13 Jul 2013

Two Super Typewriters: West vs. East

1938 Olympia Super 143054

195X Optima Super 1164692



















Definitely by far my post with the most images. o.O I couldn't resist. . People talk about typewriters suffering in the DDR, but they clearly were refining and improving them for years because this Optima Super is an excellent typewriter. They just refined with different priorities.

Published with my Olympia Super and Optima Super
(which is my first East German typewriter--a good place to start)

8 comments:

  1. Well, I do like a lady with curves! These are both very beautiful machines. I've be er seen a 'super' of any kind before!

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    1. It was pretty coincidental that I bought them at the same time basically XD
      I ended up getting the Optima for about $55 less than the seller was asking so I couldn't turn it down.

      (Also, I accidentally uploaded page 3 twice. You can see page 2 now.)

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  2. Those are 2 fine looking typewriters, Congratulations on the great job on the decal restoration.

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    1. Thanks! I'm hoping I didn't commit any horrid typewriter sins there. XD

      (Also, I accidentally uploaded page 3 twice. You can see page 2 now.)

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  3. Neat. I'm fond of Optima Supers too, like "The Belle of the Insurgency."

    It's ages ago that I put that suggestion of using a gold pen on my website. I'm glad that it worked out for you.

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    1. Quite the saga surrounding her(?) indeed.

      I don't actually think I would have thought of it without your site. It is against what my logic would have created as a solution, and this definitely was simpler. I would have been quite cross if I hadn't been able to re-do the decals because I just felt grumpy when I used it in that worn state.

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  4. The Olympia Super looks super. The gold pen touch-up was not at all apparent until you mentioned it. And now I have another must have machine. As you say, "Embrace the typewriter hoarding urges".

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    1. It would be right at home with your Triumph!
      Seems like they are almost impossible to find with a good front decal, but I'd really suggest waiting for one that has the paper table decal intact.

      If I didn't I think it would just be a daily fight. XD

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