01
West German Craftsmanship
Engineered by Olympia Werke in Wilhelmshaven, renowned for producing the 'Mercedes-Benz' of mid-century manual typewriters.
Curio Gallery
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01 / 12Olympia SM4 De Luxe Portable Typewriter — photograph 1
Highlights
Why this object
still matters.
The Olympia SM4 De Luxe is a renowned West German portable typewriter celebrated for its robust build quality and typing comfort. Finished in a textured olive-green crinkle enamel with polished chrome accents, this example features a raised metal script Olympia emblem. It is equipped with a QWERTY keyboard featuring specialized currency and fraction keys, along with the model's signature tabulator set and clear buttons flanking the green spacebar.
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Spacebar Tabulator Integration
Features dedicated tab clear and set keys mounted alongside the spacebar for rapid tabular formatting without reaching.
03
Textured Olive Enamel
Finished in Olympia's classic industrial crinkle coating, resistant to glare and fingerprints.
04
Polished Script Badge
Fitted with a three-dimensional chrome Olympia script emblem mounted prominently on the right side of the ribbon cover.
05
Specialized Currency Keytop
Features a dedicated key marked for dollar and shilling ($/shs) notation alongside British pound (£) symbology.
06
Robust Metal Framing
Heavy-gauge die-cast body accented by continuous perimeter chrome rub-strips on the cover and chassis base.
Specifications
The useful facts,
clearly recorded.
Measurements, construction, identity, and seller-supplied details are kept together for direct comparison.
Reviewed · Curio catalogue
Maker
Olympia Werke AG (Wilhelmshaven)
Origin
West Germany
Year
1958
Department
typewriters
Packed shipment
6 kg · 45 × 35 × 25 cm
Model
SM4 De Luxe
Machine Type
Manual portable typewriter
Keyboard Layout
Four-row QWERTY with currency (£, $, shs) and fraction keys
Body Finish
Textured olive-green crinkle enamel with chrome trim
Tabulator Mechanism
Keys flanking the spacebar for quick set (+) and clear (-)
Serial Number
Not visible in photographs
Details
Close inspection,
recorded in photographs.
Detail № 01 · Olympia SM4 De Luxe Portable Typewriter — photograph 2
Detail № 02 · Olympia SM4 De Luxe Portable Typewriter — photograph 3
Heritage
A traceable life,
carefully recorded.
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Olympia SM4 De Luxe Portable Typewriter; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Mechanical Ingenuity
The Innovative Tabulator Layout
Seen flanking the broad green spacebar in the frontal view, the dedicated clearing and setting paddles allowed typists to adjust tabular stops on the fly without lifting their hands from the home typing position.
Mid-Century Prestige
The Wilhelmshaven Script Emblem
Highlighted in close-up detail, the graceful cast-metal script Olympia insignia sits against olive crinkle paint, serving as a hallmark of precision manufacturing during West Germany's post-war economic miracle.
Timeline
An object in time,
one continuous story.
1948
Wilhelmshaven Operations Established
Olympia Werke relocates manufacturing to Wilhelmshaven, West Germany, laying the groundwork for the post-war SM portable series.
1953
Launch of the SM3
The SM3 sets the global standard for heavy-duty portable typewriters with its cushioned carriage and durable chassis.
1958
Introduction of the SM4 De Luxe
Olympia refines the SM line with the SM4, introducing convenient tab set and clear keys positioned directly beside the spacebar.
1962
Transition to Angular Styling
The curvaceous body of the SM3 and SM4 is retired in favor of the modern, angular aesthetic seen in the SM7 and SM9.
Condition
Honest wear,
documented clearly.
The typewriter is in well-preserved vintage cosmetic condition with intact textured green enamel and bright chrome trim. Keys and faceplates show authentic age-appropriate surface dust and faint patina in the recesses. Lettering on the keytops remains sharp and legible, with no missing keys or major exterior dents observed.
✓
InspectedBody & Paintwork
The olive-green crinkle finish is consistent across the body panels, showing light handling wear and minor edge rubbing typical of age.
✓
InspectedChrome Brightwork
The perimeter chrome trim, carriage return lever, and raised script badge retain bright reflectivity with only slight surface patina.
✓
InspectedKeyboard Assembly
Dark moulded keytops are fully intact with crisp gold/yellow legends; minor dust and lint are visible between key stems.
✓
InspectedPlaten & Controls
Both green platen knobs, the green spacebar, and carriage levers are intact and show no structural cracks.
Logistics
Inspected, insured,
door to door.
Step 01
Delivery
Inspected, photographed, and packed with its condition report.
Step 02
Shipping
Custom-fit protective packing with tracked, insured courier service.
Step 03
Returns
Return requests are accepted within fourteen days of confirmed delivery.
Step 04
Dispatch
Prepared for courier handoff within three to five business days.
Acquisition
Make it part of
your collection.
Contact the seller for more information or to discuss this object.
✓ Insured Shipping✓ 14-Day Returns✓ Condition Report✓ Reviewed Listing
Olympia SM4 De Luxe Portable Typewriter