The Groma Kolibri: A Vintage Typewriter with Flare

The slimmest typewriter ever made.

The Groma Kolibri typewriter is a marvel of mechanical ingenuity and design. This small, portable typewriter was first introduced in the 1950s, and quickly became a favored instrument of writers and poets throughout Europe. Its sleek and elegant design, coupled with its quiet efficiency, made it a beloved tool for those who wanted to capture their thoughts and ideas in a tangible form.

One of the most notable features of the Groma Kolibri typewriter is its size. Measuring just over 10 inches in length, and under 2 inches high, and weighing only a few pounds, this typewriter was eminently portable. It could be easily carried in a backpack or briefcase, making it the perfect tool for writers on the go. Its small size also made it the ideal typewriter for students or journalists working in cramped quarters.

The Groma Kolibri typewriter was also remarkably quiet. Its keys depressed with a soft, subtle click, making it the perfect instrument for writing in libraries, coffee shops, or other public places. This was no doubt one of the reasons why the Groma Kolibri typewriter was so popular among the literary set.

It features in the recent film The Lives of Others, which capitalizes on its small size: (It is smuggled underneath a cake for clandestine writing operations).

Many notable writers and poets used the Groma Kolibri typewriter in their work. Jorge Luis Borges, the celebrated Argentine author, was a particular fan of the machine. He wrote many of his most famous works on a Groma Kolibri typewriter, including "The Aleph" and "The Book of Sand." Other writers who used the Groma Kolibri typewriter include the French novelist Marguerite Duras, the German poet Günter Grass, and the British playwright Harold Pinter.

The Groma Kolibri typewriter also has a fascinating history. It was first introduced in East Germany in the early 1950s as a response to the increasing demand for portable typewriters. At the time, East Germany was behind the Iron Curtain, and the Groma Kolibri typewriter was one of the few consumer products that was available for export. It quickly became a favorite of writers and poets throughout Europe, and was soon being used by creative minds across the continent.

The design of the Groma Kolibri typewriter is also worth noting. Its sleek, minimalist design is a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. The machine is made entirely of metal, with smooth, rounded edges and elegant lines. Its keys are positioned at an angle, which makes typing more comfortable and efficient. The Groma Kolibri typewriter was also available in a variety of colors, including black, turquoise, and bright red.

In addition to its aesthetic features, the Groma Kolibri typewriter was also known for its technical innovations. It was the first typewriter to feature an automatic ribbon reversal system, which meant that the user didn't have to manually reverse the ribbon to get to the other side. This made typing faster and more efficient, and was a major selling point for the machine.

Today, the Groma Kolibri typewriter is a collector's item. While it may no longer be used for professional writing, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many writers and poets. Its elegant design, portability, and quiet efficiency continue to inspire creative minds around the world.

In conclusion, the Groma Kolibri typewriter is a marvel of mechanical ingenuity and design. Its small size, quiet efficiency, and aesthetic appeal made it a beloved tool for many notable writers and poets throughout Europe. Its history, design, and technical innovations are a testament to the creativity of its creators, and it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many today. Whether you're a writer, poet, or just appreciate beautiful design, the Groma Kolibri typewriter is a must-have for anyone who values the written word.

Design considerations:

The carriage return lever springs down, which allows this machine to fit into a lower profile case. Imagine the travesty of a slim machine requiring a bulky piece of luggage to haul it around!

The downside is that the carriage is sharp on the bottom, and invariably dings the top of the machine. You’ll see this injury as near ubiquitous, and all kinds of solutions have been attempted, including stuffing the bottom of the carriage lever with cloth or felt.

These mostly come in QWERTZ, so finding one in the QWERTY keyboard layout is sometimes challenging. Also, they often come in 10 character per inch, so if you prefer a smaller typeface, that can be hard to find.

They lack 2-tone ribbon color selectors and tabs. So that is a consideration as well, if you rely on those.

Mostly, these are stunning and practical machines. People tend to want to romanticize them for their beauty, and for good reason! Though for a typing experience, the Hermes Baby or the Olympia SF models are sometimes better suited for the ‘ultra portable’ gig. They boast a little bit better action.

I don’t have an active listing for these, because they are so rare. If you need one, contact me and I’ll let you know what I have around.