Hispano-Olivetti M40 Antique Typewriter. Spain, 1940's

Antique Hispano-Olivetti M40 typewriter made in Barcelona, Spain in the 1940s. The typewriter is in good condition and works really fine. The enameled finish that protects the iron body shows some signs of the trace of time and use that do not interfere at all in the machines good performance. Otherwise all the mobile component parts and pieces work fluidly and softly: every lover of antique typewriters will love to use it. The Hispano-Olivetti name is printed on top of the carriage and can also be seen in the plate located to the left of the keyboard. The typewriter mounts Spanish keyboard with the Ñ letter and the word MAYÚSCULAS (capital letters) in the shift key. It is composed of circular keys with black background and ochre-colored symbols, reinforced by the typical nickel-plated ring. The space bar is made of black-painted wood. The machine boasts a sturdy and fine design, with the classic side and rear openings that let us see the inner mechanism and make the piece lighter. To the right of the keyboard there is another plate with the typewriter model printed on it: M40. At the back f the machine we can see an inscription in golden lettering that reads FABRICADA EN ESPAÑA (made in Spain). As good looking as functional, this antique Hispano-Olivetti typewriter is a real classic among the office machines made in the first half of the 20th century.Olivetti Typewriters History The famous Olivetti typewriter was born when Camillo Olivetti founded the Ing. C. Olivetti & C.S.p.A. in Ivrea, Italy, in 1908. The factory occupied a space of 500 square meters and employed a sum of 15 workers, and was able to produce an average of 20 typewriters a week. The first model launched was the M1 which was introduced in the Universal Exposition that took place in Torino in 1911. From then on the company grew rapidly and started to diversify its offer, opening branches in different places all around the world. In the following years Olivetti also manufactured calculators, printers, computers, etc., as well as office furniture and equipment. The company settled in Barcelona, Spain in 1929 under the name Hispano Olivetti.