Antique Spanish Underwood 5 Typewriter Circa 1915

Striking antique Underwood 5 typewriter made in Spain circa 1915. This is a one-hundred-per-cent original piece which combines a gorgeous old-time look with an excellent working order. The typewriter shows off the fine design of this iconic model, with black-lacquered cast-iron body decorated with discreet golden lines. The body has rear and side openings which fulfil two duties: make the machine lighter and give access to the complex inner mechanism. This detail also enhances the aesthetical interest of the piece, making up a very decorative item. In fact, the functionality and beautiful design of this model turned it into the biggest sale success of the company. The lacquered finish that protects the typewriter is quite well preserved, showing only some slight signs of wear. The front and side golden decoration is also in good condition. Over the keyboard we can see the UNDERWOOD brand name in golden lettering, and to the left there is a circular sticker with the distributor in Barcelona. Over the carriage, the name Underwood is accompanied by the original logo: a red shield with a typewriter in front. The keyboard is composed of black circular keys with white Spanish symbols, including the Ñ. At the back of the typewriter we find another golden inscription, perfectly preserved and with the name of the UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITER COMPANY. This antique Spanish Underwood 5 typewriter is an iconic model, fully original and bound to belong to a demanding collector.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.