03/05/2024
When you think of a typewriter, what model immediately comes to mind?
For many, the first model that comes to mind is the Underwood No. 5 Standard Typewriter. Why you may ask?
This is due to the fact that the Underwood No. 5 was the most successful typewriter model in history.
The very first No. 5 models began appearing around 1900, originating from Franz X. Wagner. There are some very rare typewriters that still have his company name on them, labeled as 'Wagner Typewriter Co'. If you are one of the lucky few to have these in your possession, props to you. You own one of the most important pieces of history, aiding to typewriter progression.
The reason these models were so popular, was due to several reasons. Most notably, their use of typebars and a frontstroke mechanism. Typebars were a large upgrade from the typeshuttle or typewheels, as it allowed for faster typing. Regarding frontstroke, many typewriters in the late 1800s operated by understroke, or 'blind writing'. Meaning, the operators of said machines, had to constantly lift the carriage of the typewriter to see what they had written. The use of modern front strike allowed users to actively see their work. This lead to less mistakes and more efficient typing practices. It also set the precedent for all future typewriter models.
There were three different variants of these machines, built on the same foundation. The No. 3, 4 and 5. The No. 3 was for carriages of larger width, the No. 4 had 76 characters available on the keyboard and the No. 5 had 84 characters. Due to this, the No. 5 was by far the most popular. Between 1900 - 1932, millions of these models were created.
Today, these machines are still regarded as reliable and refined. When taken care of, they will easily last another century.
Pictured: an Underwood No. 3 I had the privilege of cleaning and servicing.
