Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
In 1893, the Oliver No. 1 machines were initially being built by inventor Thomas Oliver in the upstairs of his residence in Epworth, Iowa, a building that later became the People’s bakery. The bases of the machines were cast by the Adams foundry while other parts were furnished by more local industries. Thomas Oliver's first machines were sold to his ministerial friends.
In 1894, to increase production, a two-story brick factory building was constructed by Zephaniah Kidder (1822-1897) just north of the IC railroad tracks in Epworth on Center Avenue. The Oliver No. 1 was manufactured here until January 1896, when the company relocated to Woodstock, Illinois to begin production of the No. 2. It is believed the first 100 or so Oliver No. 1 machines made at the Epworth factory had flaws, and the company nearly went broke making things right for the customers.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
The Oliver Nos. 3 and 4 have casting letters on the underside of the frame. It appears the order each casting was introduced for the No. 3 is D, C, F, G, D (updated), and B. Note that multiple casting were used at once so there is some overlap. The Oliver No. 4 started with E and then went to A.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
The Oliver No. 9 is by far the most common Oliver model.
Some Oliver No. 9 machines have a variant keyboard with the keys staggered differently. Traditionally, from left to right, the keys protrude from the top row, the bottom row, and then the middle row. The alternate keyboard staggers in order from the top row, the middle row, and then the bottom row. Some of the symbols and other characters were rearranged on the alternate keyboard. The alternate keyboard features a key with a period in all three positions (regular, CAP, and FIG). This means the typist does not have to shift for a period as they do using the standard Oliver keyboard. This alternate keyboard is also found on some Oliver No. 11 machines.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
Fabrik Stolzenberg, Deutsche Einrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. (Stolzenberg Factory, German Furnishing Company LLC) was the primary distributor of Oliver typewriters in Germany, owned by Gustav Mez. The company was based in Oos, Baden-Baden, with subsidiaries in Berlin (originally at Charlottenstr. 23), Cologne (Grosser Burstah 51), and Hamburg (Friesenplatz No. 9). Oliver models 2 through 4 included "Stolzenberg" in the name while models 5 through 8 were branded as "Oliver Schreibmaschinen Ges. m.b.H. Berlin SW. 68, Markgrafenstr. 92-93". This was also the address for Mercedes Büromaschinen GmbH, which was founded by Gustav Metz after the success Fabrik Stolzenberg had distributing Oliver typewriters. Advertisements also listed "Berlin SW. 68 u, Markgrafenstr. 76" as a Fabrik Stolzenberg address.
Aside from the decals, an identifier of Fabrik Stolzenberg Olivers is the white margin release keys. Standard U.S. machines have black margin release keys.
Fabrik Stolzenberg, Deutsche Einrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. (Stolzenberg Factory, German Furnishing Company LLC) was the primary distributor of Oliver typewriters in Germany, owned by Gustav Mez. The company was based in Oos, Baden-Baden, with subsidiaries in Berlin (originally at Charlottenstr. 23), Cologne (Grosser Burstah 51), and Hamburg (Friesenplatz No. 9). Oliver models 2 through 4 included "Stolzenberg" in the name while models 5 through 8 were branded as "Oliver Schreibmaschinen Ges. m.b.H. Berlin SW. 68, Markgrafenstr. 92-93" (some say "Oliver Büromaschinen Ges."). This was also the address for Mercedes Büromaschinen GmbH, which was founded by Gustav Metz after the success Fabrik Stolzenberg had distributing Oliver typewriters. Advertisements also listed "Berlin SW. 68 u, Markgrafenstr. 76" as a Fabrik Stolzenberg address.
Aside from the decals, an identifier of Fabrik Stolzenberg Olivers is the white margin release keys. Standard U.S. machines have black margin release keys.
