Olivetti, M20 - Typewriter - 1920-1930

Olivetti M20 Typewriter (1920)
Width: 41 cm
Depth (length): 41 cm
Height: 27 cm
Weight: 17 kg
Materials: cast iron, steel, rubber, ebonite, wood

Designed by Camillo Olivetti together with Olivetti’s general manager Domenico Burzio to replace the M1 model, the M20 went into production in 1920. That year it was presented at the Brussels International Fair.

The Olivetti M20, derived from the predecessor M1, is a mechanical typewriter with 43 keys, corresponding to 86 characters.

It has a supporting frame with a cover sheet of metal. It measures 41 cm in length, 41 cm in depth, and 27 cm in height, and weighs 17 kg.

The M20 features several novelties, such as the carriage that slides on a fixed guide.

The keyboard is of the QWERTY type, as is customary for Italian machines (apart from modern computer keyboards). In addition to the typewriter keys, the keyboard includes a space bar, two shift keys, a fixed-shift key, a return key, and a tab key.

One notable omission in the set of typewriter keys is the absence of the key for the number 1, which is obtained by using the lowercase l (ell) or the uppercase I; likewise there is no zero, which is obtained by pressing the uppercase O. Although this might seem strange today, it was quite common on old typewriters. Also missing are the keys for accented uppercase vowels used in Italian writing.

aesthetically similar to the M1, but internally different mechanical solutions were adopted.

The M20 replaced the M1 from 1920 and was sold until 1933.

Three features differentiate it from the M1: the reduction of the number of parts composing the writing transmission group; the movement of the carriage, which now slides on bearings; and the movable shuttle lever group.

From 1929, an M20 was produced by the industrial subsidiary S. A. Hispano Olivetti.

Toward the mid-1930s some M20s were recolored for shipment to Italian colonial territories.

The early versions (with serial numbers up to 26/38100) feature brass platen knobs, while later ones (serials from 38101) have black resin knobs. An economical version without wooden base but with rubber feet was produced, and in total about 81,000 units were manufactured.

Toward the end of the 1920s a practice keyboard for typing exercises derived from the M20 keyboard was produced.

The typewriter with serial number 5935 is in rough condition, not functioning and needs servicing and restoration, as shown in the photo which should be carefully observed for a proper assessment.