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The Oliver Typewriter

The Standard Visible Writer

Morton, Jett (2025)

Escape the modern digital era! Travel back in time over 170 years and follow Reverend Thomas Oliver on his quest to produce the world's first commercially successful typewriter that lets you see as you type. Discover how its simplicity, durability, and visible writing technology propelled the Oliver to become an industry-leading typewriter of the early 20th century.

Learn all about Reverend Thomas Oliver, company history, the Oliver factory and offices, British Oliver, domestic and international models, production information, and so much more!
First Edition
Hardback
8.5 x 11 inches
284 pages
ISBN: 979-8-218-74919-4

$79.95 USD / £59.95 GBP

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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
Solid white background
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