Friday, March 20 So Not an iPhone: Olivetti Valentine Typewriter
;)
I’ve wanted one of these classics, designed by Ettore Sottsass and Perry King in the late 60’s, since I was in design school 20 years ago. By chance I found one on Craigs List the other day for a great price locally. There’s a lot that can go wrong with them, so I’ve been wary about buying them on eBay, where they come up quite frequently (though usually for much more).
This one is a Valentine S, and it’s in pretty good shape. The rubber straps that attach the case are in OK shape, these are a common failure point as the rubber dries out, cracks and breaks. The case is a little scuffed up, and the top of the typewriter itself is a bit scratched from going in/out of the case. Otherwise it’s cosmetically pretty decent. It doesn’t work right now, I’d have to get it serviced, but I’m not planning on doing any actual typing…
I will scan the instruction manual also, as it’s very cute.
design classic, ettore sottsass, iphone, italian design, olivetti, valentine typewriter | IN CATEGORIES... Design, Photos 
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Reader Comments (7)
Good machine.
Congratulations.
Congrats on your baby!
I, too will be receiving mine in a few days.
Would you, could you please post a copy of the instruction manual? It is a clever design, by the way. :) If you could, please send a scan or copy my way via my email? Thanks so much! My email is: ritualsart@aol.com.
Take lots of care.
Warmly,
Gigi :)
If you don't mind my askingHow much did it cost you on Craiglist?
I just bought a Valentine for my girlfriend for xmas, it works great, but we'd love a copy of the manual. Can you e-mail me if you have a scanned copy?
Hi Adam,
Did you ever scan the instruction manual? I've been searching online and have been unable to find one. If you have scanned it, I'd appreciate it if you could send it my way: tocalino@gmail.com
Thanks!
Rob
If you did scan in a copy of the manual i would love a copy...
Could you please send me a copy?
han1811@hotmail.com
thanks
Hannah
I too have an Olivetti Valentine and it brings back great memoriies. My father had a business machine store for thirty years beginning in the mid 60's. When this typewriter came out, he brought it home for me. I was ten at the time and still have it. It is in excellent condition. In the past year I showed our ten year old grandson and he was quite intrigued. He liked the electric Smith Corona better.
We also used to have a life size cut out in the store of Joe Namath; when he was an Olivetti girl.