Fabrik Stolzenberg sold the Oliver No. 2 as the Oliver Monopol-Stolzenberg. This name initially carried over to the Oliver No. 3. Sometime between serial numbers 55756 and 89075, the "Monopol" was dropped and the Oliver 3 machines were branded as "Stolzenberg". Once the Oliver No. 4 was introduced 1904, Fabrik Stolzenberg sold it as the Oliver Stolzenberg No. 4.
Fabrik Stolzenberg, Deutsche Einrichtungsgesellschaft m.b.H. (Stolzenberg Factory, German Furnishing Company LLC) was the primary distributor of Oliver typewriters in Germany, owned by Gustav Mez. The company was based in Oos, Baden-Baden, with subsidiaries in Berlin (originally at Charlottenstr. 23), Cologne (Grosser Burstah 51), and Hamburg (Friesenplatz No. 9). Oliver models 2 through 4 included "Stolzenberg" in the name while models 5 through 8 were branded as "Oliver Schreibmaschinen Ges. m.b.H. Berlin SW. 68, Markgrafenstr. 92-93" (some say "Oliver Büromaschinen Ges."). This was also the address for Mercedes Büromaschinen GmbH, which was founded by Gustav Metz after the success Fabrik Stolzenberg had distributing Oliver typewriters. Advertisements also listed "Berlin SW. 68 u, Markgrafenstr. 76" as a Fabrik Stolzenberg address.
Aside from the decals, an identifier of Fabrik Stolzenberg Olivers is the white margin release keys. Standard U.S. machines have black margin release keys.
The Linotype Company manufactured versions of the Oliver Nos. 2 and 3 for sale in Canada and South America. John Redpath Dougall (1841-1934) founded it in 1891, and it operated at 156 St. Antoine Street, Montreal. He was the son of Scottish-born John Dougall, Sr. (1808-1886) who founded the Montreal Witness weekly in 1846. In 1871, the Montreal Witness was left to his son while his father relocated to New York City to establish the Daily Witness and New York Weekly Witness. In 1898, the Linotype Company expanded to manufacture versions of the Oliver No. 2 and, in 1901, the Oliver No. 3. In 1903, Dougall patented an improved Linotype machine, but due to fears the Mergenthaler company would soon dominate the international market, he sold out his company to the Toronto Type Foundry in 1904. In the process, Dougall began calling his company the Canadian Oliver Typewriter Company. Mergenthaler ended up buying out the Linotype division of the Toronto Type Foundry in May 1909. The Canadian Oliver Typewriter Company eventually stopped manufacturing machines and by 1912, focused solely on nickel plating and polishing.
Of the two known Canadian No. 2 survivors, one has vertical ribbon spools while the other (S/N 1232) has horizonal spools. Both Canadian No. 2s are based on the earliest version of the standard Oliver No. 2. Earlier Canadian No. 3 machines have vertically mounted ribbon spools while later ones were mounted horizontally. The side panels of the Canadian Oliver No. 3 originally displayed "OLIVER" in a more generic text than the standard No. 3. Eventually, the side panels were changed to the same version as the standard No. 3s made by the Oliver Typewriter Company. Most Canadian Olivers have black keys but later versions were given white keys just like standard Oliver No. 3 machines. The Canadian No. 3 paper tables display "The Canadian Oliver Typewriter - Montreal". The Canadian Olivers have shorter side handles than their U.S. counterparts. The Canadian Olivers also have their own serial number scheme. It is unknown how many were made or where the serial numbers begin.
The Linotype Company manufactured versions of the Oliver Nos. 2 and 3 for sale in Canada and South America. John Redpath Dougall (1841-1934) founded it in 1891, and it operated at 156 St. Antoine Street, Montreal. He was the son of Scottish-born John Dougall, Sr. (1808-1886) who founded the Montreal Witness weekly in 1846. In 1871, the Montreal Witness was left to his son while his father relocated to New York City to establish the Daily Witness and New York Weekly Witness. In 1898, the Linotype Company expanded to manufacture versions of the Oliver No. 2 and, in 1901, the Oliver No. 3. In 1903, Dougall patented an improved Linotype machine, but due to fears the Mergenthaler company would soon dominate the international market, he sold out his company to the Toronto Type Foundry in 1904. In the process, Dougall began calling his company the Canadian Oliver Typewriter Company. Mergenthaler ended up buying out the Linotype division of the Toronto Type Foundry in May 1909. The Canadian Oliver Typewriter Company eventually stopped manufacturing machines and by 1912, focused solely on nickel plating and polishing.
