Marcello Nizzoli - Lettera 22 - Olivetti - Winner of the Compasso d'Oro Prize in 1954 and exhibited at MoMA in New York. - Typewriter - 1950-1960

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€ 29
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€29
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€24
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€19

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Olivetti Lettera 22, designed by Marcello Nizzoli and manufactured by Olivetti, dating to 1950–1960, in aluminium and steel with dimensions 32 cm wide by 30 cm deep and 9 cm high, a working Obra in good used condition with age-related marks, winner of the Compasso d'Oro in 1954 and exhibited at MoMA in New York.

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Description from the seller

Are you looking for a piece of history that combines elegance, culture, and Italian ingenuity?
Put a timeless icon on your desk.

This is not just a typewriter, but a work of art celebrated worldwide. Designed in 1950 by design genius Marcello Nizzoli (for aesthetic lines) and engineer Giuseppe Beccio, the Lettera 22 revolutionized the concept of portable writing.
• Winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award in 1954.
• Chosen by the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1959 as the best design product of the last 100 years.
• Permanently exhibited at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York.

This particular unit presents itself in its splendid, sober matte beige/olive gray coloration, a vintage, sophisticated, and highly sought-after shade that differs from the more common blue versions. The paint has the characteristic original anti-reflective, dimpled finish of the era. In contrast, the iconic red tab key stands out, a true signature and chromatic touch of class.

Writing on this machine means following in the footsteps of the greatest intellectuals of the twentieth century. It was the inseparable companion of legendary journalists and writers such as:
• Indro Montanelli, who never parted from it throughout his career.
• Pier Paolo Pasolini and Enzo Biagi.
• International greats like Ernest Hemingway and Sylvia Plath.

Ideal for discerning collectors, modernist enthusiasts, nostalgic journalists, or as an exclusive decorative piece for stylish offices and homes.

Seller's Story

Welcome to our Catawiki store. Our journey in online sales began back in 2004, driven by a clear vision: creating online auctions dedicated to high-value objects. Today, more than twenty years later, we carry forward that exact same vision. We are proud to have remained a small, family-run business, yet operating with the solidity and scale of major industry professionals: each year, we welcome more than 100 new clients, purchase over 150 lots, and select between 3,000 and 5,000 unique items to offer you. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from the initial find to the final delivery to your doorstep: • A Purchase with Social Value: Buying from us means securing a great deal while actively supporting the future of young Italian students. We collaborate closely with 3 graphic design and advertising schools in Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco. We invest our time and expertise to teach these students the secrets of online sales, professional photography, and marketing. By choosing us, you are tangibly contributing to their education and career paths. • Field Research and Discovery: For years, we have been personally scouting the most remote locations across Lombardy to find unique pieces, rarities, oddities, and mid-century modern design. • We Invest Our Own Capital: We do not sell on consignment. We invest our own capital upfront to purchase and restore every single item, taking on all the risks ourselves. • Direct Dealings with No Intermediaries: We manage every single price personally. This allows us to eliminate third-party costs and ensure you get the best possible profit margin as a buyer or collector. • Meticulous Restoration and Quality Control: We get our hands dirty. Every item is carefully restored and verified with an obsessive eye for detail before going up for auction. • Secure and Eco-Friendly Shipping: To prevent inflated shipping costs and ensure indestructible packaging, my wife and I head out almost every evening, often at unusual hours, to collect heavy-duty industrial cardboard from businesses in our neighborhood. We hand-select only pre-evaluated, ultra-resistant materials to offer you maximum protection at the lowest possible cost. Choosing our lots means relying on the historic expertise of a family that has lived this passion since 2004, while investing in the next generation. Our schools and students thank you deeply for your trust. Happy bidding!
Translated by Google Translate

Are you looking for a piece of history that combines elegance, culture, and Italian ingenuity?
Put a timeless icon on your desk.

This is not just a typewriter, but a work of art celebrated worldwide. Designed in 1950 by design genius Marcello Nizzoli (for aesthetic lines) and engineer Giuseppe Beccio, the Lettera 22 revolutionized the concept of portable writing.
• Winner of the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award in 1954.
• Chosen by the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1959 as the best design product of the last 100 years.
• Permanently exhibited at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York.

This particular unit presents itself in its splendid, sober matte beige/olive gray coloration, a vintage, sophisticated, and highly sought-after shade that differs from the more common blue versions. The paint has the characteristic original anti-reflective, dimpled finish of the era. In contrast, the iconic red tab key stands out, a true signature and chromatic touch of class.

Writing on this machine means following in the footsteps of the greatest intellectuals of the twentieth century. It was the inseparable companion of legendary journalists and writers such as:
• Indro Montanelli, who never parted from it throughout his career.
• Pier Paolo Pasolini and Enzo Biagi.
• International greats like Ernest Hemingway and Sylvia Plath.

Ideal for discerning collectors, modernist enthusiasts, nostalgic journalists, or as an exclusive decorative piece for stylish offices and homes.

Seller's Story

Welcome to our Catawiki store. Our journey in online sales began back in 2004, driven by a clear vision: creating online auctions dedicated to high-value objects. Today, more than twenty years later, we carry forward that exact same vision. We are proud to have remained a small, family-run business, yet operating with the solidity and scale of major industry professionals: each year, we welcome more than 100 new clients, purchase over 150 lots, and select between 3,000 and 5,000 unique items to offer you. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from the initial find to the final delivery to your doorstep: • A Purchase with Social Value: Buying from us means securing a great deal while actively supporting the future of young Italian students. We collaborate closely with 3 graphic design and advertising schools in Milan, Bergamo, and Lecco. We invest our time and expertise to teach these students the secrets of online sales, professional photography, and marketing. By choosing us, you are tangibly contributing to their education and career paths. • Field Research and Discovery: For years, we have been personally scouting the most remote locations across Lombardy to find unique pieces, rarities, oddities, and mid-century modern design. • We Invest Our Own Capital: We do not sell on consignment. We invest our own capital upfront to purchase and restore every single item, taking on all the risks ourselves. • Direct Dealings with No Intermediaries: We manage every single price personally. This allows us to eliminate third-party costs and ensure you get the best possible profit margin as a buyer or collector. • Meticulous Restoration and Quality Control: We get our hands dirty. Every item is carefully restored and verified with an obsessive eye for detail before going up for auction. • Secure and Eco-Friendly Shipping: To prevent inflated shipping costs and ensure indestructible packaging, my wife and I head out almost every evening, often at unusual hours, to collect heavy-duty industrial cardboard from businesses in our neighborhood. We hand-select only pre-evaluated, ultra-resistant materials to offer you maximum protection at the lowest possible cost. Choosing our lots means relying on the historic expertise of a family that has lived this passion since 2004, while investing in the next generation. Our schools and students thank you deeply for your trust. Happy bidding!
Translated by Google Translate

Details

Era
1900-2000
Material
Aluminium, Steel
Designer/artist/maker
Marcello Nizzoli - Lettera 22
Model
Winner of the Compasso d'Oro Prize in 1954 and exhibited at MoMA in New York.
Manufacturer/ Brand
Olivetti
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
9 cm
Width
32 cm
Depth
30 cm
In Working Order
Yes
Estimated period
1950-1960
ItalyVerified
9080
Objects sold
88.26%
pro

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