First introduced in 1950 and designed by Italian architect and industrial designer Marcello Nizzoli, the Olivetti Lettera 22 occupies a distinguished place in the history of modern design. Compact, robust, and elegantly constructed, it was conceived as a portable typewriter for professionals, students, and writers who required both reliability and mobility.
Produced by Olivetti, a company renowned not only for its technical innovation but also for its commitment to aesthetic and cultural values, the Lettera 22 reflects a unique convergence of form and function. Weighing just under 4 kilograms and measuring approximately 28cm x 28cm x 7cm, the machine was remarkably portable for its time—well suited to a postwar generation increasingly on the move.
In 1954, the Lettera 22 was awarded the prestigious Compasso d’Oro for design excellence, and today it is held in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Its low-profile silhouette, curved lines, and precisely engineered mechanics represent a high point in mid-century industrial design.
Not merely a collectible, the Lettera 22 remains a fully functional writing instrument. Its mechanical action is crisp and dependable, with a clear, even typeface that lends itself to both practical and creative use. Each unit was manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, with production spanning several factories in Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
The typewriter is in excellent condition and has been professionally cleaned, adjusted and serviced.
The original Olivetti carry case is in excellent condition with minor age-related wear.
The original Olivetti cleaning kit, dust cover and manual also come with the typewriter and a new ribbon.
