Olivetti M40 II serie - 1942

Well, my dear readers,

this evening I want to talk to you about something I'm really proud to own:

an italian typewriter by Olivetti, an "M40 II serie" from 1942.

 

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A few words about the story of this incredible device:

it was designed in 1930 by Camillo Olivetti and Gino Levi Martinoli with a clear goal:

to create the best typewriter in the world, and they probably did it!
Olivetti's factory started producing the "M40s" in 1931, and over a half million units were made in about eighteen years, in three versions:

-M40 I serie, from 1931 until 1938;
-M40 II serie, from 1938 until 1946;
-M40 III serie, from 1946 until 1948.

The strenghts of the "M40s" are speed and comfort; in fact, one of the main goals of the designers was to create a typewriter that wouldn't tire typist and wouldn't wear out their fingers;
to create an affordable long-lasting device.




As I mentioned, I own a "II serie" from 1942,
from a sad period for the world and, in particular, for my country.

My "M40 II serie" was restored by Alessio Vescovo between November and December 2024. Here you can see some interesting pictures before and after the restoration process - a very fine job that gave new life to my typewriter!

Before restoration, it had rust, jammed mechanism, heavy dust and signs of rain:

 

== THE RESTORATION ==

disassembled:



 

parts washing:

ultrasonic wash:

rebuilt rubber rollers:

reassembling and adding new grease:

...end restoration.

A full working "M40 II serie", with appreciable signs of time:

                 

Alessio Vescovo is probably the best typewriter restorer in Italy and possibly in Europe, with deep knowledge of typewriters and other mechanical devices like calculators. His workshop is located in Padova, Italy.

If your typewriter needs refurbishing,
Alessio Vescovo is the best choice.

Link: VESCOVO RESTAURI

Thanks for reading and God bless you.

See you next week, if all goes well!

- Chris -