Order your machine today, and I’ll send out a beautiful specimen of this model in a few weeks. Though you will not receive the exact machine shown in these pictures, you will get a beautifully working typewriter in similar (or better) condition.

There could be slight variations. The typeface will be either 12cpi or 10 cpi (10 or 12 pt font, or thereabouts).

The Olivetti Studio 44 is a mid-century Italian typewriter renowned for its solid construction, elegant design, and smooth typing experience. Introduced in 1952 and produced until the early 1960s, it was positioned as a high-end portable model, bridging the gap between smaller, travel-friendly machines and full-sized office typewriters. Though heavier than ultra-portable models, the Studio 44 became a favorite among professional writers, journalists, and intellectuals who valued both durability and aesthetics.

Historical Background

Olivetti, an Italian company founded in 1908, was at the forefront of typewriter innovation throughout the 20th century. By the 1950s, Olivetti had gained international acclaim for its machines, thanks to cutting-edge industrial design and meticulous engineering. The Studio 44 was designed by Marcello Nizzoli, the same designer behind the famous Lettera 22 and Lexikon 80 models.

During its production run, the Studio 44 became a trusted tool for many writers and creatives who needed a reliable, full-featured machine. It was larger than the Lettera series but smaller than standard office typewriters, making it a unique blend of portability and stability.

Design & Build

• Manufacturer: Olivetti (Italy)

• Model: Studio 44

• Years of Production: 1952 – early 1960s

• Type: Portable, though relatively large and heavy for this category

• Designer: Marcello Nizzoli

• Construction: Cast aluminum body with metal internal mechanics

• Weight: Approx. 19.4 lbs (8.8 kg)

• Size: Larger than most portables but more compact than standard office machines

• Color Options: Typically found in muted tones like light gray, blue-gray, and greenish-gray

• Aesthetic: Classic mid-century Italian industrial design—sleek yet highly functional

Typing & Mechanical Features

• Key Action: Smooth and responsive, providing a firm and satisfying feel

• Typebars: Well-engineered with a relatively light touch for a typewriter of this size

• Platen: Standard rubber, with manual adjustment knobs for precision

• Ribbon Mechanism: Uses a two-color ribbon system (typically black and red)

• Carriage Return: Lever-operated, smooth, and efficient

• Typing Speed: Faster than many earlier portables due to refined mechanics

• Segment Shift: Unlike heavier basket-shift machines, the Studio 44 has a segment shift, making capitalization and special character typing easier and less physically demanding

Notable Features

• Full-size Keyboard: Well-spaced, comfortable keys with deep key travel

• Margin Release & Tabulator: Allows for more flexible formatting

• Paper Support Arms: Helps hold longer sheets in place

• Platen Knobs: Both sides have platen knobs for easy paper alignment

• Ribbon Selector: Lets users switch between two ink colors or stencil mode

• Carriage Lock: Useful for transport and storage

Case & Portability

Though technically a portable typewriter, the Olivetti Studio 44 is heavier than most portables at 19.4 lbs (8.8 kg). However, it comes with a sturdy carrying case designed for protection and transport.

• Case Material: Rigid, often with a leatherette or textured finish

• Latches: Typically metal with a secure locking mechanism

• Handle: Designed for comfort but best suited for short-distance carrying

• Dimensions with Case: Approx. 16” x 14” x 6” (40 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm)

The case provides protection but does not make it an easy travel typewriter compared to smaller models like the Olivetti Lettera 22. It was ideal for those who needed a semi-portable workhorse, moving it between locations rather than carrying it daily.

Famous Writers Who Used the Olivetti Studio 44

Several well-known writers and creatives used the Olivetti Studio 44, appreciating its reliability and smooth typing experience:

• Tennessee Williams – The famous playwright behind A Streetcar Named Desire and The Glass Menagerie was known to use an Olivetti Studio 44 for drafting his works.

• Leonard Cohen – The celebrated poet, novelist, and singer-songwriter used a Studio 44, particularly during his early years as a writer.

• Patricia Highsmith – The acclaimed mystery and psychological thriller writer (The Talented Mr. Ripley) was known to use an Olivetti, with the Studio 44 being one of her possible models.

