Alice Teh Larsson

From Uppsala to Huskvarna

When Sambal the Red Typewriter went bonkers, I set out to search for a replacement, but this time, I was hoping to find a vintage one, such as an Olivetti typewriter, for example. I got a strong (inner) nudge to look on Blocket, which I did (and it’s my very first transaction) and to my delight, I found a (lady) seller in Uppsala. Crossing my toes and fingers, I initiated the query on 23 April, and four days later, I received the Olivetti Lettera 32.

Olivetti Lettera 32Olivetti Lettera 32

Olivetti Lettera 32

I’m truly fortunate to find a still-working vintage typewriter for a very good second-hand price at SEK800 (approximately USD78). The Olivetti Lettera 32 ‘60s Italian light blue typewriter came with its original case. I love its European keys with the ÅÄÖ — super handy!

Great condition!Great condition!

Great condition!

One of its ribbon spool nuts is missing, but that’s a minor issue. I’m already sourcing for the replacement of the said spare parts… The typewriter works great after a change of ribbon that I have on standby; it took me about 2 hours of cleaning and testing to get it going again.

The Olivetti of Ivrea, ItalyThe Olivetti of Ivrea, Italy

The Olivetti of Ivrea, Italy

This is the back of the typewriter. The Olivetti Lettera 32 is made in Ivrea, Italy. Ivrea is an industrial city of the 20th century and became a World Heritage Site in 2018. It is also where the Olivetti Typewriter Museum of Ivrea is located, where the history of a wide range of typewriters, calculators, and electronic calculators is kept alive.

Testing... testing...Testing... testing...

Testing… testing…

This Murakami quote was typed yesterday as part of continued testing and ‘warming up’ of the typewriter. Considering it hadn’t been used for more than a decade by its original owner, the result is looking really, REALLY good. The typewriter carriage was sluggish and was hardly making much movement when it was first unpacked (completely expected!), but it got better and better after the cleaning and several tests over the last two days.

O32 relocating from Uppsala to Huskvarna (approximately 382 km)

I’m calling my precious Olivetti O32 and it’s such a joy to type with. I’m so, so happy with this fantastic find and I hope O32 (a former Uppsala resident) will also be happy living with me as its new owner in Huskvarna.

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