Oliver No. 9 Visible Typewriter
This is an antique Oliver No. 9 visible typewriter, a classic example of early 20th-century industrial design. Characterized by its iconic 'U-shaped' typebars that strike downward, the machine features a black-painted cast iron frame with gold-toned decal lettering identifying it as a 'The Oliver Typewriter.' The keyboard consists of circular white keys with black lettering arranged in three rows. Physically, the item exhibits significant age-related wear, including extensive surface rust on the typebar towers and metal carriage components, as well as dust accumulation throughout the mechanical linkages. The decal on the front frame and the paper table is visible but showing signs of fading and chipping. The No. 9 model was primarily manufactured between 1915 and 1922, identifiable by the double-sided shift keys and the specific arrangement of its side-mounted ribbon spools. The construction is heavy and robust, illustrating the durable craftsmanship of the Oliver Typewriter Company of Chicago. While the frame appears structurally intact, the mechanical condition is likely seized or sluggish due to the visible corrosion, requiring professional restoration to return to a functional state. The patina is heavy, suggesting long-term storage in a non-climate-controlled environment.
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Estimated Value
$100 - $175
Basic Information
Category
Antique Office Equipment / Typewriters
Appraised On
March 24, 2026
Estimated Value
$100 - $175
Item Description
This is an antique Oliver No. 9 visible typewriter, a classic example of early 20th-century industrial design. Characterized by its iconic 'U-shaped' typebars that strike downward, the machine features a black-painted cast iron frame with gold-toned decal lettering identifying it as a 'The Oliver Typewriter.' The keyboard consists of circular white keys with black lettering arranged in three rows. Physically, the item exhibits significant age-related wear, including extensive surface rust on the typebar towers and metal carriage components, as well as dust accumulation throughout the mechanical linkages. The decal on the front frame and the paper table is visible but showing signs of fading and chipping. The No. 9 model was primarily manufactured between 1915 and 1922, identifiable by the double-sided shift keys and the specific arrangement of its side-mounted ribbon spools. The construction is heavy and robust, illustrating the durable craftsmanship of the Oliver Typewriter Company of Chicago. While the frame appears structurally intact, the mechanical condition is likely seized or sluggish due to the visible corrosion, requiring professional restoration to return to a functional state. The patina is heavy, suggesting long-term storage in a non-climate-controlled environment.
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