This is a beautiful Olympia SM3 Deluxe which was made in Western Germany in 1956 by Olympia Werke AG Wilhelmshaven (serial no. 864847).

The SM3 is another one of our favorite portables mainly because of the amount of quality put into this piece of German workmanship. They are known for their fine build quality and dependability. This typewriter is extremely solid and well-made, and is ideal for heavy and frequent typing. Everything is in near-mint shape on this machine, from the smooth olive green matte paint finish to the sparkling chrome and chocolate keys.

The link between writer and typewriter is often an intimate one, and well-known users include Ryan Adams, Harlan Ellison, Frank Herbert, and Woody Allen.

This machine uses universal ribbons with a color selector. Overall, the SM3 is a great workhorse that is will not disappoint. The carrying case is in great shape, and really displays the space-age era that this typewriter lived through.

The Olympia SM3 is a reliable workhorse, from a solid body construction to keys that provide good response and feedback. The shift mechanism lifts the entire carriage, and seems to swing up on its own momentum. It produces consistently bright type across the alphabet. It has spring loaded keys, which may explain why it produces such consistent results. Part of the key strike is done by the machine, for a satisfying feeling of productivity.

Margin settings are quite easy with an adjustable slider. Just a simple squeeze and slide. The tab stops on the DeLuxe model are on the back of the carriage.

The key tops feel rounded and slick. They have just the right amount of concave to them, which makes a nice fit for your fingers, giving you an ergonomic efficiency.

The carriage return lever has a nice contour to it, so a variety of hands can find the sweet spot. The carriage returns easily and advances the paper with precision. Each line is consistently spaced with the previous one. The margin bell makes a nice bright sound.

When storing the SM3, there's two slots on the rear of the typewriter that fit into corresponding tabs inside the case. The unit is then locked into place with a forward mechanism. There's a carriage lock on the upper left of the keyboard for added protection. When all is locked and set, you get a good secure feeling knowing your typewriter is safe for travel or storage. The space age shell of a case for the DeLuxe model reminds you of the rocket age when these were first introduced.

Overall, typing is a real pleasure with this typewriter. It makes you want to type and type and type. If you're looking for a high-end novel writer to write heavily and frequently with, then this is an excellent option!