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1969 Olympia SF Serial # 5-1910794 1969 Olympia SF typewriter, Serial # 5-1910794 Wayne Bouchard's 1969 Olympia SF typewriter. 2025-03-20 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Wayne Bouchard: 1969 Olympia SF Serial # 5-1910794 An ivory colored Olympia SF typewriter from 1969, equipped with Elite 8 type face (11 pitch, 6 LPI).

The SF typewriter was the parent of the Spendid class of typewriters. Indeed, in this era, the are mechanically identical. One issue with trying to classify these is that the cosmetic elements and some features differed over time, going back and forth. So you can't pick up a unit and say, "Oh, that's what makes this an SF and the other one a Splendid." In truth, I have a Splendid 66 from about this same year that differs from this typewriter only in cosmetic elements. Otherwise, it is exactly identical. This typewriter also spawned the later "Traveler" typewriter, as a more budget model for the 1970s. The Splendid 33 and 66 are typewriters that are well regarded among typewriter enthusiasts and that causes many to overlook the SF typewriters. So if you want a bargain and still want an excellent unit, look for a late 1960s SF and you'll do just fine!

This is a really good slim portable, with a nice size and good quality text. My only disagreement with this is that the keys need a good, stout press in order to give a clear impression. While there is a touch control (rare for such a typewriter!), it doesn't help that much with the impression. This particular typewrite was made in West Germany and sold in England, as indicated by the dealer sticker on the typewriter. As such, it has the typical British keyboard layout. It also appears to be very well used, bearing some scaring and other signs of wear, however it is still in excellent mechanical condition. All it required was some cleaning and a few adjustments (and replacing one missing screw) and it works like a charm. It will do every bit as much work now as it did then, although maybe with slightly diminished quality.

1969 Olympia SF #5-1910794

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Wayne Bouchard (azweb100)
Created: 03-20-2025 at 02:43AM
Last Edit: 03-20-2025 at 02:53AM

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

Description:

An ivory colored Olympia SF typewriter from 1969, equipped with Elite 8 type face (11 pitch, 6 LPI).

The SF typewriter was the parent of the Spendid class of typewriters. Indeed, in this era, the are mechanically identical. One issue with trying to classify these is that the cosmetic elements and some features differed over time, going back and forth. So you can't pick up a unit and say, "Oh, that's what makes this an SF and the other one a Splendid." In truth, I have a Splendid 66 from about this same year that differs from this typewriter only in cosmetic elements. Otherwise, it is exactly identical. This typewriter also spawned the later "Traveler" typewriter, as a more budget model for the 1970s. The Splendid 33 and 66 are typewriters that are well regarded among typewriter enthusiasts and that causes many to overlook the SF typewriters. So if you want a bargain and still want an excellent unit, look for a late 1960s SF and you'll do just fine!

This is a really good slim portable, with a nice size and good quality text. My only disagreement with this is that the keys need a good, stout press in order to give a clear impression. While there is a touch control (rare for such a typewriter!), it doesn't help that much with the impression. This particular typewrite was made in West Germany and sold in England, as indicated by the dealer sticker on the typewriter. As such, it has the typical British keyboard layout. It also appears to be very well used, bearing some scaring and other signs of wear, however it is still in excellent mechanical condition. All it required was some cleaning and a few adjustments (and replacing one missing screw) and it works like a charm. It will do every bit as much work now as it did then, although maybe with slightly diminished quality.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:













Note the transparent margin scale and margin pointer and the corresponding scale on the paper bail. Both quite usable.
Note the transparent margin scale and margin pointer and the corresponding scale on the paper bail. Both quite usable.

Elite 8. 11 pitch, 6 LPI. Note that the spacing is metric, so while this is Elite, it isn't 12 CPI. The "6.6" on the right side of the bar indicates the metric spacing between the upper and lover case characters, which determines the distance the typewriter must shift the carriage to affect a case shift.
Elite 8. 11 pitch, 6 LPI. Note that the spacing is metric, so while this is Elite, it isn't 12 CPI. The "6.6" on the right side of the bar indicates the metric spacing between the upper and lover case characters, which determines the distance the typewriter must shift the carriage to affect a case shift.

"Mare in Western Germany"
"Mare in Western Germany"

Type Easy LTD 43, Stokes Croft Bristol I. Phone 49955 Sales & Service
Type Easy LTD 43, Stokes Croft Bristol I. Phone 49955 Sales & Service

Serial number 5-1910754, located on the frame beneath the carriage, on the right hand side of the typewriter, next to the bell.
Serial number 5-1910754, located on the frame beneath the carriage, on the right hand side of the typewriter, next to the bell.






Damage to the sipper on the rear right corner, just at the start of the travel to close the typewriter. Means it is difficult to get the case closed again and will have to be replaced.
Damage to the sipper on the rear right corner, just at the start of the travel to close the typewriter. Means it is difficult to get the case closed again and will have to be replaced.


An example of the contrast between a dirty case and a clean case, made by taping off the boundary during cleaning
An example of the contrast between a dirty case and a clean case, made by taping off the boundary during cleaning

Hunter: Wayne Bouchard (azweb100)

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Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 1512

Collector of several things, including typewriters, slide rules, and mechanical calculators.
Started collecting typewriters in 2023 with a Royal HHE like the one I did my first book report on when I was in school and using my dad's old typewriter.


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