Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (2024)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (1)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (2)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (3)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (4)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (5)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (6)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (7)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (8)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (9)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (10)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (11)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (12)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (13)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (14)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (15)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (16)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (17)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (18)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (19)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (20)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (21)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (22)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (23)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (24)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (25)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (26)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (27)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (28)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (29)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (30)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (31)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (32)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (33)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (34)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (35)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (36)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (37)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (38)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (39)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (40)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (41)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (42)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (43)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (44)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (45)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (46)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (47)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (48)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (49)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (50)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (51)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (52)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (53)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (54)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (55)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (56)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (57)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (58)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (59)

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (60)

from $897.00

***Order your Underwood Standard Desktop today and we’ll send it in a week or two. It won’t be the exact machine shown, but it will be in BETTER condition (the one shown I had to restore after a half century in a wet attic). It’ll come to your door with everything you need to get writing!***

To sit before such a thing and write, well, that is a steadying, sublime experience, even for the itinerant soul.

This is the furthered evolution of the earlier Underwood No. 5 and similar desktop models: workhorses for the offices.

Stunning, if utilitarian beast, this.

This bulletproof machine weighs in at 40 pounds. The heavy footprint mean very little movement.

Big, steady footprint. No typewriter pad needed.

Now, I am all for a ‘portable’ machine, however, they certainly give up in luxury what they take up in portability.

I’ve created this listing due to popular demand.

When found out in the world, they’re often rusted, dented, scraped, scathed, seared, torched, defiled… ok, I’m getting ahead of myself.

We source the best ones we can.

So take the helm and write on.

Features:

  • Single or Double spacing settings.

  • Classic black lacquer paint job in exquisite condition.

  • Adjustable Margins.

  • 3- Tone Ribbon Selector (the middle one is 'blank' for using a white-out pad if desired'

  • ORIGINAL Metal Ribbon Spools.

  • Hand crank ribbon reversal on the side.

  • Robust dark gray crinkle paint.

  • Most to be PICA typeface (10 character per inch, similar to the ubiquitous 12 point font).

Includes:

  • Fresh, 2-tone ribbon- installed

  • Note that these don’t come with a case (and never did).

  • Digital copy of the owner’s manual.

  • The Classic Typewriter Guarantee

  • Lifetime Trade-in Policy

Condition:

  • Best has better cosmetic features and more immaculate innards. Either one will do the trick for writing long-term.

***

We restore beautiful machines and put them in the hands of writers, poets, and dreamers. I have with myself a stable of factory trained typewriter technicians that do the difficult magic. We pride ourselves in quality, and won’t rest until you’re thrilled.

When the inspiration strikes, be ready!™

Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

All of my machines ship UPS ground with eco friendly packing materials, within a 3 of order. Each machine is tenderly given a final check and test, packed carefully, and sent off into the blue. There are fond farewells.

Though shipping is the most common cause of damage to a vintage typewriter, I've shipped so many of these that you can rest assured your machine will arrive safe and sound.

***

We are the trusted source of the United States for vintage typewriters. The only one to offer (and honor) a working guarantee.

I’ve shipped hundreds of typewriters all over the world. Now is your chance to own your dream machine. Please email questions to writeon@classictypewriter.com

Questions to… writeon@classictypewriter.com

BUY with CONFIDENCE...

THE CLASSIC TYPEWRITER PROCESS

Working Guarantee

(Or: How dare we guarantee a 100 year old machine?)

Each machine is carefully screened for quality and reliability.

Each machine passes a rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

Each machine is cleaned, serviced, and adjusted so that it functions as it was designed to.

Each machine is THOROUGHLY tested by a writer. (Usually people who say a typewriter ‘works’ haven’t tested most of its most important features. Sometimes the type bars move but are misaligned; sometimes the carriage won’t advance; sometimes lesser-used keys stick; sometimes whole pieces are missing, etc). If it is found to need work, we have technicians with 40 years of experience.

If it is found to be acceptable…

Each machine is described in vivid detail and carefully photographed from every angle in high resolution so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Each machine is cleaned and carefully packaged for safe shipment (believe it or not, improper shipping is the MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DAMAGE for a vintage typewriter).

The Classic Typewriter LIFETIME Trade-In Policy

If at any reason you decide that you are done with the machine you got from us, you can trade it in for the full value, minus shipping and, if there is any, wear and tear. You pay the difference and we will send your next dream machine.

Classic Typewriter Promises.

What you'll get:

A beautiful writing machine to inspire decades of writing enjoyment. Serviced, lubricated, and ready to use.

I want to imagine that opening the box is like opening the curtain on a warm spring day: a glow of delight fills you.

Imagine the box with the 'Classic Typewriter' imprint delivered to your door.

Features:

  • Each machine passes our rigorous 14 point mechanical inspection.

  • The machine comes with our 'famous Classic Typewriter Guarantee'.

    (It will be working on arrival, or we will remedy the situation).

