History

• The Olympia SM7 was introduced in 1961 as part of Olympia’s highly regarded SM portable series, which began with the SM1 in 1949 and included popular models like the SM2, SM3, SM4, and SM5.

• The SM7 replaced the SM5 and was produced until about 1964, marking the last of the carriage-shifted SM designs before Olympia moved to the SM8/SM9 series.

• Olympia typewriters were known for their exceptional German engineering, durability, and precision, earning a reputation as some of the best manual typewriters ever made.

Design and Features

• The SM7 is mechanically similar to the SM4, featuring a keyset tabulator, but with a more modern, angular body design.

• It was available in three main colors: white, pink, and blue. White models had turquoise shift keys and knobs, while pink and blue models had all-white keys and knob.

• The machine features spring-loaded keys, a keyset tabulator, and a correcting space bar. Some units included line space scaling for scientific and mathematical work.

• The SM7 has a squared-off case with grey and white stripes and a distinctive grid-textured finish on the front panel and, after a certain serial number, on the sides of the space bar as well.

• Serial number changes during production mark minor design tweaks, such as moving the touch selector and changing the carriage knob style.

Specs

• Manual, portable typewriter with carriage shift (not basket shift like the later SM9).

• Keyset tabulator and touch selector (location changed during production).

• Durable, all-metal construction with a responsive, light typing action

• Dimensions and weight are typical for portable typewriters of the era, making it suitable for both home and professional use.

• Produced in Western Germany, often marked as such on the body.

The Olympia SM7 is considered a classic example of mid-century German typewriter design, combining robust mechanics with a distinctive, stylish appearance.

Very similar to the SM 8 and 9, except a little more stylish. Tab set and reset keys on either side of the keyboard, like the SM9… and nice aesthetic front plate. Slightly different case design, with a smaller profile.

Most sincerely,

Steven Budden Jr.

Classic Typewriter Co.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

classictypewriter.com

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