197X Olivetti Lettera 25 #8405458
Status: Sightings
Hunter: Richard Wood (Coronaboy)
Created: 01-20-2017 at 12:50PM
Last Edit: 02-16-2017 at 09:10AM
Find on Ebay #AD
Find on Etsy #AD
Description:
-SOLD-
Don't be fooled, this model is HUGE, about 3 inches wider than a 32. Always thought this was a small looking machine.
My model is made in Mexico
Types beautifully and although I love my Lettera 32's, it is more comfortable because it has a larger spacebar. I find really rapid typing not as comfortable on the slim 32 spacebar. The 32 spacebar in my opinion was design over function. Does make you wonder if Cormac McCarthy would have preferred this spacebar, if not the design.
The mechanics are almost identical to the 32 but opening of the end cap reveals that the ratchet mechanism and the gear is plastic. Mine showed no signs of wear although I put a little clear synthetic grease on mine to add some wear protection.
The carriage return lever is solid plastic which bends a fraction when you type. It is also slightly slippy to the touch, could have benefited from being gripped or rougher to the touch. Therefore, it's not as nice to use as the metal version. You cannot swap either because the plastic version version is a slightly different design.
As a basic model, it has no tab or paper rest. Not sure why the plastic frame is so wide, it sticks out much wider than the mechanism. The plastic is however very sturdy and thick.
Colour is pretty boring, but the design overall is very modern. Came with plastic carry bag which doesn't protect the machine but is fairly convinient.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: Richard Wood (Coronaboy)
Richard Wood's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 873
Typewriter collector, previous sewing machine collector.
Originally from the Garden of England, Kent. I have lived in Sheffield for over fifteen years.
As a young child, I always enjoyed taking things apart and seeing how they functioned.
I have been collecting a range of vintage typewriters for over two years.
Previously, I was interested in restoring sewing machines, then I acquired my mothers Olivetti Dora and looked under the hood and typed, I was hooked on typewriters and how they worked.
I learn something every day from passionate bloggers and typewriter enthusiasts.
Fan of Joe Van Cleave's typewriter video series.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Olivetti Lettera 25 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Olivetti Serial Number page and the Olivetti Lettera 25 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
