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Home » Olympia » Progress » 1939 #290598
1939 Olympia Progress Serial # 290598 1939 Olympia Progress typewriter, Serial # 290598 Michael Hennessey's 1939 Olympia Progress typewriter. 2026-03-09 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Michael Hennessey: 1939 Olympia Progress Serial # 290598 Later (transitional?) model Progress with post-1938 style decals but retaining the ribbon cover "wings" from earlier versions. Seemingly intended for the German-speaking market, it has a sales/repair dealer decal with a Vienna (Wien) address. Unusually, this machine has a "QWERTY-" keyboard variation as opposed to the expected "QWERTZ-" version. It also has a key for the German Mark ('M') above the '3' key.

This machine is on my workbench for light restoration and a good cleaning. When completed, I'll update these photos to reflect that work.

1939 Olympia Progress #290598

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Michael Hennessey (michaelhennessey)
Created: 01-18-2024 at 11:49AM
Last Edit: 03-09-2026 at 06:27AM

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Description:

Later (transitional?) model Progress with post-1938 style decals but retaining the ribbon cover "wings" from earlier versions. Seemingly intended for the German-speaking market, it has a sales/repair dealer decal with a Vienna (Wien) address. Unusually, this machine has a "QWERTY-" keyboard variation as opposed to the expected "QWERTZ-" version. It also has a key for the German Mark ('M') above the '3' key.

This machine is on my workbench for light restoration and a good cleaning. When completed, I'll update these photos to reflect that work.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

Both ribbon covers swiveled open.
Both ribbon covers swiveled open.

Overhead view from back of machine. Note the offset appearance of the ribbon covers. Adjustment of spring tension and the stop flange should bring them back into alignment.
Overhead view from back of machine. Note the offset appearance of the ribbon covers. Adjustment of spring tension and the stop flange should bring them back into alignment.

Underside view showing placement of inscribed serial number.
Underside view showing placement of inscribed serial number.

Silver "Progress" decal in very good condition.
Silver "Progress" decal in very good condition.

Examples of German language keys on this model.
Examples of German language keys on this model.

Example of German Mark ('M') symbol above '3.'
Example of German Mark ('M') symbol above '3.'

More German language keys
More German language keys

Sales and repair dealer decal on front left. "Franz Glaser" Fachmechaniker. Wien IX. Frankhplatz 2.
Sales and repair dealer decal on front left. "Franz Glaser" Fachmechaniker. Wien IX. Frankhplatz 2.

Second dealer decal (identical to front) placed over company decal on back panel of machine.
Second dealer decal (identical to front) placed over company decal on back panel of machine.

Serial number stamped on right side of carriage.
Serial number stamped on right side of carriage.

Close up view of inscribed serial number on bottom of machine.
Close up view of inscribed serial number on bottom of machine.

Hunter: Michael Hennessey (michaelhennessey)

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I am the proprietor of the Vintage Life Studio, a resource and education studio dedicated to interpreting and preserving early 20th-century technical knowledge through hands-on learning and interaction with historical artifacts. If you want to know how people in the early 20th century interacted with the new technologies of their time, then come join us!


RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Olympia Progress on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Olympia Serial Number page and the Olympia Progress By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.

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