Which typewriter ribbon do i need for my typewriter?

Finding the right ribbon for a vintage typewriter can feel overwhelming with all the technical codes—Group 1, Group 4, Group 9, DIN 2103, 1001FN, 1004FN, and auto-reverse eyelets. At Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters, we test and fit ribbons daily in our Milton Keynes restoration workshop. We’ve put together this complete, definitive guide to help you identify the exact ribbon spool your machine needs in seconds.

The Standard 1/2-Inch Ribbon Rule

Almost 95% of all manual vintage typewriters manufactured in the 20th century use a standard 1/2-inch wide (12.7mm) nylon ink ribbon. The main difference between typewriter models is not the ink width, but the plastic spool design, spindle fitting, and center mounting hole.

Pro Tip from the Workshop: All fresh ribbons sold in our store feature built-in auto-reverse metal eyelets. These small metal eyelets near each end of the ribbon automatically trigger your typewriter’s internal direction-reversing mechanism when the spool reaches the end!

Quick Ribbon Identification Guide by Brand & Model

1. Group 4 (GR4 / 1004FN) Ribbons

Best Known For: Olivetti and Olivetti-Underwood typewriters.

Key Identification Feature: Features specialized spools designed to be held in place by small thumb screws on the spool spindle (thumb screws available separately in our store).

Complete Compatible Models List:

• Olivetti Lettera Series: Lettera 21, Lettera 22, Lettera 24, Lettera 25, Lettera 31, Lettera 32, Lettera 35, Lettera 35i, Lettera 35l, Lettera 36, Lettera 37
• Olivetti Studio Series: Studio 42, Studio 44, Studio 45, Studio 46
• Olivetti Iconics & Portables: Olivetti Valentine, Dora, Graphika, Tropical Portable, L20
• Olivetti Standards & Office Models: Linea 88, Linea 98, Lexicon 80, Standard, Praxis 48
• Olivetti Accounting & Calculating Machines: Audit 502, Logos 250, P602, P603, P652
• Olivetti-Underwood Models: Underwood 250, Underwood 310, Underwood 315, Underwood 319

2. Group 1 (GR1 / DIN 2103 / 1001FN) Ribbons

Best Known For: European portable and desktop typewriters, including European-market Olympia, Triumph-Adler, Erika, Facit, and Princess.

Key Identification Feature: Standard DIN 2103 spools with a central star-shaped drive hole.

Complete Compatible Models List:

• Olympia Models (European Market): Olympia Carina 2, Carina Portable, De Luxe, Monica, Monica MD, Portable, Simplex Portable, SG1, SG3, SM2, SM3, SM4, SM5, SM7, SM8, SM9, Splendid 33, Splendid 66, Splendid 99, SF, Traveller, Traveller C, Traveller DeLuxe, Traveller DeLuxe S
• Triumph Adler Models: Gabriele, Gabriele 10, Gabriele 20, Gabriele 25, Gabriele 35, Gabriele 2000, Electric, Tippa, Tippa 1, Tippa Elite, Tippa S, Universal 20, Universal 40, Universal 200, Universal 275, Contessa DeLuxe, Junior 1, Junior 2, Junior 3, Junior 20, Junior 30, Rover DeLuxe EP101
• DARO & Erika Models: Daro Erika 5, Erika 6, Erika 10, Erika 12, Erika 31, Erika 32, Erika 33, Erika 41, Erika 42, Erika 60, Erika 202 Electric, Erika Portable, Daro Imperial 80, Daro Imperial 90
• Facit Models: Facit 733, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1730, 1740, 1742, 1820, 1840, 6202, 6210
• Imperial Models (Respool onto original metal spools): Imperial Good Companion Model 1, Good Companion Model 2, Good Companion Model T
• Princess Models: Princess, Princess 100, Princess 200, Princess 300
• Other European & Portable Models: Swiss Piccola, Oliver Portable, Script Beacourt, Impex Maria, Scheidegger

3. Group 9 (GR9) Ribbons

Best Known For: Silver-Reed, Brother, Hermes, Imperial Portables, and North American-market Olympia typewriters.

Complete Compatible Models List:

• Silver-Reed Models: Silverette, Silverette II, 70, 180 Deluxe, SR10, SR12, SR100, SR150, SR180, SR200, SR500, SR2200CR, SR2500, SR2500SL, SR2600, SR2600CR, SP8700, Silver-Reed Portable Manuals
• Brother Models: Brother 210, 220, 240, 240T, 250, 250TR, 260, 262TR, 440ER, 500, 600, 650, 660, 662, 700, 750TR, 762, 1500, 1613, 2000, 3060, Electric M4612
• Hermes Models: Hermes Baby Portable, Hermes 8, Hermes 9, Hermes 10, Hermes 200, Hermes 605, Hermes 2000, Hermes 3000 Portable, Hermes Ambassador
• Imperial & Olivetti-Underwood Models: Imperial Safari, Imperial Portable 200, Imperial Portable 201, Imperial Portable 202, Imperial Portable 203, Imperial Portable 230, Olivetti Underwood 19
• Other Models: Burroughs B9253

🇺🇸 🇨🇦 Essential Guide for US & Canadian Buyers (Olympia Typewriters):
Did you know that Olympia typewriters manufactured specifically for the North American market use Group 9 (GR9) spools instead of European Group 1 (GR1) spools?

How to check if your Olympia needs Group 9 (GR9) ribbons:
1. Check the Keyboard: Look at your key layout—North American market Olympias feature a dollar sign ($) key located directly above the 4 key.
2. Check the Rear Plate: Inspect the back panel for a US or Canadian distributor/supplier label.

If your Olympia has a $ key above the 4 key or a US/Canadian distributor badge, choose Group 9 (GR9) ribbons for a perfect fit.

Need Help Identifying Your Ribbon Spool?

If your typewriter model isn't listed or you have a rare antique machine, our workshop team is happy to help you find the right match.

Simply contact our restoration workshop with:

1. The exact brand and model name of your typewriter.
2. A clear photo of the ribbon spool area (with the top cover lifted).

Explore our complete range of fresh, workshop-tested Group 1, Group 4, and Group 9 Typewriter Ribbons with fast UK delivery and tracked express worldwide shipping.