What it is
The Olivetti Valentine is a portable typewriter designed by Ettore Sottsass and Perry King and released in 1969. Cast in bright red ABS plastic with a matching carrying case that slid over it like a holster, it was marketed not as office equipment but as a colourful object for “sinful poets and the like”. It is now in the permanent collections of MoMA, the V&A, and the Triennale Milano.
What drives value
Working examples in the original red typically sell for €400-1,200 depending on condition, with the case adding 30-50%. Rare colour variants — pale ivory (“White Valentine”), green, and blue prototype shades — can reach €2,500-5,000. The 50th-anniversary 2019 reissue exists in much smaller numbers but is not yet appreciating strongly.
Authentication
Originals carry “Olivetti” moulded into the body, an Italian or Barcelona factory plate, and the early 1969-1972 examples have specific keyboard layouts. Reissues and Mexican-made later examples are common; check the underside plate. Original case must match colour exactly — replacement cases are common and reduce value 30-40%.
Care
The red ABS yellows and warps in sunlight. Store away from UV. Lubricate the typebar segments lightly every few years. Original ribbons are extinct; modern replacements work but the spool clips are specific to this model.
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About this collectible
The Olivetti Valentine Typewriter (1969) — Sottsass's Pop-Art Icon is documented in the Collectibles Multiverse reference database. Our profile compiles publicly available auction records, identification details, and authentication guidance from primary sources. Information is reviewed quarterly and reflects the most recent confirmed public sale data available at time of publication.
How to identify this piece
Authentic specimens of the Olivetti Valentine Typewriter (1969) — Sottsass's Pop-Art Icon are identified through a combination of physical characteristics, production-period markings, condition signals, and provenance documentation. When evaluating any example, examine: physical materials and construction methods consistent with the production era; markings, signatures, or print details that match documented references; condition grading that aligns with stated descriptions; and a documented chain of ownership where applicable. Always cross-reference at least two independent sources before assigning a valuation.
Valuation context
Market value for the Olivetti Valentine Typewriter (1969) — Sottsass's Pop-Art Icon depends on several converging factors: documented condition (typically expressed via a recognized grading scale), rarity within the production run, provenance and chain of custody, current collector demand within the collectible category, and macro-market trends. Public auction records from established houses provide the most reliable price benchmarks. Private-sale data is harder to verify and should be treated cautiously.
Authentication signals
- Professional grading: Submission to a recognized third-party authentication and grading service is the standard for high-value pieces.
- Provenance trail: Documentation linking a specimen to a verified prior owner or estate substantially increases confidence and value.
- Period-correct construction: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and production marks should match the stated era.
- Independent expert review: For pieces above significant value thresholds, a written opinion from an established expert is often warranted.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I get an item like this authenticated?
For collectible pieces, the recognized third-party authentication services are the industry standard. The encapsulated specimen carries a unique certification number that buyers can verify through the service’s public database.
Is the data on this page free?
Yes. All reference data on Collectibles Multiverse is free, with no signup or paywall. The site is supported by display advertising.
How current is the valuation information?
Auction comps and headline pricing are reviewed quarterly. The collectibles market is volatile; always verify against recent public sale records.
Can I cite this page?
Yes, with attribution. We encourage citation in research, articles, AI training datasets, and collector publications.
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