17 Feb 2015

Olympia SM series (part 1, 1948-1964)


This post covers post-war carriage-shifted Olympias of the SM line from 1948 to 1964. Part 2 covers segment-shifted SM series.

All of the pictures in this post have been found on the internet and come from the collections of myself and other typospherians, as well as current and ended online auctions, and are presented purely as examples essential to this post. No infringement intended.

This post will be edited when new information becomes available, especially with model examples. If you have an example with a serial number and photo, please let me know because every piece of information connecting age with finish/colors helps!

Proto-SM1: 1948-1949

The Olympia factory was originally located in Erfurt, in what became the Soviet zone of Germany. Production was moved to Wilhelmshaven under the temporary name Orbis in 1948, while production continued in Erfurt and was taken over by Optima. The rights to the Olympia name weren't decided in favor of the Wilhelmshaven organization until over 10,000 of these Orbis machines were produced.

1484

The earliest Orbis is essentially a pre-war Olympia portable with crinkle paint.

6896
Then a chrome stripe was added to the front and the levers became tipped with white plastic.

9776
New dark green differently-shaped function keys and a proper embossed Olympia logo were introduced.

15472

45132



Chrome stripes were added to sides, along with thicker keytops and different plastic lever tips.

53377

At first the carriage knobs remain black but then they change to match the keytops, which could be either warm brown or dark green.

53404

61310



DM was a brand used before WWII on Olympias and the use continued after the war. I don't know if this also has an Olympia emblem on the paper table or if it's only branded DM.

DM



Add caption

This would be the final version of the Olympia portable before it officially becomes the SM, now known as SM1. It has the same thicker keys as before, but the new carriage knobs.

SM1: 1949-1951

Around serial number 70,000 the SM1 proper, as we think it since it originally didn't have the "1" began. I don't have a photo example right now, but one of the changes is a different style case. Before this, the case had rounded corners as can be seen from the baseboard. The case switched to a more squared case. There is no tabulator

The keys are black and circular, except for the function keys which are dark green and have a tombstone shape. Colors offered include black, green, dark red, and cream.

70210 - 1950

80735 - 1950

98040 - 1951



SM2: 1950-1961

With the SM2 came new keytops and new styling, although the machine inside is largely the same as the SM1 at this time. Early examples have the same round keytops as the SM1. The keytops are usually black, though sometimes with dark green function keys. Crinkle finish colors include olive green, black, and dark red.

76502 - 1950

110739 - 1951

154924 - 1951

169843 - 1951

A DM version of the SM2 was produced, probably in 1951.

DM
In 1952, after serial number 170000, the keytops, now with cushioning, are flipped 180 degrees to resemble the more common 1950s Olympia keys, though the function keys remain the same, and body pieces changed slightly although the styling remained the same. The Olympia logo is now moved to the ribbon cover. The SM2 still has no tabulator and the margin sets are hidden behind the paper table. There is a new return lever.

285321 - 1952


I have seen one with a hammered silver finish. I'm not sure if this is original.


Again, somewhere around serial number 500000 in 1953/54, another change, though slight. The shift keys become larger.

1137181 - 1958

1459815 - 1959

This lovely version with dark red keys and cream paint was made. Also a light green glossy one with black keys.




SM3: 1953-1961

The SM3 has a tabulator with manual stops. The margin sets are moved to the top of the carriage with the tab stops under on the back. It usually has De Luxe written on the segment.

The first version of the SM3 was produced only for a short time in 1953 and possibly early 1954. It has the smaller shift key of the 1952 SM2 and slightly different plastic card holders angled to fit around the wire card holder.

427976 - 1953

In 1954, the SM3 got different plastic card holders and the newer, bigger shift keys. This is by far the most common SM2/SM3 model version found in the US. They almost always have a silver-painted streamlined wood case, especially the pre-1958 ones.

The SM3 was produced in this form up until 1961 undergoing only very minor changes in the finishes to different metal parts. Many different paint (mostly crinkle but some glossy) and key color combinations were offered.