Of the two known Canadian No. 2 survivors, one has vertical ribbon spools while the other (S/N 1232) has horizonal spools. Both Canadian No. 2s are based on the earliest version of the standard Oliver No. 2. Earlier Canadian No. 3 machines have vertically mounted ribbon spools while later ones were mounted horizontally. The side panels of the Canadian Oliver No. 3 originally displayed "OLIVER" in a more generic text than the standard No. 3. Eventually, the side panels were changed to the same version as the standard No. 3s made by the Oliver Typewriter Company. Most Canadian Olivers have black keys but later versions were given white keys just like standard Oliver No. 3 machines. The Canadian No. 3 paper tables display "The Canadian Oliver Typewriter - Montreal". The Canadian Olivers have shorter side handles than their U.S. counterparts. The Canadian Olivers also have their own serial number scheme. It is unknown how many were made or where the serial numbers begin.
Oliver Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are 32-key versions of their respective preceding odd-numbered model. These models were not sold in the United States. Instead, they were sold throughout Europe. The No. 6 was also nickel-plated for Latin America. All of these models were produced in much lower quantities than their odd-numbered counterparts. However, the quantities are correlated, meaning if the odd-numbered model was produced in greater numbers, then so was the even-numbered model.
Oliver Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are 32-key versions of their respective preceding odd-numbered model. These models were not sold in the United States. Instead, they were sold throughout Europe. The No. 6 was also nickel-plated for Latin America. All of these models were produced in much lower quantities than their odd-numbered counterparts. However, the quantities are correlated, meaning if the odd-numbered model was produced in greater numbers, then so was the even-numbered model.
The Oliver Nos. 3 and 4 have casting letters on the underside of the frame. It appears the order each casting was introduced for the No. 4 is E, then A. Note that multiple castings were used at once so there is some overlap. The No. 3 casting number order is D, C, F, G, D (updated), and B.
Oliver Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are 32-key versions of their respective preceding odd-numbered model. These models were not sold in the United States. Instead, they were sold throughout Europe. The No. 6 was also nickel-plated for Latin America. All of these models were produced in much lower quantities than their odd-numbered counterparts. However, the quantities are correlated, meaning if the odd-numbered model was produced in greater numbers, then so was the even-numbered model.
Oliver Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are 32-key versions of their respective preceding odd-numbered model. These models were not sold in the United States. Instead, they were sold throughout Europe. The No. 6 was also nickel-plated for Latin America. All of these models were produced in much lower quantities than their odd-numbered counterparts. However, the quantities are correlated, meaning if the odd-numbered model was produced in greater numbers, then so was the even-numbered model.
Oliver Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are 32-key versions of their respective preceding odd-numbered model. These models were not sold in the United States. Instead, they were sold throughout Europe. The No. 6 was also nickel-plated for Latin America. All of these models were produced in much lower quantities than their odd-numbered counterparts. However, the quantities are correlated, meaning if the odd-numbered model was produced in greater numbers, then so was the even-numbered model.
Oliver Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are 32-key versions of their respective preceding odd-numbered model. These models were not sold in the United States. Instead, they were sold throughout Europe. The No. 6 was also nickel-plated for Latin America. All of these models were produced in much lower quantities than their odd-numbered counterparts. However, the quantities are correlated, meaning if the odd-numbered model was produced in greater numbers, then so was the even-numbered model.