  • A Lifetime Trade In Policy.

    (Trade it in for the value you paid toward another machine as long as we're in business).

  • A copy of the original manual.

    (Original if we have it, or a digital copy).

  • Safe, eco-friendly packaging. (Double-walled 250 lbs pound tested box, secured carriage).

    (We've shipped over 500 machines with very few problems).

  • A new ribbon, on vintage spools.

  • Machine support. (We realize that it may be intimidating to embrace an older technology, so you'll have support where needed).

  • A digital guide to using your new (vintage) machine and replacing supplies.

  • Refurbished, original platen.

    (We resurface the outer layer, to create a beautiful surface for the type slugs. This is preferable to 'new' platens in many cases for a few reasons).

  • New feet or rollers as needed.

We source the best condition machine available, serviced by skilled technicians and ready to write.

***

FAQ

When will I get my machine?

We ship your writing machine in 2-3 weeks, via UPS ground. (To the US. International shipping requires a few days more, USPS International services).

What takes that long?

We sell machines by model, so it takes take a machine out of inventory that matches your specs, and inspect, clean, and service it.

Can I just find a used machine somewhere instead?

Of course! We encourage you to explore the world. However, it won't quite work right. this is the nature of a machine sitting for decades.

If you need to get to writing, and spare yourself many nights of research and tinkering, we have the solution.

What about 'refurbished' machines on other vintage sites?

Usually, they are just cleaned up slightly and shipped out. They don't usually work 100% (more like 80%). This is because most people have never used a writing machine, so they don't know how it is supposed to work! They see an opportunity to buy a vintage machine and 'flip it', however... you get what you pay for, as the old adage goes!

Why do you charge X?

Excellent question!

Priceless heirloom, endless inspiration, the stuff of dreams. Some are priced based on rarity: others based on difficulty of servicing. For instance, I need to purchase 2-3 Remington 5’s to get one to work perfectly. Most Noiseless Portables have a ribbon advance that doesn’t work. Silent Supers are priced by the rarity of their color. As is the maroon gloss Corona Standard. Etc.

You’ll pass it to your children or into the annals of history.

Ask yourself what this will bring you, and what you could create with it, and you’ll have answered your question.

Condition:

Quantity:

Add To Cart

Circa 1940 Underwood Standard Desktop Typewriter, refurbished and ready to write, with Working Guarantee and Lifetime Tradein Policy. — Classic Typewriter Co. (2024)

FAQs

How much is a vintage typewriter worth? ›

In terms of value, the post-war typewriters that need work and aren't anything special are sold for less than $100 in most cases. Most typewriters from this era were mass produced and were very successful, so there are many thousands of each still floating around.

Can you still get ribbons for old typewriters? ›

We have the original style cotton typewriter ribbons, on twin metal spools, for many vintage and antique typewriters such as Underwood, Remington, Royal, LC Smith & Corona, Olympia, Woodstock and others. We also sell ribbons for more modern typewriters by IBM, Smith Corona, Brother, Panasonic, Sharp and Xerox.

Are old Underwood typewriters valuable? ›

The Underwood 5 were made during the early 1900s. It was one of the most popular models and pretty much a design standard until IBM hit the scene. In doing my research on the Standard No. 5 and checking over my guides, I find that they have a book value of around $350 to $450.

What is the most sought after typewriter? ›

Most collectors consider the original Royal Standard model the Holy Grail of typewriters. Produced in the early 1900s, these typewriters come to mind if you think of a sexy, all-black vintage typewriter. It's a beast. Fortunately, collectors agree: Models in good shape can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.

How to tell the age of Underwood Typewriter? ›

Look at the rows of keys on your model. Portable typewriters, which were slightly smaller, can be dated by their keys. If your portable model has three rows, it is from 1919 to 1929; if it has four rows, it is from the '30s or '40s. Check the serial number under the typewriter's carriage.

How old does a typewriter have to be to be considered antique? ›

Antique vs Vintage Typewriters: How to Tell the Difference

Antique refers to items that are over 100 years old, while “vintage” refers to items that are between 20 and 99 years old. If your typewriter was manufactured earlier than the 1920s, it's probably considered antique.

What year did typewriters go out of style? ›

Typewriters were a standard fixture in most offices up to the 1980s. After that, they began to be largely supplanted by personal computers running word processing software. Nevertheless, typewriters remain common in some parts of the world.

How do I find out how old my typewriter is? ›

Once you have found the serial number, you can try looking up its date at The Typewriter Database, a site maintained by Ted Munk that lists serial numbers for many makes.

How much did a typewriter cost in 1950? ›

Students also need technology to complete their work. One typewriter in 1950 cost $67, which would be $822 today.

How much did a typewriter cost in 1880? ›

Index typewriters were much cheaper than keyboard typewriters during the 1880s and 1890s, and advertisem*nts for index typewriters stressed this fact. Index typewriters generally sold for $10-$20, although the Hall was $40.

References

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