Olivetti Lettra Series, Ribbon Spool Drive Gear - Vintage Typewriter Spare Part

About:

This is an original ribbon spool drive gear, the internal component responsible for advancing the ribbon during typing. It transfers motion from the ribbon-advance shaft to the ribbon spools, ensuring smooth ribbon movement and consistent inking. Fully functional, cleaned, and tested.

Compatibility:
Designed for machines that use the classic Lettera-series ribbon-drive system, including:
Lettera 15, Lettera 25, Lettera 31, Lettera 32, Lettera 35, Dora, 40, 42, Valentine, DL.
Please compare measurements before purchase to ensure correct fit.

Condition:
This is a genuine vintage part sourced from a donor machine, fully inspected, cleaned, and ready for installation. Ideal for restorers, workshops, and anyone repairing a ribbon mechanism that no longer advances.

Why This Part Matters:
A worn, cracked, or slipping ribbon drive gear is one of the most common causes of ribbon not moving, uneven ink feed, or only one spool turning. Replacing this component restores correct ribbon transport and brings the typewriter back to proper performance.

If You Need a Different Part

If you need a specific component that is not listed on our page, please contact us and we will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
For rare, obscure, or hard-to-identify pieces, we offer a personalised parts-finding service. Customers typically pay around 25€ for search, identification, measurement, detailed photos, and compatibility verification. This ensures you receive the correct part without risk or guesswork.

Typewriter Spare Parts for Restoration and Repair (General List)

1. Keys and keytops
2. Key levers
3. Key lever cords
4. Typebars
5. Type slugs
6. Typebasket assembly
7. Segment and segment screws
8. Universal bar
9. Linkage rods, link arms, and connecting wires
10. Ribbon spool drive gear
11. Ribbon drive shafts and clutches
12. Ribbon vibrator assembly
13. Ribbon guides
14. Ribbon covers and mask plates
15. Ribbon spools (metal or plastic)
16. Feed rollers
17. Paper-release lever
18. Paper bail rollers
19. Paper guides
20. Card or paper support
21. Platen (rubber roller)
22. Platen core
23. Platen knobs
24. Line-spacing ratchet
25. Line-feed mechanism
26. Margin stops
27. Tabulator system (tabulator, tab stops, tab lever)
28. Tabulator spring
29. Escapement wheel
30. Escapement pawl or escapement dog
31. Escapement rack
32. Carriage rails
33. Carriage rail bearings
34. Carriage rail trace bearings (two-ball type)
35. Carriage escapement assembly
36. Carriage return lever
37. Carriage knobs
38. Carriage end plates
39. Drawband
40. Main spring (power spring)
41. Escape spring
42. Return spring
43. Shift spring
44. Tension springs (ribbon, carriage, typing action)
45. Shift mechanism (shift arms, shift guides, fulcrums)
46. Basket-shift or carriage-shift assembly
47. Spacebar
48. Spacebar assembly (linkage and return)
49. Stabilizer bar
50. Backspace mechanism
51. Backspace lever
52. Body panels and top covers
53. Bottom plate or chassis
54. Side covers and trim pieces
55. Feet and anti-vibration pads
56. Screws, washers, collars, and small fittings
57. Universal joints
58. Internal levers and metal arms
59. Precision springs and micro-springs
60. Line selector lever
61. Paper scale or page-end indicator
62. Paper injector (where applicable)
63. Bell mechanism
64. Bell gong
65. Bell hammer
66. Carriage brake or tabulator brake
67. Carriage lock
68. Margin release assembly
69. Ribbon reverse mechanism
70. Ribbon reversing fork or actuator
71. Intermediate gears (plastic or metal)
72. Internal transmission gears
73. Typebar rest felt or rubber strip
74. Sound-dampening felts
75. Spool retainers and posts

Note:
This component requires professional installation. The ribbon-drive system is tightly integrated with the machine’s internal gearing, so replacement should be performed by a trained technician or someone with advanced mechanical skills.