(Order your Underwood Desktop today and we’ll send it out in about 2 weeks. It may not be the exact one shown ) though as of this listing, the 2 in the photos are available). It will be in as good or better condition than those.

***

This, in my experience, is one of the most beautiful desktops from typewriter history, and one of the most beautiful typewriters in general.

I have a certain respect for it because Henry Miller and other early 20th century icons used one. (note that there are a few models in the pictures, all very similar… I’d go for QUALITY if possible rather than distinguishing between a 3 or a 5).

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

This is one of the first ‘modern’ typewriters to boot. Before that they were mostly of the more eccentric designs.

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

I replace the feet, as they usually NEED it. No typewriter pad needed.

These have stunning decals, nice ornate decorative lines in blue, green, and gold.

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.

Still, we source only the best one: those coveted little-used office machines. I find great delight in finding these with as immaculate decals and details as possible. As well as spotless chrome, where I can. They are 100 years old, AND we do our best by having a huge resource network of sellers finding us.

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'

• Carriage lock for transport.

• ORIGINAL Metal Ribbon Spools.

• Hand crank ribbon reversal on the side, gotten at through the side panel (very steampunk, quite unforgettable).

• Robust black enamel, with gold lettering (the classic!)

• Some have white / off white keys and some have black keys.

• All seem 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.