Oliver Nos. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 are 32-key versions of their respective preceding odd-numbered model. These models were not sold in the United States. Instead, they were sold throughout Europe. The No. 6 was also nickel-plated for Latin America. All of these models were produced in much lower quantities than their odd-numbered counterparts. However, the quantities are correlated, meaning if the odd-numbered model was produced in greater numbers, then so was the even-numbered model.
The British Oliver Company rebranded a few European desktop machines as Olivers.
The British Oliver Company rebranded a few European desktop machines as Olivers.
The British Oliver Company rebranded a few European desktop machines as Olivers.
The British Oliver Company rebranded a few European desktop machines as Olivers.
The Oliver Typewriter Company manufactured nickel-plated Oliver models 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 for sale in Latin America. The No. L-10 is the nickel-plated version of the No. 9 and Nos. L-12 and L-13 are nickel-plated versions of the No. 11. There are also Latin American Nos. 3 and L-10 with the standard green finish. There are no known examples of nickel-plated Nos. 4, 8, 10, or 12. In Argentina, nickel-plated Olivers were marketed as the Revilo (Oliver spelled backwards) because the name Oliver was already trademarked. The only known Revilo models are Nos. 5 and 9.
The Oliver Typewriter Company manufactured nickel-plated Oliver models 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 for sale in Latin America. The No. L-10 is the nickel-plated version of the No. 9 and Nos. L-12 and L-13 are nickel-plated versions of the No. 11. There are also Latin American Nos. 3 and L-10 with the standard green finish. There are no known examples of nickel-plated Nos. 4, 8, 10, or 12. In Argentina, nickel-plated Olivers were marketed as the Revilo (Oliver spelled backwards) because the name Oliver was already trademarked. The only known Revilo models are Nos. 5 and 9.
The Oliver Typewriter Company manufactured nickel-plated Oliver models 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 for sale in Latin America. The No. L-10 is the nickel-plated version of the No. 9 and Nos. L-12 and L-13 are nickel-plated versions of the No. 11. There are also Latin American Nos. 3 and L-10 with the standard green finish. There are no known examples of nickel-plated Nos. 4, 8, 10, or 12. In Argentina, nickel-plated Olivers were marketed as the Revilo (Oliver spelled backwards) because the name Oliver was already trademarked. The only known Revilo models are Nos. 5 and 9.
Some No. L-10 machines were given the standard style decal on the front while others have a red plaque.
Most consider the standard Oliver models to be Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. These models have 28 keys and were manufactured primarily for the U.S. market. Despite its limited production run, the Oliver No. 1 was the standard model on the market during its time. In addition, the Oliver No. 15 was the standard British Oliver model when the company was relocated to Britain. Oliver Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 were also sold in limited quantities in Europe. Versions of these models, mostly nickel-plated, were sold in Latin America.
The Oliver Typewriter Company manufactured nickel-plated Oliver models 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 for sale in Latin America. The No. L-10 is the nickel-plated version of the No. 9 and Nos. L-12 and L-13 are nickel-plated versions of the No. 11. There are also Latin American Nos. 3 and L-10 with the standard green finish. There are no known examples of nickel-plated Nos. 4, 8, 10, or 12. In Argentina, nickel-plated Olivers were marketed as the Revilo (Oliver spelled backwards) because the name Oliver was already trademarked. The only known Revilo models are Nos. 5 and 9.
Oliver Nos. L-12 and L-13 machines have plaques on the front and back of the machine which list their respective distributors.
The Oliver Typewriter Company manufactured nickel-plated Oliver models 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 for sale in Latin America. The No. L-10 is the nickel-plated version of the No. 9 and Nos. L-12 and L-13 are nickel-plated versions of the No. 11. There are also Latin American Nos. 3 and L-10 with the standard green finish. There are no known examples of nickel-plated Nos. 4, 8, 10, or 12. In Argentina, nickel-plated Olivers were marketed as the Revilo (Oliver spelled backwards) because the name Oliver was already trademarked. The only known Revilo models are Nos. 5 and 9.
