Olivetti Lettera 22 Typewriter. The Classic Portable! 1960

OLIVETTI LETTERA 22 · 1960 · GLASGOW Robin’s Egg Blue · Elite Typeface

This 1960 Olivetti Lettera 22 was manufactured at British Olivetti’s Glasgow factory and is finished in a soft robin’s egg blue. It has its original QWERTY keyboard and Elite typeface, together with the original fitted carrying case, brushes and user handbook. The case is in excellent condition, including the zipper and leather retaining straps.

Designed by Marcello Nizzoli and introduced in 1950, the Lettera 22 became one of Olivetti’s defining portable typewriters. The Glasgow factory was a substantial production facility, with its own assembly, inspection and finishing operations, and British-made Lettera 22s are regarded highly by aficionados for the quality of the materials and manufacture. The machine retains the low, compact body, rounded profile and light visual character for which the Lettera 22 is known.

The Lettera 22 is valued for a quick, fluid typing action and a compact mechanism that feels notably different from heavier German portables of the same period. Its Elite typeface gives the page a dense, orderly appearance, while the light segment shift and low keyboard contribute to an easy writing rhythm over longer sessions.

This typewriter has been restored by Acme Type Machine Company to its original factory operating standard. The mechanism has been carefully cleaned, adjusted and calibrated, preserving the original finish, keyboard and case. It bears the permanent Acme Seal, attached discretely on the mechanism, identifying restoration within our workshop and providing enduring provenance.

Specifications

Maker: Olivetti Model: Lettera 22 Year: 1960 Country of Manufacture: Great Britain Factory: British Olivetti, Glasgow Designer: Marcello Nizzoli Finish: Original robin’s egg blue Keyboard: Original QWERTY Typeface: Elite Configuration: Portable manual typewriter Case: Original fitted case with zipper and leather retaining straps, in excellent condition Restoration: Acme Type Machine Company, bearing the permanent Acme Seal, attached discretely on the mechanism Warranty: Two-year mechanical guarantee