1968 Olympia SM9 #3557344

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Andrew Hearn (stickswriter)
Created: 02-01-2023 at 12:25PM
Last Edit: 03-01-2023 at 05:22PM

Description Hunter 11 Photos 1 Like  Find on Ebay #AD  Find on Etsy #AD

Description:

Typewriter Profiles:
1968 Olympia SM-9 'Steve' s/n: 3557344

Dimensions:
Case 15&1/2" x 19" x 7" 24 lbs
Typewriter 13&1/4" x 16&3/4" x 5&5/8" 17 lbs

Features:
Right backspace; 12" carriage; custom tabs; Elite sized techno font, 11 CPI; 1/2 spacing; 2 clicks per line; 2 ribbon settings; Switch Blade Paper rest; Hinged Ribbon Cover; Segment Shift; 3 line spacing settings
Model History:
The Olympia SM-9 was introduced in 1964 and finally brought segment shift to the SM product line. All prior models in the line, with the exception of the related SM-8 all had carriage shifts, which was tiring, particularly for typing lots of words on the SM-7. This first variant lasted till 1968, when some minor cosmetic changes were made to the SM-9. This machine is from the first year that the second variant was produced, In 1969, the body shell was given the newer logo that replaced the cursive logo that Olympia had used before the war. The new log) was. far more industrial in appearance, reflecting the more utilitarian aesthetics that were pervading typewriter designs of the times. The touch control was moved inside the case and the tab set and clear controls were moved to where the touch controls had been. The final variant was introduced in 1977 and besides some appearance changes marked a decline in the quality of the model till it was discontinued in 1979.
Typing Feel:
The Key feel is light for the first 3/5ths of the key travel. The last 2/ 5th of the key travel has a slight soft wall as the key passes top dead center. The key feel is light, with the touch control having a small but noticeable effect on the feel. It is similar to the Olivetti Lettera 32, though the travel is longer, like an Olympia SG-I.
Where I found it:
With my renewed interest in typewriters, one quest has proved to be an obsession of mine as I built up this collection. The quest for the perfect typewriter. In my research, I had heard good things about the Olympia SM9, and having good experience with the SG-I. I had a good hunch that this would be a good candidate for the position. With the Lettera 32, I had found the perfect ultra—portable typewriter, and now I sought a machine that would combine the typing feel of the Lettera with the features and surety of the SG-I. Additionally, I desired a wide carriage machine so that I could use ledger size Paper or letter paper inserted in a portrait orientation. After some searching on Etsy and Ebay, I found a this machine and bought it for just over $260. It didn't take me long to fall in love with it and I can comfortably say that it is tied with the Lettera 32 as the favorite of my collection. I t m also fairly certain that I am unlikely to find a better portable typewriter than this, even if it stretches the definition of portable, in much the same way that the 32 stretches the definition of Ultra Portable.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

Back with plates for the manufacturer, importer, and shop where it was sold.

Left side with the ribbon cove opened like the hood of a car.

Right side with the carriage all the way to the left showing the bell.

Underside.

Left side with the carriage moved to the right. Note the thick canvas draw band.

The Case

Typewriter in case.

Left SIde.

Front with the ribbon cover lifted.

Right Side

Serial Number

Hunter: Andrew Hearn (stickswriter)

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Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 229

I'm a writer and collector of Typewriters who lives out in the sticks.