Glenn and I were watching a movie last week and one of the characters was typing on a manual typewriter. I mentioned that I’d like to have a vintage typewriter and didn’t really think of it again. The next day when I walked into my FAVORITE thrift store there it was… a typewriter! Not just any typewriter. An Underwood manual. I left the price tag on for the first photo ’cause I couldn’t believe it.
From my online research I found that it’s an Underwood manual Model No 5 made in 1924. It seems to be in good shape just dirty. I’ve found instructions on cleaning online, too. The most detailed instructions say to take it completely apart and soak the piece in gasoline. Ummmm, I don’t think so. I think I’ll try the alcohol method without taking it apart. 🙂 Does anyone have any experience cleaning/repairing a typewriter this old?
Supposedly it’s portable, but it’s about 30 pounds!Grandpa, do you still have your old portable manual that we used to type on? Maybe I’ll clean this up & type my article on it. lol…
If you are a vintage typewriter lover too, come over to Pinterest and follow my Vintage | Typewriters board.
Alison Gibbs says
Oh what a bargain – it looks devine.Alison
Grandpa says
Rex worked as a typewriter repairman for IBM.
Heidi (http://journals.aol.com/hwoodred/everyday-cookies/) says
wonderful! i grew up with the typewritter ALWAYS clicking away…my father wrote a lot of disertations (for vaious dr degress)…my mother typed ALL of them! i can’t even imagine that today, with the computers!happy mother’s day, ann!!!!!!!!*Heidi*
Jeanne says
What a steal! I have an old Underwood that a friend was throwing away….can you imagine? Anyway, I need to get some typewriter ribbons for it somewhere.xojeanne