Olympia SM9 (1967)

$350 (plus shipping if more than 50 miles from Detroit)

Meet “Lauren,” a working 1967 Olympia SM9 typewriter originally owned by a sociology graduate assistant in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Made in Germany, this Olympia portable typewriter is a creamy white-painted steel with a shiny silvertone Olympia badge. Its carriage glides smoothly and its distinct bell rings clearly at the end of each line. All of the keys all strike fluidly, with the exception of a sluggish = key.

The typeface on this stylish machine is the kind of standard serif font you think of when you think “typewriter.” It is a comfortable 10 characters per inch, (a size called “pica.”) Please see photos for a type sample.

The typewriter will arrive with a nice dark black ribbon already installed, so you’ll be ready to type hundreds of pages the moment you open the box. If you are more of a two-color ribbon fan, this vintage typewriter is equipped with a ribbon selector mechanism so you can use bi-color ribbons easily. And yes, this Olympia uses standard-sized universal ribbons.

Olympia SM9s are solidly built workhorses crafted for decade-after-decade of heavy use. This machine is a good example of that workmanship. This typewriter is also in good cosmetic condition, with no notable blemishes in the paint. Look through the pictures to see more detail of the visual condition of this typewriter. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

This Olympia measures about 13 inches X 12 inches X 5 inches. It will arrive in its original two-tone, wood-and-faux-leather hard case in good condition for its age.The case’s interior is felt-lined, with clamps and prongs that hold the machine securely in transit.

If shipping is needed, great care is taken in packing each typewriter well, with the carriage stabilized, the type basket packed so the letters don’t move, plenty of bubble wrap cocooning the machine, and a sturdy box that snugly fits all of the packing material cushioning the machine.

After purchase, you’ll be sent a custom video showing some basic instructions for using your machine, as well as the packing process of your typewriter.

Detroit Type Works offers a variety of working manual typewriters made between about 1950 and1980 as well as typewriter ephemera. If there is a specific typewriter or item you’re looking for, please send a message we are always adding more. We are also happy to answer questions about anything we sell.

Please be sure to specify "Olympia SM9 Lauren” when contacting DTW to purchase this typewriter.