Uriel is closest, getting about 80% there. It is indeed an Olivetti made in Great Britain. While I was posting this, Richard guessed it in the previous post - well done!
Oh wow, that is exquisite! The Olivetti "membrane" aesthetic is very much evident in that molded typebar cover and in its verticality; it somehow resembles Lexikon 80 in that regard.
As an avowed Olivetti fan, I'm happy to hear that you were convinced this was worth the investment. I somehow had the impression that you limit your acquisitions to typewriters in the wild. Congratulations, Peter!
The more I could see of this model the better I liked it. At first I entertained a fantasy that Nizzoli had an influence on it as sort of a "proof of concept" but an Italian source credits two other designers (architects, mainly) named Figini and Pollini. But nothing seems certain yet.
I think i Signori Figini and Pollini were the architechts who designed the olivetti heardquarters in Ivrea, but they were also consulted by Xanti Schawinsky when he designed the 42.
Congratulations! I almost placed a bid on this beast but passed because of the vague description risk factor you mentioned. It is a very interesting machine. I'm glad it has a good home where it will be put to use.
Inquiring minds still want to know: how does it feel?
Your M44 has reminded me that I have yet to post about the Lexicon 80E I got a few months ago. I like your standard, though. It does look like it was designed my a group of confectioners. I hope that you have fun with your new find.
Congrats on the amazing find! And on Shopgoodwill no less! I check there occasionally, but there is hardly anything of interest. The one time I'm not checking it...
Why am I not surprised that Ton was the first to comment on this?
I have just purchased one of these and I know this is an old post but the 'money keys' on the top row I can't figure out what they do, they seem to have something to do with the pull down cover on the back but no typeing as far as I can tell can anyone help?
Oh wow, that is exquisite! The Olivetti "membrane" aesthetic is very much evident in that molded typebar cover and in its verticality; it somehow resembles Lexikon 80 in that regard.
ReplyDeleteAs an avowed Olivetti fan, I'm happy to hear that you were convinced this was worth the investment. I somehow had the impression that you limit your acquisitions to typewriters in the wild. Congratulations, Peter!
The more I could see of this model the better I liked it. At first I entertained a fantasy that Nizzoli had an influence on it as sort of a "proof of concept" but an Italian source credits two other designers (architects, mainly) named Figini and Pollini. But nothing seems certain yet.
ReplyDeleteI think i Signori Figini and Pollini were the architechts who designed the olivetti heardquarters in Ivrea, but they were also consulted by Xanti Schawinsky when he designed the 42.
DeleteSomehow I knew Ton would be excited about this. I have never seen one of these. It is a great find. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful typewriter, and rare to find. Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteWhat are you doing ordering boxes of "Kitty Arms"?!? poor, armless kitties! ):
ReplyDeleteImpressive! Yes, like Ton, I see some premonitions of the Lexikon 80 here.
ReplyDeleteHow's the feel on this thing?
Thanks for educating us.
Prety good feel. I think it would benefit from some speed keys but very solid and sure.
DeleteA streamlined standard - Extravagant! Now, I realise the paper platen pressure rollers are metal - clearly Olivetti!
ReplyDeleteThe Batmobile lives! That ribbon cover looks like stretched rubber. Amazing. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteThe Bat-Typewriter! Hilarious!
DeleteCongratulations! I almost placed a bid on this beast but passed because of the vague description risk factor you mentioned. It is a very interesting machine. I'm glad it has a good home where it will be put to use.
ReplyDeleteInquiring minds still want to know: how does it feel?
I didn't know you looked on shopgoodwill as well as ebay. It was a gamble but I'm happy with it.
DeleteA very unusual looking machine. I think I like it.
ReplyDeleteIt's very stylish and must have been a bit of a gamble in '47. I can't believe there's not more written about it.
DeleteFeel free to use one of the pics to update you site if you need to.
DeleteWhat a very, very interesting machine! Love it.... I almost want one. It feels like it was meant to write out evil plans on.
ReplyDeleteYour M44 has reminded me that I have yet to post about the Lexicon 80E I got a few months ago. I like your standard, though. It does look like it was designed my a group of confectioners. I hope that you have fun with your new find.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the amazing find! And on Shopgoodwill no less! I check there occasionally, but there is hardly anything of interest. The one time I'm not checking it...
ReplyDeleteWhy am I not surprised that Ton was the first to comment on this?
I have just purchased one of these and I know this is an old post but the 'money keys' on the top row I can't figure out what they do, they seem to have something to do with the pull down cover on the back but no typeing as far as I can tell can anyone help?
ReplyDelete