the lever for later machines was connected with a different sized pin, which makes finding donor machines challenging as pins from the more common newer machines won’t fit the older ones.

It also interesting to note that loss of the carriage return lever is apparently a common problem on Studio 44 Series Is and Series IIs.

The machine was produced in four different versions: Series I with a beige body and black round keys borrowed from its more portable sister machine, the Olivetti Lettera 22 Series II with beige body and black ergonomic keys intended to conform better to the user’s fingers Series III with light blue body, grey-blue keys and knobs Studio 44 L with body from former competitor Underwood (Olivetti bought a controlling interest in Underwood in 1959, and completed a full merger in 1963)

The Studio 44 was designed in 1952 by award-winning architect, industrial and graphic designer Marcello Nizzoli in collaboration with engineer Giuseppe Beccio.