Olivetti Lettera 22 (c.1950)

Designed by Marcello Nizzoli, one of the most influential Italian designers from the 1930s to 1950s, the Lettera 22 was embraced internationally as a portable typewriter, especially by journalists. Nizzoli first worked for the family firm of Olivetti as a graphic designer, and then became its chief product designer, producing landmark designs including the Lexikon 80 and Lettera 22 (and the Mirella sewing machine for Necchi). The Lettera 22 is typical of his work: functional, muted, yet with clear sculptured lines-punctuated by the single red tab key. In 1954, it won the inaugural Compasso d'Oro Award, the pre-eminent Italian design award. The Lettera 22 has all-important big typewriter features. With its award wining good looks, rugged dependability, it was original sold for $88 (later reduced to $68). The most common color was blue but also available in green and gray at the time.