Olivetti M40 II serie - 1942

Well my dear readers,

this evening I wish talk you about a thing that I'm really proud to own:

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

 

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Two words about the story of this incredible device:

designed in 1930 by Camillo Olivetti and Gino Levi Martinoli with a target:

create the best typewriter in the world, and they probably did it!
So, Olivetti plant started the production of the "M40s" in 1931 and produced over half a million pieces 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.

Strenghts of the "M40s" are speed of use and comfort; in fact, other goals of the "M40" designers were to create a typewriter that shouldn't tire typist and don't wear out theyr fingers (!!!);
to create a cheaply price long life device.




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

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

Before restoration, with 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 probably in Europe, with a deep knowledge about typewriters and other mechanical devices like calculators. His workshop is situated in Padova, Italy.

If your typewriter needs to be refurbished,
Alessio Vescovo is the best answer.

Link: VESCOVO RESTAURI

Thanks for reading and God bless you.

See you next week, if all goes well.

-Chris-