1964 Olivetti Lettera 22 #1131149

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Brad Sarno (bradsarno)
Created: 11-16-2014 at 07:36PM
Last Edit: 11-16-2014 at 07:44PM

Description Hunter 19 Photos 1 Like  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

This serial number doesn't correspond to the big list, but it sure fits the others if it had a 9 preceding this long number. Based on the condition and the keytops and the number, I'm calling it a '64. I think this may have been the last year of the L22 as the L32 took over.

This one is very clean and types quite well. In the past, my experience with Lettera 22's was that there was a certain stiffness or resistance to the key feel. But today I lightly lubed the slots in the keylever comb and also underneath at the hinge-points where the typebars pivot. This made a world of difference, and now the feel is quick. light, easy, and oh so snappy, more like a L32, but not exactly.

I like to view this machine as a miniaturized Studio 44. The key feel is like it and also the way the carriage track uses that tube and roller bearings on the back just like the S44.

This one was made in Ivrea, Italy. These are fine machines, very well crafted and with such a classic Olivetti look.

Pica typeface.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

Hunter: Brad Sarno (bradsarno)

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Status: Typewriter Hunter
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I've spent my life as a mechanical and electronics tinkerer, bikes, cars, lawnmowers, appliances, cameras, audio gear, guitars, amplifiers, and pedal steel guitars. I was trained as a typist for 2 years back in the late 70's on IBM Selectric II's. At home I recall my mother having an Olympia SM3. More recently we got our daughter a typewriter for Christmas, and that somehow sparked my own personal interest in these fine and interesting machines. Now it's a habit that just won't quit. Daily searches on Craigslist, frequent trips to antique stores & malls, garage sales, etc. It's a fun and healthy addiction.