Underwood Typewriter in Good Condition. Spain, 1915

Fine antique Underwood typewriter, a classic piece with a singular charm and in good condition. The machine was made in Spain in 1915 and works perfectly as it has been fully cleaned and tuned in order to guarantee an optimal performance. The keyboard includes the Ñ key and to its left we can see a circular ochre mark with the name of a business in Barcelona, where the typewriter was quite probably produced. The machines design is sturdy, classic and attractive, with black-enameled cast-iron body with side and rear openings. The typewriter is attached to a solid wooden plank dyed in a fine dark color; the black metal cover can be attached to it. Printed on the cover we can see the brand name UNDERWOOD. The keyboard is composed of circular pieces with white background, reinforced by the classic nickel-plated ring. The keys have adopted different shades of white that range from pure white to dark ochre. This detail is due to the trace of time and provides the typewriter with a charming patina. All the keys work fine. The black enamel that covers the cast-iron body is well preserved, while the inscription with the brand name located under the keyboard is slightly worn though still legible. At the back of the typewriter we find an ample patent list in perfect condition, including the companys name and location in golden and red lettering. Decorative and functional, this antique Underwood typewriter will stand out in a honor place of any stylish room.Underwood Typewriters History The Underwood Typewriter Company was founded in 1895 by John T. Underwood. The family business made typewriter ribbon and carbon paper from 1874, but when some of their clients (such as famous Remington brand) started making their own supplies, they considered starting to manufacture typewriters. The first model produced was a design by Franz Xavier Wagner who showed it to J. T. Underwood: then, the Underwood No. 1 was born. The Underwood No. 5 launched in 1900 has been described as "the first truly modern typewriter". Two million had been sold by the early 1920s, and its sales were equal in quantity to all of the other firms in the typewriter industry combined. In 1959, Olivetti bought a controlling interest in Underwood and completed the merger in October 1963, becoming known in the US as Olivetti-Underwood with headquarters in New York City, and entering the electromechanical calculator business. The Underwood name last appeared on Olivetti portable typewriters produced in Spain in the 80s.