1933 Olympia Simplex #27872
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Paolo Dal Chiele (pdcox)
Created: 04-09-2020 at 07:49AM
Last Edit: 04-09-2020 at 08:18AM
Description:
According to the Database, the Elite and Simplex models were introduced at the end of 1933. Considering that in 1933 the Olympias produced had serial numbers between 18401 and 33221, this Simplex with serial number 27872 should be one of the first produced. The typewriter was in pretty good conditions, and I decided to take it apart for the mere curiosity to investigate the details of the early mechanics of portable Olympias, whose design was continued and constantly refined and improved until the SM7, and even beyond...
It is not surprising that this design was so successful: the mechanics is simple and function-oriented, without useless complications and concessions to the market trends to capture the attention of the customers.
Even if the marginator is missing - a feature that was specific of the top of the range model, the Elite - for the rest it has everything was needed to be a very serious and solid office machine, including the specific feature for Simplex model of the margin release button on the left side of the front panel. I like very much the mechanism of reversing the ribbon directions, with the two pins which are engage alternatively the spools to the central shafts permanently in motion. The machine has a QWERTZ international keyboard, and was sold in Switzerland, as confirmed by the dealer badge.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Paolo Dal Chiele (pdcox)
Paolo Dal Chiele's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 2417
Interested in historic motoring and vintage cars, I received a typewriter as a bonus when I bought and old off-road car. The previous owner had found somewhere a typewriter produced for the German army and when he sold me the car he gave me the typewriter too. As I learned later, it was a1961 Olympia SM7 Robust..
Of the typewriters I value more character than perfection, the signs that time has left and the stories - or fragments of stories - of those who used them ...
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Olympia Simplex on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Olympia Serial Number page and the Olympia Simplex By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.