Typewriter Talk / Mechanical calculators

**Posted by Beachycove** 15-2-2022 08:18:49

I am interested to see how clearly Sigvard Bernadotte’s elegant design language for FACIT typewriters is reflected in the FACIT mechanical calculator for which FACIT was probably better known, e.g., the C1-13 calculator that I have my eye on on eBay presently (I have wanted one of these to play with for a while now). The machines are siblings, with styling changes from the curves of c.1957 to the more angular look that made its appearance c.1964.

Does anyone have a matching set, or indeed, matching sets from other manufacturers like Olivetti, where there was a similarly striking design language in evidence during these years?

**Posted by Maschinengeschrieben** 15-2-2022 16:45:23

**Posted by Uwe** 15-2-2022 16:56:26

Beautiful. I've never come across any Olympia adding machines locally, which explains why I don't own one... I certainly wouldn't be able to pass on buying one given the continuity in design - and near identical platen knob.

**Posted by Beachycove** 15-2-2022 18:29:09

Well that didn’t work…. How does one post a photo on this board?!

**Posted by Beachycove** 15-2-2022 18:30:58

One more try: http://www.crisvandevel.de/images/IMG_7869.JPG

**Posted by Maschinengeschrieben** 15-2-2022 19:27:46

Uwe wrote:
Beautiful. I've never come across any Olympia adding machines locally, which explains why I don't own one... I certainly wouldn't be able to pass on buying one given the continuity in design - and near identical platen knob.

I wanted to get one of those plastic bodied black&white electric machines from the 70s to fit with my Report Deluxe, but I ran out of space on my desk. Even these "smaller" models are still quite huge. Unlike typewriters these old calculators really are purely collectors items & I cant justify sacrificing the space to store them. Very cool tho.

**Posted by Pete E.** 15-2-2022 19:38:33

Gerd, that is such a lovely calculating machine. Congratulations !

**Posted by Pete E.** 15-2-2022 19:41:30

Found this web site with lots of info. and more photo of Olympia machines :

http://www.johnwolff.id.au/calculators/Olympia/Olympia.htm

**Posted by Uwe** 16-2-2022 12:25:34

Maschinengeschrieben wrote:
... Unlike typewriters these old calculators really are purely collectors items & I cant justify sacrificing the space to store them. ...

That would be my philosophy too, a really nice one to compliment a favorite typewriter - purely a one-and-done purchase. Well, you certainly picked out a nice one for sole example. I came close to buying a Remington adder that closely matched its portable models of the period, but in the end I decided the cost was too high for a display-only item. With everything opening up again, I'm looking forward to this season's antique markets.

**Posted by Uwe** 16-2-2022 12:26:23

Beachycove wrote:
Well that didn’t work…. How does one post a photo on this board?!

Typewriter Talk FAQ - PLEASE READ THIS FIRST!

(Note: I deleted the first attempt with the broken links, and couldn't fix the second so it would visible here because it's likely that website has disabled hotlinking)