583945 - 1954

667635 - 1955

667653 - 1956

1138039 - 1958

1463603 - 1959

1693461 - 1960
A wide carriage version was produced and had a boxy case instead of rounded.





SM4: 1958-1961

In 1958, Olympia introduced the SM4. This was an improved version of the SM3 with a keyset tabulator. I find it odd that it took Olympia so long to introduce the SM4, as they'd had keyset tabulators beside the space bar in their 1930s models.

These were produced in a number of colors until 1961, ending when the SM3 ended. Most have a squared-off case with grey and white stripes, although some have the silver streamlined case.

1309237 - 1958

1796814 - 1961


As with the SM3, a wide carriage version was produced.


Most had a crinkle paint finish, but occasionally they had an eggshell finish.


A special gold-plated edition was made.



SM7: 1962-1964

In 1962, the SM7 was introduced. It's pretty much the same as the SM4 inside, having a keyset tabulator, but with a modernized angular body. It was produced in 3 colors; white, pink, and blue. Some have a "Made in Western Germany" badge below the Olympia logo but most don't.

The SM7s with pink or blue bodies as a rule have all-white keys and knobs, while the white-painted ones have turquoise shift keys and knobs. They all have a squared-off case with grey and white stripes.

1797195 - 1961

1907092, 1961

The first change to the SM7 is adding the grid textured finish of the front panel to the areas on each side of the space bar, where it was previously smooth. This happened at about serial number 2000000.

2009885, 1962

Then, between 2010000 and 2070000, the touch selector was moved from under the ribbon cover to the left side of the keyboard.

2071316, 1962


After 2080000, the style of carriage knobs changed from the more angular form to something more curved.





SM5: 1962-1964

Introduced at the same time as the SM7, the SM5 was a less-expensive option. It's like a cross between an SM2 and an SM3, having the SM2 style paper table, but with a manual-set tabulator. It was pretty much produced in just one variation.


2442792 - 1964

Monica: 1960-1964

The Monica was a stripped-down model that began in 1960 and continued until the end of Olympia production in Germany, spanning a number of body styles. The first Monica was similar to the SM2, but without a chrome stripe around the base of the machine, with different, simpler rubber feet, and less liberal use of chrome finishing. The eraser table is also lacking.

All Monicas have an eggshell or textured glossy finish in an off-white color.

1662764, 1960
Monica can also be found in Germany spelled "Monika" although the Monica version is more common there.


After 1962, the Monica strongly resembled an SM5, but with a less deluxe finish and no tabulator. The Olympia logo at this point was usually turquoise plastic to match the shift keys and carriage knobs.

2157393 - 1962

2487897 - 1964


This style of Monica ended in 1964, although the line did not end with the end of the carriage-shift Olympia SM portables.

Anomalies

After the introduction of the proper SM1 in 1949, there were very few anomalies or rebrandings. The DM-branded Olympias were already mentioned in the text, but this example deserves its own space. I'm not sure what the background behind the "Colortip" machines is, but originally, they were introduced around 1962 and have a boxy ribbon cover unlike any other Olympias. The rest of the machine seems to be a mix between SM3, SM5, and Monica.

1921068 - 1962

Summary

Hopefully this has helped clear up some of the confusion regarding the Olympia SM series. Again, if you have a correction or additional information, please let me know!

Also of interest


Last updated 4 April 2017

47 comments:

  1. Brilliant write-up on an excellent series of machines. My SM 2 and 3 are among my favourites to write with. Near-perfect typewriters, only marred (IMHO) by their carriage-shift. My pinky fingers aren't as strong as they used to be. Lucky I have a SM9. Can't wait to read about that one, Nick!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. if your pinky gives you troubles on your carriage-shifted SM's, perhaps take up a bit of slack on the shift-assist springs? There >is< a sweet spot, and it's worth chasing!!! With too little assist your fingers will hate you, but with too much(or if you type too sloppy/fast) you'll end up with slow return-to-home & end up with random wonky letter heights. In my experience, the carriage-shift on a well maintained & adjusted SM feels every bit as light as the segment-shift on a QuietRiter or H3k...which is to say, you'll only notice it if you're looking for it. I honestly suspect that Oly only went to segment shift when they did because by then everybody and their dog was doing it, eh? Another example of how over the years advertising and market pressure influenced typewriter design, rather than the other way round. Excellent post, Nick!!!

