Underwood Standard No 6

Came into possession of a stunning Underwood Standard No. 6 typewriter.  Thought I had been transported back to 1931, the year of manufacture for this example.  The typewriter came with cover, manual, and looks like it had just been shipped from the factory yesterday.

I found the machine while browsing on Craig’s list.  The single image of the typewriter was not of good quality but even so, it looked very clean.  The seller had $40 on the typewriter and was located some 45 miles south of me in a rural area.

I called the seller and after a couple of minutes I quickly felt that this would be a desirable purchase.  Apparently the seller goes to estate sales and purchases items that appeal to him.  He then re-sells those items.  The Underwood had belonged to a wealthy man who recently died, in a small town south of Kansas City.  The items had been located inside the dwelling and very well kept.  The seller stated that a couple of other people were coming the next morning to see the typewriter.  I knew I could not get there for a day or so.  I made the decision to buy sight unseen.  I obtained the sellers PayPal account and bought the Underwood.

I drove to pick up the typewriter which the seller had in his rental storage locker.  I removed the typewriter cover and could not believe what I saw, a new typewriter.

Back home I looked carefully to ensure that this was not a restored machine.  The NO. 6 was latterly new in every way.  The platen was soft and had no marks.  Paint was undamaged.  Nickeling was perfect with no rust anywhere on the typewriter.  It is obvious that this typewriter had just barely been used and had been stored its whole life carefully in a climate controlled environment.  The only thing is that the ribbon was absolutely dry.

 

I am very pleased with this find.  More to come...................