From the 1930s through the 1950s, the British Oliver companies and Oliver Typewriter (Italy) rebranded various European portables as Olivers.
From late 1931 to July 1959, the British Oliver companies and Oliver Typewriter (Italy) rebranded various European portables as Olivers.
Around 1930/31, Europa Typewriters AG (formerly AEG Deutsche Werke) began producing a small portable typewriter branded as Europa. That same year, Oliver Typewriter (Italy) Ltd. was founded with a factory and headquarters located in Milan, Italy. They began producing an Oliver portable with the same body style as the Europa. Fortuna Büromaschinen GmbH of Berlin, Germany, also produced this machine as Oliver. In April 1932, when Oliver Typewriter (Italy) Ltd. was liquidated, Società Industriale Meccanica (SIM) of Turin, Italy, began manufacturing this portable under the Oliver name. SIM continued to manufacture five other body styles, three of which were also branded with the Oliver name.
This family of European portables follows one of two sets of similar serial numbers, often making it difficult to date a particular machine.
As previously mentioned, the Oliver portable in the Europa body style was manufactured Originally by Oliver (Italy), Fortuna, and later by SIM. They were branded with Oliver above the keyboard by either a decal displaying The OLIVER (the same decal used on downstrike machines) or an embossed OLIVER plaque. A large variety of colors and finishes were produced. In addition to Europa and Oliver, this body style can be found under the names Augusta Monaco, Edelweiss, Fortuna, Imperia, Junior, Sabaudia, SIM, and SIM-Italia.
Many different variations of this body style were produced with the Oliver name. Machines of the earliest variation are typically found with serial numbers in the 3000s, many with a “Z” prefix. This early variation has an unaccented ribbon reverse above the keyboard to the left and ribbon selector to the right.
The next variation is the same as the earliest version except it lacks the ribbon selector. These often have serial numbers in the 20000s, some with a “K” prefix. Some have the ribbon reverse accented in metal trim while others remain unaccented.
The most common variation is almost identical to the earliest variation except it has the ribbon reverse and selector accented in metal trim.
Finally, the last variation has the ribbon reverse on the side of the machine instead of above the keyboard. The ribbon selector remains above the keyboard to the right, accented in metal trim.
This body style was manufactured by SIM under the Oliver name, as well as Astoria, Gualtype, SIM 2000, Victory 2000, and Woodstock. This style is easily distinguished by its rectangular shape with the type basket and ribbon spools covered.
The Oliver machines of this style have paper tables that read OLIVER in embossed letters. The branding on the front of the machines vary— they can display OLIVER, SIM, or remain unbranded.
This body style was branded with the Oliver name and manufactured by SIM. It was also sold as the Littoria, Romana, and SIM 40. SIM also produced another body style similar this and the previous style (sold as the Patria and Torpedox), but it appears to not have been branded with the Oliver name.
This body style is characterized by its rectangular frame with exposed type basket and ribbon spools. Some variations only have a ribbon reverse accented in metal on the left side of the front panel. Some also have a ribbon selector on the right side of the front panel, also accented in metal trim. A third variation only has an unaccented ribbon selector towards the bottom right of the front panel.
SIM produced this body style with embossed panels under the Oliver name. It was also sold under many other names, including Ardita, Augusta, Continental, Iris, Luxa, MAS, Montana, Montana Luxe, Novalevi, Pontiac, SIM-Italia, SIM Model 6, Simtype, Volcan. A similar machine without embossed panels was also produced by SIM (sold as Guidonia, MAS, Montana, and SIM), but the Oliver name does not appear to have been used on that body style.
From late 1931 to July 1959, the British Oliver companies and Oliver Typewriter (Italy) rebranded various European portables as Olivers.
Early versions have ring-and glass keys, an "OLIVER" decal above the keyboard instead of a cutout, and no Oliver Cromwell decal. The "OLIVER" decal was eventually replaced with a cutout and the Oliver Cromwell decal was added. Then, the keys were changed from ring and glass to a composite material. In 1954, the Oliver Cromwell decal was no longer added.