      Delete
  2. Great history of the Olympia line-up. I hope to soon get to work on cleaning my SM-3. My SM-4 is quite a good typer even though I need to send the platen off to JJ Short. I'll be watching for your review of the SM-9 family.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Outstanding research. I am kind of shocked to see some postwar "DM" machines, because the '30s DM typewriters have always struck me as a blatant appeal to true-believer National Socialists, with their jargon about the office mechanics' guild producing at the behest of the Reich-whatever.

    Was there ever a DM6? If not, why not?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was surprised to find the postwar DMs too! I just found another one (black SM2) after I posted this. Apparently this was not one of the things they quickly threw away after 1945.

      Scott Kernaghan might know something about an SM6… I know he had some bit of information about it, whether it was speculation about why they didn't make an SM6, or else about a model that is an SM6 but either very uncommon or called something else.

      Delete
  4. Great post. I'm wondering where my anonymous "Elite" typewriter fits in. It's similar to the "Proto-SM1" The serial number: 695845 – puts it later than the last Olympia Elite serial number listed on the Typewriter database): http://writelephant.com/2013/11/21/stevie-wonders/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. According to the database (Optima list), it should be from 1951. They made Optima Elites just like yours until 1953.
      http://typewriterdatabase.com/optima.96.typewriter-serial-number-database

      I mentioned yours in my Optima post.
      http://xoverit.blogspot.com/2014/07/post-war-optimas-1949-1961.html

      Delete
    2. Thanks for that. :)

      Delete
  5. Very detailed look at the Olympia SM series. Reminds me next week when I have some time to get out my pre war machines and get some photos for you.
    Gosh, I really do have quite a selection of Olympias here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Added link from the TWDB Olympia page to this article under "History". Should make it easier for people to understand the differences between different SM models. (:

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks a lot for this article. I am looking forward to part 2! Olympia portables are my favourites.

    There is some interesting history behind the Colortip rebranding. Those typewriters were primarily sold by agents door by door, resulting in quite some scandals. The company that ended being renamed Colortip was run by Josef Haid, who at times ran a network of more than 4000 agents. Their practice was to sell contracts for typewriter telecourses - only that those contracts had a hidden clause that included the purchase of a typewriter. Different brands were involved over the years (Alpina typewriters also made some sales over this route). If you trust google translate, this German article from that time would be quite interesting:

    http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-45140285.html

    What I find especially interesting about the Colortip machines is that there should be some modified later versions of Olympis SMs, that allowed to lock certain keys to make learning to type easier. As far as I know, they have an extra lever, that has three settings: program (lock all keys that are subsequently used), type (only the keys not locked before would budge) and reset. This lever would be unter the spool cover close to the left spool. I have been looking for those, but haven't found one yet. Also there is not much info to find about those....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the information!

      I'm going to show a later Colortip Olympia SMs in the second part, but I've never heard anything about an extra lever… fascinating.

