Underwood 5 Typewriter, 1915. Aesthetically perfect.

Underwood 5 typewriter made in 1915. Not working, jammed or whatever, but still complete and as a decorative piece it is truly magnificent. The shiny black metal case is near perfect, with the keys showing hardly any signs of wear despite being an antique piece. It is a case with the sides and back open, which allows to see the machinery. In the upper part where the carriage is located, the brand name appears in cream lacquer, accompanied by the characteristic logo with a drawing of a typewriter on a red background. In the lower front part there is again an original shadowed lettering and the name of the manufacturer: JOHAN MUSIL. On the back, the various patents of the Underwood Typewriter Co. brand can be seen lacquered in yellow.These devices arose from the need to help people suffering from blindness to read and write, and it was not until 1873 when the first typewriters capable of revolutionizing the world of work appeared. From the end of the 19th century and during a good part of the 20th century, typewriters were indispensable tools in commercial offices, as well as for almost all professional writers.The Underwood House was founded in 1874. It was a family business that produced carbon paper and typewriter ribbons. In 1892 Franz X. Wagner patents his typewriter and founds the Wagner Typerwrithe and Co. and introduces the so-called Wagner typewriter. When this company faces financial problems, John T. Underwood buys its patent and business. The first Underwood typewriter was introduced in 1896. The Underwood models No. 1 and No. 2 were made in 1896-1900 reminiscent of its past, as the back was printed with Wagner Typerwrite & Co. The most successful Underwood typewriter was model No. 5. This model was so popular that four million typewriters were produced in the years 1901-1931. In 1959 Olivetti bought shares of the Underwood brand, finally reaching their merger in 1963.Magnificent piece to decorate on a bookshelf or complete a collection.