196x Facit (Erika) 12 #unknown
Status: Sightings
Hunter: Brancaleone daNorcia (Brancaleone)
Created: 03-22-2026 at 12:27PM
Last Edit: 03-23-2026 at 07:59AM
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Description:
FACIT typewriter, model name unknown
presumably rebranding or licensed production of Erika Mod. 12
Manufactured between 1961 and 1963
This machine was never in my possession. It was offered for sale in Germany in 2025 through an online advertisement. I have no more than these two photos. Therefore, I don't know the serial number. I also cannot determine whether the FACIT logo is authentic or was added later.
It appears to be an Erika Mod. 12 with an ivory high-gloss body finish, manufactured between 1961 and 1963. My only clue for this dating is the color selector switch, which was redesigned sometime in 1961: the earlier versions have a chrome-plated frame, while the later ones have the color fields recessed in small indentations.
If this machine was indeed sold by FACIT at the time, it would be an interesting indication that the Swedish company purchased products from the so-called German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Sweden was neutral at that time, so the East German government had no political concerns about buying, for example, Volvo automobiles from Sweden. There are also East German copies of FACIT calculating machines (the FACIT C1-13 was also built in Dresden as the MADIX Model HM).
Although I searched very thoroughly using the image, I could find no information whatsoever about this FACIT Erika machine. Dear Typospherians, perhaps you have more information you could add.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Brancaleone daNorcia (Brancaleone)
Brancaleone daNorcia's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 1194
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 Facit (Erika) 12 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Facit (Erika) Serial Number page and the Facit (Erika) 12 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
