1965 Erika 15 #3068314
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Brancaleone daNorcia (Brancaleone)
Created: 05-05-2026 at 04:28PM
Last Edit: 05-05-2026 at 05:13PM
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Description:
Erika Mod. 15
Serial No. 3.068.314
Manufactured in 1965
by VEB Schreibmaschinenwerk Dresden, German Democratic Republic (Eastern Germany)
Perl 2,25mm typeface
24cm carriage
German Keyboard layout
This is the latest variant of the similar construction which started with Mod. 9, continued with Mod. 11 and Mod. 12 and, in the year of 1963, concluded with Mod. 15 finally.
The Erika Mod. 15 is, in my opinion, a thoroughly underrated and underestimated model. Some take it merely as a cheap plastic variant of the Mod. 12, but: please keep in mind that the Berlin Wall had been built on August, 13th, 1961, and purchasing raw materials for the typewriter production went quite more difficult for the GDR administration after this. The production costs for materially expensive high-quality models such as Mod. 10 or Mod. 12 are likely to have increased significantly, while at the same time the financial resources of the population remained constant. Furthermore, the decision to halt the production of the most expensive model, the segment-shifted Mod. 20, had already been made two years before change from Mod. 12 to Mod. 15.
At the same time, however, the Mod. 15 - as well as its more richly equipped sister, the Mod. 14 - marked the end of the distinct 1950s post-war design and architecture era. For the first time, capable industrial designers demonstrated that everyday objects made from comparatively inexpensive materials could be incorporated into pleasing forms that reflected the new zeitgeist of technological progress. The design of Mod. 15 and Mod. 14 was the trailblazer for Mod. 30 and Mod. 40.
In my assessment, the two-tone versions of Mod. 15 and Mod. 14 may be a bit more popular among collectors. But I deliberately chose a single-tone example because I think that — especially when viewed directly from the side — the very modern industrial design from 1963, with its clear separation of keyboard area, body, and lid, is even more striking. The Erika's direct ideological competitor at the time, the Olympia SM 7, was far less daring in this regard.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Brancaleone daNorcia (Brancaleone)
Brancaleone daNorcia's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 1076
Fellow typospherians, may I introduce myself? I'm Brancaleone da Norcia, Typewriter Hunter and TWDB Patron from Germany. My main focus is collecting portable machines from the 1950s to the 1970s. I particularly appreciate good industrial design and durable construction. Many Olivetti and Erika models inspire my enthusiasm. Some might find it odd that my machines are usually uncleaned in the pictures. I only have very little time for my hobby, and it's very sporadic. Personally, I enjoy taking photos and working on the database much more than handling rags and brushes. But I admire it and think it's wonderful when someone brings a sleeping gem back to life. At last, I have a particular fondness for pangrams and palindromes, and I am always happy to discover new ones. Looking forward to get in touch with you, kind regards, Brancaleone.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Erika 15 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Erika Serial Number page and the Erika 15 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
