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Home » Olympia » SM3 » 1958 #1243152
1958 Olympia SM3 Serial # 1243152 1958 Olympia SM3 typewriter, Serial # 1243152 Zigmund Hostutler's 1958 Olympia SM3 typewriter. 2025-08-05 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Zigmund Hostutler: 1958 Olympia SM3 Serial # 1243152 Congress Pica #83; American 2 QWERTY, #17242

I acquired this Olympia in January 2025 after looking for a good one for many years. I had high expectations for this machine, given all the praise the community heaps on it, and happily, it does deliver! This particular machine is in excellent condition, with many of its original accessories and even the factory inspection report (see gallery). Congress Pica is a lovely typeface -large, clear, and distinctive. I like to harp on about the unique smells most of my machines have when I get them, but even this one smelled good on arrival. Our family has affectionately named it "Herschel."

While this is a run-of-the-mill machine as far as SM3s are concerned, Olympia constantly tweaked the design during the model's lifespan. This is a subvariant from the 1958 production year. 1958 production of the SM2/3 began with #1 109 076 or # 1 115 000. A change to the design was made at serial #1 235 000, which involved the tabulator mechanism. The 1959 parts catalog refers to subsequent machines having "visible tab stops" (see part number 06/3223-31.1/02). Machines up to #1 235 000 have their tabs set by a scale on the back of the carriage. SM3s after #1 235 000 have their tabs set from the margin scale. I think the idea was to eliminate the need to turn the machine around to see where your tabs are set. (See gallery)

A further change to the SMs was made at serial # 1 314 000 (see the 1962 Parts Catalog, part 06/1274-001.1/18). This involved the type bar guide, the guide tabs changing from a narrow design to a wider design. The catalog specifically mentions the SM4, but based on machines in the database, this looks to be a change made to all SMs going into 1959.

In a nutshell, if you find an SM with tab stops set from the margin scale but the narrow, older-style type guide, you know the machine is very likely from 1958.

1958 Olympia SM3 #1243152

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Zigmund Hostutler (Qwerpty)
Created: 08-05-2025 at 04:23PM
Last Edit: 08-05-2025 at 06:37PM

Description Hunter 25 Photos 0 Likes  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

Congress Pica #83; American 2 QWERTY, #17242

I acquired this Olympia in January 2025 after looking for a good one for many years. I had high expectations for this machine, given all the praise the community heaps on it, and happily, it does deliver! This particular machine is in excellent condition, with many of its original accessories and even the factory inspection report (see gallery). Congress Pica is a lovely typeface -large, clear, and distinctive. I like to harp on about the unique smells most of my machines have when I get them, but even this one smelled good on arrival. Our family has affectionately named it "Herschel."

While this is a run-of-the-mill machine as far as SM3s are concerned, Olympia constantly tweaked the design during the model's lifespan. This is a subvariant from the 1958 production year. 1958 production of the SM2/3 began with #1 109 076 or # 1 115 000. A change to the design was made at serial #1 235 000, which involved the tabulator mechanism. The 1959 parts catalog refers to subsequent machines having "visible tab stops" (see part number 06/3223-31.1/02). Machines up to #1 235 000 have their tabs set by a scale on the back of the carriage. SM3s after #1 235 000 have their tabs set from the margin scale. I think the idea was to eliminate the need to turn the machine around to see where your tabs are set. (See gallery)

A further change to the SMs was made at serial # 1 314 000 (see the 1962 Parts Catalog, part 06/1274-001.1/18). This involved the type bar guide, the guide tabs changing from a narrow design to a wider design. The catalog specifically mentions the SM4, but based on machines in the database, this looks to be a change made to all SMs going into 1959.

In a nutshell, if you find an SM with tab stops set from the margin scale but the narrow, older-style type guide, you know the machine is very likely from 1958.

Typeface Specimen:

Links:

Photos:




Note the two cutouts right of the paper support and the missing tabulator scale
Note the two cutouts right of the paper support and the missing tabulator scale






Compare this older type guide with the type guide seen on late '58s and '59s. You'll see the two tabs change to a wider design.
Compare this older type guide with the type guide seen on late '58s and '59s. You'll see the two tabs change to a wider design.













These two cutouts seem to be designed to let light in to the carriage so you can see your tab stops.
These two cutouts seem to be designed to let light in to the carriage so you can see your tab stops.

Peering over the carriage, tab stops can be seen under the margin scale. This setup feels awkward at first, but with time you can get used to it.
Peering over the carriage, tab stops can be seen under the margin scale. This setup feels awkward at first, but with time you can get used to it.


Hunter: Zigmund Hostutler (Qwerpty)

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Been enjoying the hobby since 2015; finally getting around to sharing my collection digitally. I only keep the typewriters I use and enjoy the most, so check out my sightings to see all the machines that came and went.


RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Olympia SM3 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Olympia Serial Number page and the Olympia SM3 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.

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