1968 Olivetti Lettera 32 #1614839
Status: Sightings
Hunter: C Carreon (CCarreon)
Created: 11-08-2026 at 07:27PM
Last Edit: 11-08-2026 at 07:35PM
Find on Ebay #AD
Find on Etsy #AD
Description:
Found in an antique store in Pasadena, CA on Nov. 8, 2026. It was pretty dirty and had spots of rust but the typing action was smooth across all keys. I wasn't able to move the carriage as I think its carriage might have been locked but was unable to figure out how to unlock the carriage during this encounter. It's a fine machine and by its typing action, I can see why the Lettera 32 receives so much praise. There was no case around the same booth that would have held it but it's fine and the price might have been negotiable in its current condition.
However, I found another machine tucked away in a corner on the same day that really grabbed my interest and had me in a choke hold. So, I passed on this one.
*Minor note: Unlike most Lettera 32s on the database, this one is clearly labeled Olivetti Underwood. I initially tried to categorize it under Olivetti Underwood as the brand but there was no model option for Lettera 32 under that designation. It's not the only Lettera 32 labeled Olivetti Underwood, but thought this quirk was notable in pointing out.
Typeface Specimen:
Photos:
Hunter: C Carreon (CCarreon)
C Carreon's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 219
Amateur typewriter hunter and ASW with a small collection of typewriters here in Southern California. My modest collection began around 2014 when I bought a Royal Futura 800 at an estate sale with the measly $20 I had in my pocket.
Seeing the dazzling Americana Futura 800 for the first time paled in comparison to my earliest memories of an electric Brother typewriter that my mom practiced on in the late 90s. I'm forever thankful to the lady that let me buy my first typewriter, the Futura 800, as it has sparked my interest in mid century typewriters. For the time being, I've found a warm sense of comfort in using my typewriters for journaling and letting some clients in my work use it so that they can experience the unique joy of using a typewriter for themselves.
If I find a typewriter in the wild, I'll certainly record and upload it here. In that regard, at least these machines can be saved in a small way for both new and old typewriter enthusiasts.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Olivetti Lettera 32 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Olivetti Serial Number page and the Olivetti Lettera 32 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