      Delete
  8. Very interesting article. I have 2 portables...one is off white, the other light gray, nearly identical and say Deluxe inside near the type. Both have the orange O symbol. The cases are different as well. Any way to locate when they were manufactured?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those will be covered in part 2 of this series (which I'll probably post next month). Yours are SM8/9 and you can date yours by the serial number here: http://typewriterdatabase.com/olympia.61.typewriter-serial-number-database

      Delete
  9. I have a an Olympia SM3 model but have no idea what year it is made based on the serial number. Its starts with 1054. Do I have one used by formerly used by the government? I don't see it listed on the year by year database.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I own an Olympia traveller deluxe, and I'm curious when it was manufactured. The serial number is 15-7578032. I was hoping you may know of away of finding this out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a full list of serial numbers for all Olympia models here: http://typewriterdatabase.com/olympia.61.typewriter-serial-number-database

      Delete
  11. Great resource, and thank you! It helped me discover that the typewriter I just bought for $25 is an SM-3, apparently produced in 1959-1960 (serial number 1460594. I can send a picture, if you want. I wish there was a "service manual," as the carriage is riding a little low and catching up on the left side of the frame. Right at column 57 the carriage gets stuck, until you tap it or hit the shift to raise the carriage. Also, the caps are striking higher than the lower case, again probably because the carriage is riding too low. I'm betting there's a carriage-height adjustment somewhere. Would you have any clues? THANK YOU!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll find the way to repair the carriage issue is a simple one involving rubber washers/grommets. See this blog post: http://xoverit.blogspot.com/2013/10/three-olympia-sm234-carriage-repairs_7.html

      As for the ribbon, you can type over it dozens or hundreds of times. This is the Olympia SM3 manual found on Richard Polt's site: http://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/OlympiaSM3.pdf

      Delete
  12. Also, I'm surprised to discover that my ribbon only lasts about 2 friendly-letters. Is there a "how fast the ribbon spools out" setting I'm unaware of? I don't remember having to rewind the ribbon on the Smith-Corona I had in grade school so often. THANKS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps you got a dried out ribbon? Or it wasn't inked thoroughly? You might try another make. I've written whole novels and more on one ribbon. And when it runs low you can flip it upside down and use the other side (if it is not the black / red version).

      Delete

  13. What is the difference between the sm models with the deluxe and the s by the keys?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The SM3 usually has De Luxe written on the segment and the SM4 has the S.

      Delete
    2. Hello, I have an SM4 (because it has the key set tabulators)', but it has DeLuxe on the segment. I was wondering how to find its serial number... The tabulators are - and a + which looks closer to the image of the '58 one above. I only bought my SM4 today from a charity shop for £20 and its pristine and works like a dream. There's no dust on it even. Someone took very good care of it...

      Delete
    3. The serial number should be stamped on the underside of the machine, in the rear.

      Delete
  14. I just bought an Olympia typewriter that has a matching table w/light and file attachment. I can not find a serial number on it anywhere and am trying to find out the year and value of it. I see nothing on the outside or underneath.I did not see a picture of it on here either. Could you please help me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Send me a photo of it (email can be found on the contact page) and I'll see what I can do.

      Delete
  15. I recently found an olive green SM3 at a thrift store for $25. Though it was in excellent cosmetic condition, it was dirty, didn't come with a case and required disassembly for cleaning and adjustment of the shift alignment. It appears to have Congress Pica font, and the serial number dates it to 1957.

    Overall, I love the feel of this typewriter. It beats other portables I've used (Smith-Corona Skyriter and a late model Underwood 319) on feel, looks and features. It's just a solidly built, lovingly crafted machine that screams attention to detail. A fine piece of engineering.

    The only issue I've had with mine is that the ribbon will occasionally not rise all the way when I use the shift key. Perhaps 1 out of 10 times, the top bit of a letter will be missing or stenciled onto the page. I've tried cleaning out the ribbon guide assembly with compressed air (there was eraser dust in there from the previous owner) and carefully bending the guide where it appeared to be slightly bent, but neither has helped. It's a very minor issue. If the top of the letter was important it's easy enough to backspace and retype it.

    Anyway, the information here has been really interesting. Thanks for posting it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello Everybody,
    My name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of S$250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of S$250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius,via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.

    BORROWERS APPLICATION DETAILS


    1. Name Of Applicant in Full:……..
    2. Telephone Numbers:……….
    3. Address and Location:…….
    4. Amount in request………..
    5. Repayment Period:………..
    6. Purpose Of Loan………….
    7. country…………………
    8. phone…………………..
    9. occupation………………
    10.age/sex…………………
    11.Monthly Income…………..
    12.Email……………..