As previously mentioned, many specimens of this machine feature an image of Oliver Cromwell, a 17th century English political leader. The Oliver Portable was marketed as a comparison to the political leader, exemplifying both as successful Olivers.
The serial numbers of the Oliver-branded Patria run from 1 to 50000, with a two-number prefix indicating the year of manufacture ("48" for 1948, "49" for 1949, etc.). The table below shows examples of serial numbers produced in each year. The exact serial number when the years changed has yet to be determined, but it appears they were producing around 10,000 machines per year starting in 1951.
From late 1931 to July 1959, the British Oliver companies and Oliver Typewriter (Italy) rebranded various European portables as Olivers.
This body style was sold under the names Patria, Japy, and Voss Privat (among others) before it was branded by Oliver as the Oliver Courier. In Canada, Oliver sold it as "Eaton's" and "Simpson's" through their respective department stores. All known Simpson's machines have a dark green crinkle finish. Oliver also sold this model as the "Collegian", "Conquerer" and "Monitor".
There are three distinct styles of Oliver Courier. The earliest versions display "Oliver Courier" on a recessed badge on the right-hand side of the cover. The style was changed after 552911 to an embossed-style badge. The final style (changed between 57-42839 and A1/47628) displays the name centered on the cover. Similarly, the Simpson's variant has two styles. The earlier displays "Simpson's" on a badge on the right-hand side of the cover. Between 55-11443 and 55-20663, the logo was changed to be on the center of the cover.
From late 1931 to July 1959, the British Oliver companies and Oliver Typewriter (Italy) rebranded various European portables as Olivers.
At first glance, it appears to be an Oliver No. 2. But you notice the odd side handles, and then you see the paper table's elegant decal- it reads WOODSTOCK. This machine has no correlation to the eponymous machines manufactured by the Woodstock Typewriter Company. This Woodstock was manufactured in 1898 by the Oliver Typewriter Company.
The Woodstock was discussed at meetings concerning the Detroit Board of Education's purchase of typewriters for high schools. This group of meetings lasted from September 1898 to January 1899. These meetings were discussed in a pamphlet known as the "Battle of Detroit". This pamphlet was published by the Linotype Company of Montreal, Canada, which was also known as the Canadian Oliver Typewriter Company. According to the pamphlet, a certain Inspector Marr, presumably a member of the Board of Education, showed the committee formed to purchase typewriters an advertisement for the Woodstock in the Fall and Winter 1898-99 Montgomery Ward Catalogue, apparently in order to question the fairness of the price at which Oliver typewriters had been offered to the Board. W. A. Waterbury, the manager of the Oliver Typewriter Company, explained that the Woodstock was "an unguaranteed, cheap machine of which nineteen were all that were ever made". Waterbury stated, "We have a circular now in print for circulation offering $5,000 for twenty Woodstock typewriters", reinforcing the fact only nineteen were manufactured. He also stated that the Woodstock was manufactured strictly for sale to large department stores, and all nineteen machines were sold to Montgomery Ward and Company, of Chicago. They contracted for the second grade machines which were not to be sold for under $60. The Oliver Typewriter Company stopped manufacture of the Woodstock typewriter after it had been on the market for less than ten months. It is unknown how many machines Montgomery Ward sold.
No survivors were known until a Woodstock with a serial number of 1009 (presumably the ninth machine produced) was listed on eBay. I bid on it and ended up winning the auction! It sold for $3,601.
After conversing with Bobbie, the eBay seller, I learned that this machine made its way into a house owned by a self-proclaimed hoarder named Jim H. near Lancaster, California. She claims Jim does not know where he acquired most of his things, but he would shop at places such as flea markets, Goodwill, and auctions. The Woodstock came out of a house Jim owned for thirty years and never lived in; he used it just for storage. When Bobbie bought the machine, she placed it in her storage with initial intentions of selling it at her booth in an antique shop for a mere $40! However, she researched the machine first, and after finding no information on this Woodstock, she listed it on eBay, figuring it would bring a couple hundred dollars.