Final Verdict

The Olivetti Studio 44 is an outstanding choice for writers who prefer a sturdy, full-featured typewriter with a smooth and effortless typing experience. While it is heavier than ultra-portable models, its solid construction, timeless design, and ease of use make it a beloved classic.

If you’re looking for a reliable typewriter with a touch of Italian craftsmanship, the Studio 44 remains a fantastic choice, particularly for those who do serious, long-form writing.

Would you like help finding one, restoring one, or learning more about its care?

BUY with CONFIDENCE...

THE CLASSIC TYPEWRITER PROCESS

Working Guarantee

(Or: How dare we guarantee a 50 or 60 year old machine?)

Each machine is carefully screened for quality and reliability.

Each machine passes a rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

Each machine is cleaned, serviced, and adjusted so that it functions as it was designed to.

Each machine is THOROUGHLY tested by a writer. (Usually people who say a typewriter ‘works’ haven’t tested most of its most important features. Sometimes the type bars move but are misaligned; sometimes the carriage won’t advance; sometimes lesser-used keys stick; sometimes whole pieces are missing, etc). If it is found to need work, we have technicians with 40 years of experience.

If it is found to be acceptable…

Each machine is described in vivid detail and carefully photographed from every angle in high resolution so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Each machine is cleaned and carefully packaged for safe shipment (believe it or not, improper shipping is the MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DAMAGE for a vintage typewriter).

The Classic Typewriter LIFETIME Trade-In Policy

If at any reason you decide that you are done with the machine you got from us, you can trade it in for the full value, minus shipping and, if there is any, wear and tear. You pay the difference and we will send your next dream machine.

Classic Typewriter Promises.

What you'll get:

A beautiful writing machine to inspire decades of writing enjoyment. Serviced, lubricated, and ready to use.

I want to imagine that opening the box is like opening the curtain on a warm spring day: a glow of delight fills you.

Imagine the box with the 'Classic Typewriter' imprint delivered to your door.

Features:

• Each machine passes our rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

• The machine comes with our 'famous Classic Typewriter Guarantee'.

  (It will be working on arrival, or we will remedy the situation).

• A Lifetime Trade In Policy.

  (Trade it in for the value you paid toward another machine as long as we're in business).

• A copy of the original manual.

  (Original if we have it, or a digital copy).

• Safe, eco-friendly packaging. (Double-walled 250 lbs pound tested box, secured carriage).

  (We've shipped over 500 machines with very few problems).

• A new ribbon, on vintage spools.

• Machine support. (We realize that it may be intimidating to embrace an older technology, so you'll have support where needed).

• A digital guide to using your new (vintage) machine and replacing supplies.

• Refurbished, original platen.

  (We resurface the outer layer, to create a beautiful surface for the type slugs. This is preferable to 'new' platens in many cases for a few reasons).

• New feet or rollers as needed.

We source the best condition machine available, serviced by skilled technicians and ready to write.

***

FAQ

When will I get my machine?

We ship your writing machine in 2-3 weeks, via UPS ground. (To the US. International shipping requires a few days more, USPS International services).

What takes that long?

We sell machines by model, so it takes take a machine out of inventory that matches your specs, and inspect, clean, and service it.

Can I just find a used machine somewhere instead?

Of course! We encourage you to explore the world. However, it won't quite work right. this is the nature of a machine sitting for decades.

If you need to get to writing, and spare yourself many nights of research and tinkering, we have the solution.

What about 'refurbished' machines on other vintage sites?

Usually, they are just cleaned up slightly and shipped out. They don't usually work 100% (more like 80%). This is because most people have never used a writing machine, so they don't know how it is supposed to work! They see an opportunity to buy a vintage machine and 'flip it', however... you get what you pay for, as the old adage goes!

Why do you charge X?

Excellent question!

Priceless heirloom, endless inspiration, the stuff of dreams. Warranties, guarantees, tradein policy. Just a beautiful writing machine without the headache.

You’ll pass it to your children or into the annals of history.

Ask yourself what this will bring you, and what you could create with it, and you’ll have answered your question.