RESTORED VINTAGE OLIVER NO. 5 ANTIQUE TYPEWRITER

Made in Chicago, 1908 it is in excellent condition.

This Oliver is ready to go to work in your office. 

Built in early 1908 in Chicago, the Oliver Typewriter Company produced this fine machine.

This Oliver is in very fine condition SER. NO. 275336.

 It has just been professionally cleaned and lubricated. The carriage has been completely disassembled and the rollers have been recovered as well as new rubber on the platen.-VERY SMOOTH.  The carriage bearings have been cleaned and inspected. The type bars have been cleaned of all dried ink and crud. Any adjustments that were needed were done as well to ensure it types as it should and everything works. The original carriage return strap has been replaced with a stainless cable so it will last a very long time.  The Rubber feet were replaced and there is a new ribbon installed as well. Ribbons are readily available for this model; so do not worry that you will not be able to buy replacements I always have some available if the winning bidder is interested in purchasing some extras.

It has a few wear marks in the paint from use but other wise it is in excellent + condition. This machine will last another century if properly maintained Oliver’s were built to last and they do, I use one everyday, it is very handy to have a manual typewriter they can do things that computer printers and inkjets cannot. 

This Number 5 is a fine machine, and an early model, the number 5 is my favorite out of all the Oliver models.  It has a very nice patina to it that really gives this machine its charm. This machine was well cared for, lubricated and properly stored for many years (it shows in the condition and function of the machine, it is tight mechanically with very little corrosion). It types perfectly just like an Oliver should. This one is good for a collection You could type with it and use it but it is more suited to the collector as it is in such nice condition and a rare example of an early No. 5, no Oliver collection is complete without an early No. 5

It is a thrill to watch the type bars swing down and type and should give you many good years of service. Or you could just look at it, as it is a great conversation piece; you can enjoy demonstrating it to visitors, customers or students who always express a lot of surprise that an object as ordinary as a typewriter can be really cool. This machine will be the centerpiece of your collection with its classic style and interesting history. The best thing about it is: everything works, and it types just like it did 101 years ago when it was built in Chicago. This machine is a truly unique find and one you will always treasure and be able to use.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

I have restored hundreds of Oliver’s of all types if you have any parts for sale, need parts, interested in a trade in or in need of routine maintenance feel free to contact me.

One common question I get is why is it so important to replace the platen and rollers?  If the platen is hard, gray in color or cracked you could ruin the typefaces, there is a lot of mechanical advantage built into these machines a light push of the keys puts a healthy whack on the paper (it takes some practice to use a manual typewriter) and the rollers make everything roll smooth. If the rollers are hard or have flat spots the paper will move around on you as you type – not good.

Oliver tips:

   1. Always keep your machine covered dust is your enemy with any manual typewriter.

   2. Use 24# bond paper when typing, a little bit thicker paper does better with any Oliver.

   3. If your Oliver has a hard, blue - gray looking or cracked platen don’t type with it and ruin the typefaces.

   4. When not typing with your machine leave the roller disconnect lever forward (towards you) to keep the rollers and platen from getting flat spots.

    5. Take care of your Oliver and it will take care of you. I have many customers that refuse to use any other manual machine, after typing with one of my restored Oliver’s, these have a very loyal following if you use one it will spoil you.