Underwood Standard Manual Typewriter
Vintage Office Equipment

Underwood Standard Manual Typewriter

This is an Underwood standard manual typewriter, likely from the mid-20th century, possibly 1940s-1950s, given its industrial design and color palette. The typewriter features a robust metal construction, finished in a dark gray or slate color that appears to be original. The overall dimensions are typical for a desktop model, designed for stationary use rather than portability. The keyboard consists of black, circular, non-glossy keys with white or off-white lettering, arranged in a standard QWERTY layout. Some keys, such as 'SHIFT' and 'BACK SPACE', are elongated rectangles. The platen, carriage, and various levers and mechanisms are visible, suggesting a functional, if aged, machine. The 'Underwood' brand name is prominently displayed on the paper stand and also faintly on the main body below the platen. A serial number, '6543719', is visible on the left side of the main body, which could aid in precise dating. The condition shows clear signs of age and wear; there are scuffs and paint loss, particularly along the bottom edges and corners of the main housing, revealing the underlying metal. Some bright metal components, like the left-side return lever (visible in the crops), show some tarnishing but no significant rust is apparent from the image. The platen appears functional, though its rubber surface may be hardened with age. The overall craftsmanship suggests a durable, business-grade machine built for daily use, typical of manual typewriters from this era, which were workhorses of offices and homes.

Estimated Value

$100-200

Basic Information

Category

Vintage Office Equipment

Appraised On

August 27, 2025

Estimated Value

$100-200

Item Description

This is an Underwood standard manual typewriter, likely from the mid-20th century, possibly 1940s-1950s, given its industrial design and color palette. The typewriter features a robust metal construction, finished in a dark gray or slate color that appears to be original. The overall dimensions are typical for a desktop model, designed for stationary use rather than portability. The keyboard consists of black, circular, non-glossy keys with white or off-white lettering, arranged in a standard QWERTY layout. Some keys, such as 'SHIFT' and 'BACK SPACE', are elongated rectangles. The platen, carriage, and various levers and mechanisms are visible, suggesting a functional, if aged, machine. The 'Underwood' brand name is prominently displayed on the paper stand and also faintly on the main body below the platen. A serial number, '6543719', is visible on the left side of the main body, which could aid in precise dating. The condition shows clear signs of age and wear; there are scuffs and paint loss, particularly along the bottom edges and corners of the main housing, revealing the underlying metal. Some bright metal components, like the left-side return lever (visible in the crops), show some tarnishing but no significant rust is apparent from the image. The platen appears functional, though its rubber surface may be hardened with age. The overall craftsmanship suggests a durable, business-grade machine built for daily use, typical of manual typewriters from this era, which were workhorses of offices and homes.

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