After examining the machine in detail, I have concluded that the Woodstock is mechanically identical to early Oliver No. 2 machines.1 The major difference between the Woodstock and the Oliver No. 2, aside from the Woodstock branding, is the base. The Woodstock base has altered side handles and, rather than curving inward, the back of the base mirrors the curves made by the front of the base. The base is currently painted black, although it shows runs and has been touched up in a few places. Even the type guards have been painted black, some of which has chipped off, revealing a dark yellow color. The raised parts of the side panels are nickel-plated, while the backgrounds are black.
In my opinion, the Woodstock does not appear to be a second grade machine as W.A. Waterbury had described. I am hard-pressed to find a reason to render the Woodstock a cheaper Oliver No. 2 counterpart. The advertisement in the catalogue even stated that the Woodstock was “complete in a highly finished metal case with handle”. Unfortunately, such a case has yet to resurface. One can only hope a Woodstock in the original case may one day be discovered.
A. Greger & Co., a bicycle manufacturer in Vienna, Austria, produced the Oliver No. 3 rebranded as the Courier. This machine was also produced as the Jacobi for a German office equipment dealer in Munich. The name "Jacobi" was taken from A. Greger and Company's sewing machine division. The Czech variation of the Courier is the Jwic. Physical "production" of the Courier and variant machines ended in 1919; parts that were already manufactured were being assembled until 1927.
When the Oliver No. 5 was introduced in the U.S., the type guards of Courier/Jacobi/Jwic machines used the new Oliver No. 5 style. An updated model was produced beginning at serial number 13276/14094. The olive green paint was discontinued in favor of black paint. The Courier's paper table logo changed from "Courier" to "The Courier Typewriter". The ribbon reverse plaque changed to the style of Oliver No. 5 machines. When the backspacer was introduced on the Oliver No. 5, the Courier/Jacobi/Jwic machines also featured it.
The Oliver Typewriter (Sales) Company, Ltd. remodelled some olive green models to look Oliver Nos. 11/12 and 15/16 machines— black with gold pinstriping. Early Remodelled Oliver No. 9 machines have the original front decal. Later machines were given a new front decal that says REMODELLED OLIVER. Remodelled Oliver No. 10 machines display R M Oliver on the front.
The Remodelled Oliver machines were given new serial numbers in place of the old ones on their frames. The new numbers have an RM prefix meaning Remodelled. The original serial numbers on the carriages were removed without a new number in place.
The Unknown Oliver, by Darryl Rehr
ETCetera No. 6, pages 1 and 4
A trade catalogue from around 1899 (Peter Weil Archives) offers for sale a modified Oliver No. 2 known as the Oliver Way-billing Typewriter. This machine has a tabulator attached to the side. This tabulator was later advertised as a separate attachment for sale in Oliver No. 3 brochures.
A. Greger & Co., a bicycle manufacturer in Vienna, Austria, produced the Oliver No. 3 rebranded as the Courier. This machine was also produced as the Jacobi for a German office equipment dealer in Munich. The name "Jacobi" was taken from A. Greger and Company's sewing machine division. The Czech variation of the Courier is the Jwic. Physical "production" of the Courier and variant machines ended in 1919; parts that were already manufactured were being assembled until 1927.
When the Oliver No. 5 was introduced in the U.S., the type guards of Courier/Jacobi/Jwic machines used the new Oliver No. 5 style. An updated model was produced beginning at serial number 13276/14094. The olive green paint was discontinued in favor of black paint. The Courier's paper table logo changed from "Courier" to "The Courier Typewriter". The ribbon reverse plaque changed to the style of Oliver No. 5 machines. When the backspacer was introduced on the Oliver No. 5, the Courier/Jacobi/Jwic machines also featured it.
