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Olivetti

Olivetti, Italy.

Olivetti started producing 10-key mechanical add-listers in the mid-1940s, and successfully specialised in these machines until superceded by electronics models. In the U.S.A. they were sold under the Underwood name - see the article "Olivetti Underwood Electro-Mechanical Calculators" in the Collecting Calculators section of this site.

Olivetti is famous for employing some of the leading designers to produce very stylish products, including the calculators, some of which are considered design classics. See the article "Olivetti Electronic Calculators and the Designs of Mario Bellini" in the Collecting Calculators section of this site.

The company introduced one of the first programmable electronic calculators in the mid-1960s, the Olivetti Programma 101, and continues to sell calculators today.

 

Examples of Olivetti calculators

Olivetti Suma Prima.

The sort of simple ten-key, mechanical add-lister in which Ollivetti specialised. This model from the 1960s is for the old British Sterling currency, so has extra keys marked 10 and 11.

This is a featured calculator.

Olivetti Electrosumma 22R.

Olivetti also manufactured electrically driven, mechanical add-listers like this model. Again, this model is for the old British Sterling currency, so has extra keys marked 10 and 11

This is a featured calculator.

Olivetti Divisumma 18

Olivetti Divisumma 18.

This iconic design by the famous Mario Bellini was selected by the Museum of Modern Art in New York for its collection.

This is a featured hand-held calculator.

Olivetti Logos 43PD.

Olivetti Logos 43PD.

Dating from the mid-1970s, the black, angular styling of this series of desktop calculator was very influential, especially in the design of audio equipment. It was actually made in Hong Kong.

Olivetti Logos 7

Olivetti Logos 7.

Hand-held calculator printing on thermal paper, dating from the mid-1970s. Made in Japan.

For further photographs of Olivetti hand-held calculators see the Calculator Photo Library on this site.

Vintage Calculators

Text & photographs copyright, except where stated otherwise, © Nigel Tout 2000-2024.