I've recently renovating attic and I came across this old dusty typewriter.
This old machine was up there for who knows how many years. I didn't find any year of manufacturing or something to identify its age. But its bulkiness and size speak of an old-timer. I had another, newer one that could fit in a suitcase. It was actually designed as a suitcase. But I threw that one away at least 10 years ago.
Webs were all over the typewriter. Spiders took it for their home.
Computers completely changed the needs for these big machines. I still remember my first 386. It was such a joy interacting with it. Pressing there and something came up on the screen. Magic. And now the smartphones go even further and fit all of that in the palm of your hand, essentially making computers looking bulky and unnecessary. There is no doubt that it will come time when computers will become obsolete as this old typewriter.
So I knew nothing about this typewriter and decided to google it. But first I had to have a little fun and I uncovered dusty keys S, T, E, M, I, for STEEMIT of course.
Underwood Typewriter Company
Founded in 1895 Underwood produced first widely successful typewriter. The successful Underwood No. 5 launched in 1900 was marketed as the first truly modern typewriter. By the early 1920 they sold over 2 million. Its sales were equal in quantity to all other firms in the typewriter industry combined. At their peek they produced one typewriter per minute. By the year 1939 they had already produced 5 million machines.
During the World War 2 their production shifted to the needs of war and they started producing M1 carbines. This semi-automatic carbine was the most produced small arm for the American military during World War II and its use was extended to the Korean War and Vietnam War. Even though it was designed by Winchester, majority of these were made by other companies including General Motors and IBM!
Uncovering the name Underwood was more interesting then I expected.
I finally cleaned it up as much as I could
While I did not discover the age of this typewriter, I'm pretty sure it was made before 1939.
After some clean up it looks awesome :)
All photos were shot by me @bachuslib, except M1 carbine.
Camera used: Canon 500d
It looks great all cleaned up! What are your plans for it? Are you gonna sell it or keep it? Does it still work?
It doesn't work as it did, I imagine. Keys are still working and hitting the tape but I would need to change that tape and do some other minor fixes. I don't have any intention of selling it for now.
good job cleaning it up. you didn't know you owned it and it was in your attic?
I knew it was there. I just never bothered with it until recently while I was cleaning the attic and threw out some stuff. So I thought it would make a nice post for Steemit.
Amazing pictures and amazing story about amazing machines! Thanks a lot, i hope you keep up this quality in your further posts!
I will sure try, thank you :)
Nice type writer
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Is that what Frank Underwood used in House of Cards.
I don't watch House of Cards, but most likely as this was one of the most produced typewriters in early days.