Impressive Underwood Typewriter No. 5, working. USA, 1925

Great Underwood Nº5 typewriter, a real classic in the field of office antiques that has survived to our days in quite good condition. The mechanism has been cleaned and greased so the typewriter works wonderfully. The enameled cast-iron body is well preserved and except for the signs of wear present in the front lower bar, it boasts its glow and deep black color in all its splendor. The decals are also complete and visible, and in general the typewriter looks really attractive, providing also a smooth operation. The Underwood Nº5 is considered the most successful typewriter ever, being the reference in design and operation for all the typewriters later developed. It started being produced in the late 19th century and production ended in the 1930s. Nevertheless, it kept on being a reference for every typewriter until the 1950s, when Olivetti launched their organic designs, and especially until 1961 when the IBM Selectric entered the market. During the years of production, more than two million Underwood Nº5 typewriters were commercialized. The beautiful typewriter that we can see in these images bears the brand name printed over the carriage and the keyboard (at the front) in different letterings. The lower front bar shows the printed model number (Nº5) on both sides. The keyboard is composed of round pieces with black background and white symbols, reinforced with nickel-plated rings. At the back of the typewriter we can see a wide cartouche with the successive patents and the manufacturer companys name (UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITER CO. INC. U.S.A.). Its impressive presence and good working order turn this Underwood Nº5 into an essential piece for the best collection of antique typewriters.