1964 Olympia SM9 #2566471

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Fumitaka Hayashi (fhayashi)
Created: 09-19-2026 at 11:10AM
Last Edit: 09-19-2026 at 11:17AM

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Description:

A first-year 1964 production Olympia SM9 with a wide platen

Though it has a plain #8 Elite typeface, I wanted this model as I wanted one of the 1964 models with the green logo. This one is a wide platen model. This also has the older vinyl-wrapped wood case, but a wider version to fit the platen.

This one had a "red goo" problem. I think the best theory is that the adhesive used for the rubber typebar rest oozes out when the typewriter is stored at high temperatures. Unlike the usuall 'stickiness' which causes the typebars to stick in the typebar guide when actuated, this 'red goo' problem causes the typebars to stick to the rest, making it feel like the mechanism is jammed up. The red goo can also gum up the typebar so that it will also stick in the guide when it hits the platen.
I've seen this problem before, and the goo does come off with either denatured alcohol or mineral spirits. Once I took care of the problem, everything seems to be working.

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Another Goodwill Auction acquisition. This was sent to me from Santa Barbara, CA.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

#8 Elite typeface

This type of feet seem to hold up well, which is good as it's a pain to replace, as it involves bending metal tabs that can only be accessed after taking the outer shell off the main mechanism.

Mysterious engraving. May date to a time when phone numbers were 'letter - number' .

The vinyl-covered square wood type case, in fair shape. This one is extra wide to accomodate the wide platen.

Hunter: Fumitaka Hayashi (fhayashi)

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I like interesting typefaces. I like tinkering with my acquisitions to make them work.