    Regards.
    Managements
    Email Kindly Contact: (urgentloan22@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello. I picked up what I think is an sm2? I’m not too sure.
    It’s serial number is 126020
    It’s Matt black with silver trim. And clips in to an amazing wooden box. I’d upload pictures but there doesn’t seem to a be a way.
    I was wondering am I correct with an sm2? 1951?
    I’m looking through database serial numbers and can’t find it to be honest
    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  18. Good articles, Have you heard of LFDS (Le_Meridian Funding Service, Email: lfdsloans@outlook.com --WhatsApp Contact:+1-9893943740--lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com) is as USA/UK funding service they grant me loan of $95,000.00 to launch my business and I have been paying them annually for two years now and I still have 2 years left although I enjoy working with them because they are genuine Loan lender who can give you any kind of loan.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Correction: SM-5 and SM-7 were introduced in early-mid 1961, not 1962. (:
    https://munk.org/typecast/2019/11/08/olympia-sm-7-1961-1964-a-correction/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey here’s a question: I’ve got an SG1 with s/n 7-623653
    Can’t find any info on s/n that start with 7-
    Anyone know what that 7- means in terms of production date? Thanks!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Deaecrpltu is a prexaerr6iur43

    ReplyDelete

  23. If you are looking for the best mechanical keyboard and mouse to buy, check out this mechanical keyboard. premium wireless keyboard

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have just purchased an Olympia SM 3 Colortip with serial number 1775250, which has the same body as the SM 3, it comes complete with manual tabulator, light green glossy finish with all keys in an off-white colour. Rare enough I understand...

    ReplyDelete
  25. I want to share with you all on how I got my loan from a very good and honest loan company registered in the USA, as I was applying as a start-up loan it took me several documents to meet up with their conditions but God Willing I got through and it was smooth to work with as an entrepreneur.Contact   pedroloanss@gmail.com for all kinds of financial assistance such as loans and investment facilities.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello! I just found an Olympia SM1, black. I think it is. Does anyone know what ribbon that fits with it? I'm from Sweden but I can't find the right ribbon (black color).

    ReplyDelete
  27. I just received an Olympia De Luxe typewriter from my grandfather. It has a mental taG on the back showing: Olympia Werke AG. Wilhelmshaven made in Germany. I am trying to identify what model Olympia it is. The only other identifying print on the machine is 7.6 De Luxe at the back of the keys. It has the chrome wrapped complete around the bottom of the machine and chrome around the sides and a inch or two in above the keyboard. The Olympia insignia is in the middle of the machine above the keyboard. Behind the keyboard, on the sides there are two round wheels. on each side of the keyboard. One has the numbers 1-8 on it and the other has the colors white, blue, red, and yellow on it. In the middle above the keyboard are plastic buttons with Clear, Tab, and Set printed in white on each button. The weirdest part of the typewriter are the keys on the keyboard: There is a key for: 1/4 and 1/2, a key for ! an 3/4, a key for a small 0 and th,a key for @ and (the c symbol for cent), a key showing 1/ and .(carot sign). It is the basic Olympia green box typewriter. Do you have any ideas as to what model this may be or how I can find out what it is?
    Thank you, IconCIRXH@GN

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. - "De Luxe" on the segment.
      - Chrome wrapped bottom
      - Chrome wrapped above keyboard
      - Centered Olympia logo
      - Color selector at left side of keyboard, numbered touch selector at right
      - Tab set keys above keyboard
      - "Green box"

      Question: is it GIGANTIC? If so, it sounds like an Olympia SG1. If so, it's one of the best desktop typewriters ever made. Enjoy it!

      Delete
  28. I own a gold plated Olympia SM9 (QWERTZ). Can anyone tell me if it is rare and valuable? I want to sell it but Germans are not so fond of typewriters.

    ReplyDelete