system.