It was back in the middle of October that I began to document a September binge which resulted in the acquisition of three typewriters. A binge with its focus on German typewriters of the 1960's and earlier. This is consistent with my typewriter roots, as not only was my high school typer a 1957 Olympia SM3, but most of my grandparents originated in Germany as well. All solid, reliable, and pleasant to spend time with.
Part I focused on an
Adler J3:
.
Part II will cover this Optima Super
.
.
.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkFyeFs0b9mnyd1Z-ich4ELXg8g27i6D5_thbWOr05k0KwNuorDBBZH2Zx-CTsJvtDrYysmQnoQ-fZRYAEz3vYXWEtvkt_ld6aueYVnSlnnOazWPDv0Cga63WYpbubNaVQuvNUWB2E40/s1600/_DSC6620.jpg) |
Protruding from the base of the typewriter is the release for the spring-loaded ribbon cover. |
.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVKU7JgU3CD80tYNhTzbztnWo1rEqaS8jdscA7YeQ7T0rmpFMmGUjdXx9-uN3tN3TGFXBv5yySWhRpIq0Ul6nnzpllcbXWGYrU4PZDyDIK8exB24ZcZj3R_wytd_wB1f55kptblYh2aM/s1600/Optima+super-6912.jpg) |
My thumb covers the left-hand case release lever; its mate is opposite on the right. Above the case release levers is another pair of levers that release the ribbon cover, allowing it to be completely removed. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid1L3g-YeaA0q9QDnmD6bxuaeu2VxDx4YJVhdI4VXE-V9zE5dPrfxFTIDDj1-68nHNObXimf9eh2VGZ-GtNLdj0bPeweHb-rk1-VXVeyZ-SJgZr6GNtD2wWqoSStIN00dkC9z1B0NnBRg/s1600/_DSC6625.jpg) |
The paper support can be extended making a gauge to help you stop at the bottom of page margin. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxDe-CQC4nKQR9chIwJFFjT-Gx0m2CKSdOIu1izA5xeGLBkmdi4VQ_vQnZbzaSwKRCAlpnanA1RAu_i0msu22k4DlLT7mYOdyyFdhjTw9fqVoZrFUE_V-KQFyATZhNG7GCX9qAULS9F0/s1600/_DSC6627.jpg) |
The key with the plus sign sets tabs. The odd blue lever below and to its left is the key de-jammer. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JJC_3ab2c_1UeJtNO_HqpgoeWDDXt1NfOQ139itXS99nNq3NGISGmyCS333smXpJMITD_NvNAhG7qqad9bOnY6nf9Sr-Epf3AewgktFnVd8ZornDlp0srGXqOF1S9fme-UAY3IcStek/s1600/_DSC6630.jpg) |
The nice leatherette case, with that nifty hold-down system. Simple, secure, and easy to use. The case to the left holds the subject of Part III of this mini-series on my September Teutonic Trio - guesses anyone? |
..
Lovely typewriter and even better with a PIca typeface - I would love to find one of these or an Erika of similar vintage. :)
ReplyDeleteNice ones. I like the pop-the-hood and case-securing system. Part III - Torpedo 18.
ReplyDeleteHa ha - Bingo!
DeleteO.K. - now I'm going to fill in a lottery ticket :)
DeleteOh by the way - it is a rebranded Erika Model 10 (Mk II - post-restyling) so 1961 is accurate - as found by NickB. You may read about it in his fantastic post:
Deletehttp://xoverit.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/post-war-erikas-part-1-1949-1965.html
These are great typewriters!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing your Torpedo.