Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Typewriter, Manual |
Title |
Underwood Typewriter |
Date |
ca 1930 - 1940 |
Description |
Grey Underwood typewriter with a slightly crooked gold-colored name plate. The typewriter is made of steel, metal alloys and a plastic material. During the first decade of the 20th century, the standard for the office typewriter changed from the 'upstrike' to the 'front strike' typewriter, a visible writing machine: the typist could see what she had typed because the machine printed on the front of the platen. The most popular front strike was the Underwood No. 5, which won many speed typing contests. In 1900, an advertisement for the Underwood typewriter stated that the US Navy Department had purchased 250. Underwood sold nearly four million of its No. 5 and its similar No. 3 and No. 4 typewriters between 1901 and 1931. Another 'front strike' typewriter brand that is often recognizable (because of its distinctive shape) in early 20th century photographs of small offices is the flatbed Royal, which was introduced in 1906. |
Owned By |
Texas Electric Railway |
Made By |
Underwood Typewriter Company |
Used By |
Auditor's Office |
Material |
Steel/Metal/Plastic |
Collector |
Cook, Hermon C., Sr. |
Search Terms |
Office Office Equipment Typewriter Underwood Typewriter Company |
Collection |
Hermon C. Cook Collection |
Catalog Number |
CP.2005.CL.3-53 |