Close-up of Oliver typewriter ephemera
History
Discover Thomas Oliver's revolutionary invention
Oliver No. 1 typewriter
Oliver No. 1 Typewriter
"I was not a machinist, for I had not worked an hour in a machine shop. I had no tools that were at all adequate for making such a machine. I was not an operator, for I had not written a line on a machine until I wrote it on my own. Handicapped thus, I confess to a little surprise when I found that I had incorporated foundation principles that were destined to make it one of the standard machines of the world.”
Thomas Oliver's signature

Thomas Oliver

Reverend Thomas Oliver
Reverend Thomas Oliver
Shop
Missing Oliver parts? Let's fix that.
Shop parts, accessories, and more
A pile of Oliver key tops
Oliver No. 5 carriage
Oliver Book
The Oliver Typewriter Book rendering
The Oliver Typewriter
The Standard Visible Writer
After many years of researching and writing, I am pleased to announce The Oliver Typewriter: The Standard Visible Writer. This compendium takes the reader back in time over 170 years to join Reverend Thomas Oliver on a journey to manufacture the first successful typewriter that lets you see as you type. From an unabridged history of the company, to Oliver office supplies, accessories, keyboard configurations, patents, and manufacturing dates, The Oliver Typewriter: The Standard Visible Writer is the ultimate source of information on every typewriter bearing the Oliver name or design. An extensive gallery of over 600 images includes historical photographs of manufacturing facilities, factory foremen, corporate executives, detailed patent drawings, and modern, full-color images of common and rare Oliver typewriters.

This project is currently in the publishing stage. To receive publishing updates and release date information, join the newsletter by submitting your email using the form to the right. Thank you for your patience and I look forward to sharing this work with you!
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Models
Learn all about your Oliver model
Oliver typewriters on shelves
Oliver typewriter keys
Models
What's your Oliver worth?
Discover the value of your Oliver
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

  • Many factors play a part in determining the value of a typewriter. Refer to the Price Guide for more detailed information.

  • Find your Oliver on the Models page to learn when your model was manufactured.

  • It is possible! Find your missing parts on the Shop page.

  • Of course! I am always on the search for my own collection, as well as for others interested in specific models.

    I usually have a few Olivers for sale at any given time. Please reach out to learn more.

  • Yes, I clean and repair Olivers to make them presentable and functional. Restorative methods like painting and nickel plating are generally avoided, as I prefer to preserve original factory finishes.

  • The current count is 74 Olivers — 52 downstrike, 18 portable, and 4 frontstrike desktop machines.

  • No, my collection is not currently on public display. However, if you are interested in viewing the collection, I would be more than happy to arrange a private showing. Please reach out to learn more.

Have other questions? Please reach out