Hemingway at his Underwood Noiseless deluxe typewriter.

In the late 19th century, the world of writing was on the cusp of a revolution. Amidst this transformative era, the Underwood Typewriter Company emerged as a pioneer, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Founded in 1895 by John T. Underwood, the company's journey began with a strategic shift from supplying ribbons to Remington Typewriter Company to manufacturing its own typewriters. This bold move was catalyzed by Remington's decision to produce its own ribbons, prompting Underwood to acquire the patent and manufacturing rights of German-American inventor Franz X. Wagner's "Wagner" typewriter.

Hemingway’s Underwood Noiseless Deluxe looks like this. We have a listing for those here.

Early Years and the Underwood No. 1

The first Underwood typewriter, the Underwood No. 1, was launched in 1896. It was a masterpiece of innovation, featuring a straight four-row keyboard, a single shift key, and striking type bars that allowed users to see their work as they typed—a significant improvement over earlier models that used understrokes, or "blind typing". Wagner's design made the Underwood No. 1 an instant success, setting the stage for the company's rise to prominence.

The Underwood No. 5: The Quintessential Typewriter

Underwood No. 5, this is a later one from 1930. You’ll see a 1915 one in our listing as well here Many writers used this.

In 1900, Underwood unveiled the No. 5, which would become the most successful typewriter of its time. Described as "the first truly modern typewriter," it dominated the market for decades, with over five million units sold by the early 1930s. The Underwood No. 5 was not only a technological marvel but also a cultural icon, gracing the desks of writers, secretaries, and government officials alike.

Other Notable Desktop Models

Underwood produced a range of desktop models beyond the No. 5, including the Underwood No. 3 and No. 4, which offered variations in carriage width and features. The No. 3 was a wide-carriage machine, ideal for typing documents with larger margins, while the No. 4 typed 76 characters across. Additionally, models like the Underwood No. 12 and others contributed to the company's diverse product line, catering to different user needs.

Writers and Their Underwoods

Underwood typewriters became synonymous with literary excellence. William Faulkner, for instance, often worked on an Underwood Standard Portable, drafting some of his works longhand before typing them. Jack Kerouac, another notable user, employed an Underwood Portable for his early writing, later transitioning to a Hermes 3000. Virginia Woolf, too, used an early Underwood Portable, reflecting the brand's appeal across literary circles.

The Remington Connection

Interestingly, some Remington and Underwood models were identical except for branding. The Noiseless Deluxe, Model 7 Noiseless, and Noiseless Portable were essentially the same machines, with Remington producing the Underwood Noiseless models. This overlap highlights the close relationship between the two companies, which sometimes shared designs and manufacturing processes1 2 3.

Impact of World War II

During World War II, Underwood's production shifted significantly. The company ceased typewriter manufacturing in October 1942, as per the War Production Board's orders, and instead focused on producing M1 carbines for the war effort5 10. This strategic pivot allowed Underwood to contribute to the military while maintaining its manufacturing capabilities. However, the post-war era brought renewed competition, with electric typewriters becoming increasingly popular and affordable4.

Expansion and Innovation

Underwood continued to innovate, introducing the Champion line in the late 1930s. These typewriters were adopted by the U.S. military from 1940 to 1948, showcasing their durability and reliability. Despite these efforts, Underwood struggled to adapt to the growing demand for electric typewriters, leading to its eventual acquisition by Olivetti in 19594 10.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Today, Underwood typewriters remain cherished by collectors and writers alike. Their enduring appeal lies not only in their historical significance but also in their aesthetic and functional beauty. As one writer once quipped, "A writer is a schmuck with an Underwood," highlighting the typewriter's iconic status in literary circles. Despite the advent of digital writing tools, Underwood typewriters continue to inspire a new generation of writers seeking a tactile connection to their craft.

In conclusion, the Underwood Typewriter Company's history is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of the written word. From its humble beginnings to its status as a cultural icon, Underwood typewriters have left an indelible mark on literature and history.

The Underwood Typewriter Company: A Legacy of Innovation and Resilience