This typewriter is an Olympia SM1 from 1950. The SM1 was the first of Olympia's well-known Schreibmaschine Mittelgroß ("Medium-size Typewriter"), or SM series, and offers excellent engineering and smooth operation. Already an uncommon typewriter, this SM1 is made even more special by its well-preserved maroon paint. It is a really lovely, classy portable typewriter and has been a pleasure to work on.

With a new black and red ribbon fitted on its original metal spools, this SM1 types in pica at 10 cpi (characters per inch). In addition to its QWERTY layout, this SM1 also has some Spanish characters. Ready to type on arrival, this typewriter will be expertly packed for safe delivery.

The uncommon, original red wrinkle paint is in superb shape and has a deep, rich quality. After 76 years, the only marks to the paint are a very small, inconspicuous nick to the top edge of the paper plate and a couple marks on the back panel.

The "Olympia" logo on the paper plate is in excellent condition. The other chrome parts are in excellent shape and have been polished to a shine. The maker's decal below the spacebar is in good shape with some slight wear to the "Y" in "Olympia" and the "EN" in "Wilhelmshaven."

The black and dark green, slightly concave keytops are unmarked and glossy and have each received an individual plastic polishing. The black plastic platen knobs are in great condition, free of any major scratches.

This SM1 has been disassembled, cleaned, adjusted and tested. Lubrication has been applied where necessary, and the 4 rubber washers between the typewriter's frame and metal casing, which often degrade over time in SM1 - SM4 models, have been replaced with new rubber washers. All features of this SM1 work as intended and include a silent return, margins, backspace, carriage shift, shift-lock, margin release, line space selector, variable line spacing knob, extendable paper support, and a good-sounding bell.

The platen has hardened with age but it still retains enough give to provide an excellent typing experience. It and the feed rollers, which are in excellent shape, have been cleaned with rubber rejuvinator. The rubber feet have also been cleaned with rubber rejuvinator and are in very good shape, allowing the typewriter to grip work surfaces well.

The wooden case has been cleaned and is in good condition, exhibiting some general wear. There is a small crack to the front section of the baseboard (mostly beneath the latch), but the section is solid, and the case's integrity is not compromised. The green interior has some small marks but is in good condition. The chrome fixings and latch are in good shape and have been polished with metal polish. The handle is sturdy and the latch closes the case well. The clips on the interior of the case function well, latching the typewriter securely inside the case.