1961 Olympia SM4 #177239

Status: My Collection
Hunter: John Scott (akaj5)
Created: 03-16-2026 at 09:48AM
Last Edit: 03-16-2026 at 09:48AM

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Description:

I found this 1961 Olympia SM4 on Facebook Marketplace in early March 2026. It was listed for $30 and, after discovering various issues, the seller and I agreed on $20. The seller really just wanted it out of the house and I was happy to help in the endeavor.

The Mint Green / Seafoam Green (?) with black keys color combination appears to be relatively unique, as most examples on TWDB are of the darker, more military grey and green variety.

On inspection, the platen was unfortunately rock hard and the ribbon color selector provided resistance when attempting to "click" into service. This resistance caused the carriage to raise by approximately a single platen click when attempting to select black and typing in lowercase.

After a disassembly, cleaning, and a lot of trial and error, I discovered that the ribbon vibrator was bent just enough to stop it from dropping all the way down to its intended resting position. After a slight bit of bending and a secondary cleaning pass focusing on the ribbon vibrator area, I finally had a fully functioning SM4!

This is my second typewriter, and the first I had to disassemble and work on at a deeper level. It was a great learning experience and a confidence builder that will surely help with future purchases.

Typeface Specimen:

Hunter: John Scott (akaj5)

John Scott's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]

Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 3

I recently acquired my first machine from the original owner's grandson - an Olivetti Underwood 21 which, in my humble opinion, is aesthetically amazing and still in excellent operational condition after so many years. Now, new to the hobby, I have grand plans to research and collect a few of what I consider to be my favorite machines. These would include examples of those numbered below in excellent functional and aesthetic condition.

- Olivetti Underwood 21 -
- Royal Quiet De Luxe (Standard or Dreyfuss design)
- Olympia SM3 (Colorway TBD, I also love their script typefaces)
- Mid-60's Smith Corona 5ax Sterling in Starmist Grey
- Torpedo 18b
- Underwood Champion - Black Glossy. Universal is another option...
- Corona Flat Top
- Hermes... oh, wait. Is that more than 5 already?!
- If you have a suggestion(s) of similar machines to feed my hobby I welcome you to send me a message.

Outside of typewriters, I'm a Husband & Dad located on the "Midwest Coast" of the USA. A lover of mid-60s design. A music lover and guitar nerd.
During COVID I founded Scott Creative Company (scottcreativeco.com) - a branding, graphic design, website design, development, strategy, and marketing consultation firm.