| In various research projects, it has been found that two families of portable typewriters existed in Europe; one prior to the Second World War, and one following. In each case, these families began with a root machine, and this design was either then marketed widely in Europe, or else manufactured widely in Europe. On these pages, we will briefly look at the known family members. |
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| EUROPA / OLIVER / SIM / MAS family |
| EUROPA Tilman Elster collection This is believed to be the root machine for the first family. The Europa portable was a product of Europa Schreibmaschinen in Germany; this was a predecessor of Olympia. The example seen here is an incredibly early one, with serial number 13. |
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| EUROPA Tilman Elster collection This example is later, and all-black. It is serial number 68887. This design was introduced around 1931, but disappears from the Olympia line after a while. |
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| OLIVER PORTABLES These two machines (on the left, Tilman Elster collection, serial number K26831 and on the right, Chuck Dilts / Rich Cincotta collection) are the earliest version of Oliver Portable. They are believed to have been made in Germany, by Europa. The fact that they are identical with the Europas seen above is obvious, and we are lucky to be able to show one of each in matching colors, perhaps correlating to age. This becomes interesting at this point, as the serial number records are unclear as to just what model Europa / Olympia were producing following about 1932. It is also true that the Oliver serial numbers run continuously up until the Second World War. Whatever happened here, it seems clear that the design was transferred to Italy, and placed in production there; this may be the source of mid-1930's Oliver portables. |
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| NOVALEVI Tilman Elster collection For the purpose of research, we will present the machines not in alphabetical order, but rather in order of serial number, even though it cannot be confirmed that only one company built the machines, and cannot be confirmed when or if serial numbers started over. This Novalevi is clearly labeled as "Made it Italy" (in Italian, of course) and is serial number 89571. |
| MONTANA Tilman Elster collection In the same body as the Novalevi and many others, which is not like the original Europa body but is not the largest body used for this family. Note the 'shoulder' along the side, and the panels on the front as some distinguishable visual styling features. Serial number 95775. |
| ASTORIA Tilman Elster collection This machine is in the largest-looking body, although it really is just better concealed with a larger structure on the top, similar to many later portables. Serial number 114101. |
| GUIDONIA Tilman Elster collection This machine has a label on the front indicating that it was sold in Rome, and looks much like the first non-Europa/Oliver variant. Note that in some machines a plate is used to cover the ribbon vibrator, while in others none is present. Serial number 127759. |
| S.I.M. Mod. 6 Tilman Elster collection The "S.I.M." brand is thought to be original; this is the label most often found on variants of this line. This Model 6 is serial number 128460. This machine is dated to about 1938. |
| OLIVER PORTABLE Tilman Elster collection Here is the same machine again, carrying labeling obviously that of the British Oliver Typewriter Manufacturing Co. of England. Serial 135852. |
| MAS Tilman Elster collection The MAS label is also often seen on this style of machine. Note the elimination of the raised panel visual effects on the front of the machine above the keyboard. Serial 139666. |
| S.I.M. 40 Tilman Elster collection This machine is in a variant of the large body seen earlier on the Astoria. However, note that the top is much more open, giving this machine a passing resemblance to early Royal portables. Serial 164195, which incredibly is thought to be about 1944. Note the simple paint finish applied, lending credence to this supposition. |
| AVGVSTA (AUGUSTA) Tilman Elster collection The front label is spelled with ancient Roman styling, which is why we have given both the original and translated versions in the heading here. The label actually says "AVGVSTA MONACO." Serial number 198431. Note that this machine has a body style exactly like that of the Europa portables seen first. |
| SIMTYPE Tilman Elster collection This SIMTYPE name includes a play on the "S.I.M." initials, and is serial number 200262. |
| It is obvious with the many changes in body, in paint and in name, that the whole story is not clear, and is probably not told by the progression of machines seen above. Much more work needs to be done along this line. The later family of European portables is much more well-known, and can be seen on the following page by clicking here. |