Vintage Olivetti Lettera 22 Typewriter – Made in Canada

Overview

The Olivetti Lettera 22 Typewriter is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and functional objects of the 20th century. Designed by Marcello Nizzoli in 1950, this iconic portable typewriter is a permanent resident in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This particular specimen is finished in a classic mid-century seafoam green and carries the rare distinction of being Made in Canada.

History & Design Excellence

Launched as the successor to the MP1, the Lettera 22 revolutionized the concept of the “portable” typewriter. Its low profile—standing only about 3 inches tall—was achieved by nesting the mechanical components into a sleek, die-cast aluminum chassis.

• The Canadian Connection: While Olivetti is an Italian powerhouse, they maintained a significant manufacturing presence in Toronto, Canada, to supply the North American market. Canadian-made Olivettis are prized for their high build quality and often feature subtle regional variations in their internal stampings.

• A Writer’s Icon: The Lettera 22 was the preferred tool for legendary writers and journalists, including Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, and Thomas Pynchon, who valued its reliability and “snappy” tactile feedback.

• Award-Winning Pedigree: In 1954, the Illinois Institute of Technology named the Lettera 22 the “Best Design of the Last 100 Years.”

Collector’s Note

This is a “working” piece of art. Whether you are a dedicated typist or a collector of mid-century modern design, this Canadian-made Lettera 22 offers a tactile connection to a golden era of mechanical engineering. It represents a time when office equipment was expected to be as beautiful as it was functional.