Three vintage typewriters for collectors

The Olivetti Lettera 32 is undoubtedly one of those old typewriters that trigger actual passion among enthusiasts. With its perfect blend of utility and beauty and the cultural history that surrounds it, it is an object of desire for every collector. 

Designed in 1963 by the iconic Marcello Nizzoli, together with Adriano Menicanti and Natale Capellaro, at a time when the Lettera 22 had already made an enduring impression, the Lettera 32 went one step further. Made of aluminium, lightweight and compact (approximately 34 × 35 × 10 cm and weighing about 6 kg), it was an ideal companion for those who needed to move around.

But what made it so special wasn’t just its modern look and light weight. The aura it acquired from journalists and writers has been its main claim to fame. Cormac McCarthy, who wrote almost all of his body of work on a Lettera 32, even went so far as to auction it off for the amazing sum of $254,500.

All this means that, for collectors, this machine is a bridge between the industrial design of the 60s and old-school mechanics, an object that is not only admired, but also felt and experienced. Finding one in good condition and with the original case is a real gem. 

In addition, it can come in different colours and with one of a number of keyboard layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY...). In short, it is an old typewriter that combines style, literary history and practicality.

Bringing up the Royal Typewriter Company means talking about a true legend in the world of typewriters. This American brand achieved its fame thanks to the durability and sturdiness of its models. And if there is one that stands out especially it is the mythical Model 10, also known as Royal 10. This model, which was first produced between 1914 and 1915, was manufactured for several decades, well into the 1940s.

Its most striking feature, even more than its elegant slim design, were its bevelled glass sides, which provided a glimpse into the fascinating mechanisms inside. At that time, that detail was seen as a sign of luxury and modernity.

Furthermore, the company itself never hesitated to boast about the durability of its machines. A bizarre example of this is a curious feat they carried out in 1927, when they dropped thousands of typewriters from airplanes, protected only by boxes and parachutes, to prove their incredible sturdiness to the world.

Because of its historical importance, the Royal 10 is an emblem of the golden age of rugged desktop typewriters that offices, writers and secretaries worked with for many years. Finding one in good condition today, with all its original parts, is exceptional, so collectors’ great interest is entirely justified. 

Manufactured in Yverdon, Switzerland, by Paillard-Bolex starting in 1958, the Hermes 3000 was introduced as a high-end portable machine, designed to provide outstanding functionality and an unmistakable appearance, with smooth and geometric lines, which give it a very unique appearance.

But what makes the Hermes 3000 really special goes far beyond its precise mechanics. It came equipped with a tough removable cover, was offered in unusual colours for the time, such as its famous mint green, and had advanced details, such as a specific key to fix jams, which made the daily work of those who used it easier.

For collectors, the Hermes 3000 merges the best of refined European design, the practicality of a portable typewriter and the reliability of a tool that has proven its worth for decades. Its value depends to a great extent on how well it is preserved: if it has the original colour and includes the case, that would make it a truly special item for collectors.

Ultimately, old typewriters, apart from being nostalgic objects, bear witness to a mechanical era in which writing required physical strength, mechanical precision and a design that today conveys craftmanship. 

Whether it's because of its history and context, condition, design or rarity, finding a well-preserved typewriter is a delight for collectors and other romantic writers.