Early 1951 Olympia SM1 Portable Typewriter • Olive Green • W Germany, Serviced
$649.00
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Early-production Olympia SM1 portable typewriter manufactured in Western Germany in 1951, serial number 101213.
This is one of the earliest generations of Olympia’s legendary SM series — still carrying much of the industrial severity and mechanical confidence of Olympia’s prewar machines before later models softened the design language. Rounded shoulders, textured olive crinkle finish, high-quality early acrylic keytops, chrome trim, and the beautiful telescoping paper support all remain intact.
A remarkably handsome and mechanically satisfying machine.
This SM1 received substantially more bench time and mechanical attention than my usual mild clean/refurbishment process:
Addressed failure within the left-side platen coupling/ratchet interface. Internal drive cylinder was resecured after fastener failure had allowed separation between the platen knob assembly and ratchet mechanism. Proper platen engagement and variable line spacing operation restored following disassembly, alignment, and reassembly. Mechanically, it now functions very well and retains the dense, authoritative typing action early Olympias are known for.
Features and details:
* Early rounded-shoulder SM1 body
* Original olive-green textured/crinkle finish
* Early high-grade acrylic keytops
* Telescoping paper support
* Ribbon color selector intact
* Crisp Olympia script badging
* Western German manufacture
* Strong overall cosmetic presentation
Condition notes:
* Ribbon spools are functional replacements and are not original to the machine
* Internal rubber components remain surprisingly supple
* The platen is nearing the end of its useful life and is rather hard (nearly glazed), common on machines of this age
* It types and operates well, but I strongly recommend using a backing sheet, which is good practice on any vintage typewriter regardless
* A future owner seeking maximum print softness may eventually wish to have the platen resurfaced or replaced
Cosmetically, the machine presents beautifully. Paint retains excellent texture and depth with only very modest signs of honest age and use. Chrome and brightwork remain attractive, and key legends remain strong and clear.
This is not a heavily restored or overpolished machine. It is an honest, carefully revived early Olympia with real mechanical dignity still intact.
Typed samples are intentionally omitted from public listings. Fresh sample available to interested buyers after final mechanical check and ribbon adjustment.
Carefully packed and fully insured shipping.
PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASE:
Vintage typewriters are highly mechanical machines, many now 50–100 years old. Each machine is cleaned, tested, adjusted, carefully packed, and fully insured prior to shipment.
Even properly serviced typewriters may require minor adjustment after transit. Small issues such as sticking keys, ribbon irregularities, or slight alignment variance are not uncommon after shipping and are considered part of vintage typewriter ownership.
Perfect calibration through modern shipping environments cannot be guaranteed.
Early 1951 Olympia SM1 Portable Typewriter • Olive Green • W Germany, Serviced
$649.00
This is one of the earliest generations of Olympia’s legendary SM series — still carrying much of the industrial severity and mechanical confidence of Olympia’s prewar machines before later models softened the design language. Rounded shoulders, textured olive crinkle finish, high-quality early acrylic keytops, chrome trim, and the beautiful telescoping paper support all remain intact.
A remarkably handsome and mechanically satisfying machine.
This SM1 received substantially more bench time and mechanical attention than my usual mild clean/refurbishment process:
Addressed failure within the left-side platen coupling/ratchet interface. Internal drive cylinder was resecured after fastener failure had allowed separation between the platen knob assembly and ratchet mechanism. Proper platen engagement and variable line spacing operation restored following disassembly, alignment, and reassembly. Mechanically, it now functions very well and retains the dense, authoritative typing action early Olympias are known for.
Features and details:
* Early rounded-shoulder SM1 body
* Original olive-green textured/crinkle finish
* Early high-grade acrylic keytops
* Telescoping paper support
* Ribbon color selector intact
* Crisp Olympia script badging
* Western German manufacture
* Strong overall cosmetic presentation
Condition notes:
* Ribbon spools are functional replacements and are not original to the machine
* Internal rubber components remain surprisingly supple
* The platen is nearing the end of its useful life and is rather hard (nearly glazed), common on machines of this age
* It types and operates well, but I strongly recommend using a backing sheet, which is good practice on any vintage typewriter regardless
* A future owner seeking maximum print softness may eventually wish to have the platen resurfaced or replaced
Cosmetically, the machine presents beautifully. Paint retains excellent texture and depth with only very modest signs of honest age and use. Chrome and brightwork remain attractive, and key legends remain strong and clear.
This is not a heavily restored or overpolished machine. It is an honest, carefully revived early Olympia with real mechanical dignity still intact.
Typed samples are intentionally omitted from public listings. Fresh sample available to interested buyers after final mechanical check and ribbon adjustment.
Carefully packed and fully insured shipping.
PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASE:
Vintage typewriters are highly mechanical machines, many now 50–100 years old. Each machine is cleaned, tested, adjusted, carefully packed, and fully insured prior to shipment.
Even properly serviced typewriters may require minor adjustment after transit. Small issues such as sticking keys, ribbon irregularities, or slight alignment variance are not uncommon after shipping and are considered part of vintage typewriter ownership.
Perfect calibration through modern shipping environments cannot be guaranteed.