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1969 Olivetti Praxis 48 Serial # 5154244 1969 Olivetti Praxis 48 typewriter, Serial # 5154244 James Grooms's 1969 Olivetti Praxis 48 typewriter. 2025-07-14 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of James Grooms: 1969 Olivetti Praxis 48 Serial # 5154244 What was the thought process for labeling some of them Olivetti-Underwood and others just Olivetti?

The manual states this will type 840 characters in 60 sec. That would be fourteen per second. So on a test run of 5 seconds using the X key it should do 70. Will it? Not even close at 54-56 per 5 seconds. 55 x 12 is 660 or nearly 25% short of the mark. All part of a pattern from the boys in Turin.

This machine was on the bubble, project or parts? I leaned with parts. However, once I had a working example, I could sort through all the functions. So, based on my 'vast' experience with three, I would say the tab/tab brake/dashpot is the weak link. And when it doesn't trip right, it is hard to get to things! My theory is that it gets to sticking/stuck and then it goes through a period where people are hammering on it and slamming the carriage around. Then you get a flying carriage situation, and they're done with it.

1969 Olivetti Praxis 48 #5154244

Status: My Collection
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 07-13-2025 at 12:51PM
Last Edit: 07-14-2025 at 02:04PM

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What was the thought process for labeling some of them Olivetti-Underwood and others just Olivetti?

The manual states this will type 840 characters in 60 sec. That would be fourteen per second. So on a test run of 5 seconds using the X key it should do 70. Will it? Not even close at 54-56 per 5 seconds. 55 x 12 is 660 or nearly 25% short of the mark. All part of a pattern from the boys in Turin.

This machine was on the bubble, project or parts? I leaned with parts. However, once I had a working example, I could sort through all the functions. So, based on my 'vast' experience with three, I would say the tab/tab brake/dashpot is the weak link. And when it doesn't trip right, it is hard to get to things! My theory is that it gets to sticking/stuck and then it goes through a period where people are hammering on it and slamming the carriage around. Then you get a flying carriage situation, and they're done with it.

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Over eager mechanics can't keep this typewriter working.
Over eager mechanics can't keep this typewriter working.

Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)

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As with many, the bug is back there somewhere due to an Underwood No. 5. My grandparents had a No 5. My parents had a yellow Royal Safari that I used to index card everything, including a beer can collection. Collection syndrome clue! A casual interest in typewriters started with a garage sale 3 bank simply because it said Underwood on it. Typewriters were found here and there , but I wasn't actively looking for them. The long dormant collecting tic was activated when my neighbors left a Remington Quiet Riter on the curb when they moved.

Typewriters are the perfect blend of using one's technical skills, history and functional purpose. My goal is type tested machines. My interests are not isolated to anyone area. For example, I am a big fan of Smith Corona electrics, mid century electrics and all things Royal.


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