Antique Typewriter Identification Guide: Models, Manufacturers & Dating Techniques

History and Evolution of Typewriters

Understanding the historical development of typewriters is fundamental to accurate identification. The typewriter evolved dramatically from its invention in the 1860s through the mid-20th century.

Early Development (1860s-1880s)

The first commercially successful typewriter was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes, Carlos Glidden, and Samuel W. Soule in 1868:

• Sholes & Glidden Type-Writer (1874): First commercially produced typewriter, manufactured by Remington
• QWERTY Layout: Developed to prevent jamming, became standard
• Early Mechanisms: Understrike (typebars strike from below), visible typing
• Materials: Cast iron, brass, nickel plating
• Design: Ornate, decorative, resembling sewing machines

Golden Age (1890s-1920s)

This period saw rapid innovation and competition among manufacturers:

• Frontstrike Mechanism: Typebars strike from front, visible typing
• Portable Models: Lighter, more compact designs introduced
• Standardization: QWERTY layout became universal
• Major Manufacturers: Remington, Underwood, Royal, Smith Corona, Olivetti
• Design Evolution: Streamlined, functional, Art Deco influences

Modern Era (1930s-1950s)

Typewriters reached peak design and functionality:

• Electric Typewriters: Introduced in 1920s, popularized in 1950s
• Streamlined Design: Modern, sleek aesthetics
• Color Options: Beyond black, various colors available
• Portable Revolution: Lightweight, travel-friendly models
• Decline: Word processors and computers began replacing typewriters

Major Typewriter Manufacturers

Each manufacturer had distinctive design characteristics, mechanisms, and serial number systems that help with identification.

Remington

One of the oldest and most influential typewriter manufacturers:

• Founded: 1873 (typewriter division)
• Early Models: Sholes & Glidden, Remington No. 1, No. 2
• Characteristics: Heavy cast iron construction, ornate decoration
• Serial Numbers: Sequential, well-documented
• Famous Models: Remington No. 10, Remington Portable, Remington Rand
• Markings: "Remington" or "Remington Rand" on front or back

Underwood

Known for reliable, well-designed typewriters:

• Founded: 1895
• Characteristics: Frontstrike mechanism, visible typing
• Design: Clean lines, functional aesthetics
• Famous Models: Underwood No. 5, Underwood Standard, Underwood Portable
• Markings: "Underwood" logo, model numbers on paper table
• Serial Numbers: Located on frame, well-documented

Royal

One of the "Big Three" typewriter manufacturers:

• Founded: 1904
• Characteristics: Innovative mechanisms, quality construction
• Design: Streamlined, modern styling
• Famous Models: Royal No. 10, Royal Standard, Royal Portable, Royal Quiet De Luxe
• Markings: "Royal" logo, often with crown symbol
• Serial Numbers: Various locations, model-specific

Smith Corona

Merger of L.C. Smith and Corona typewriter companies:

• Founded: 1926 (merger)
• Characteristics: Focus on portable models
• Design: Compact, lightweight, colorful
• Famous Models: Corona 3, Smith Corona Sterling, Smith Corona Silent
• Markings: "Smith-Corona" or "Corona" branding
• Serial Numbers: Model-specific systems

Olivetti

Italian manufacturer known for innovative design:

• Founded: 1908
• Characteristics: Modern design, compact mechanisms
• Design: Influenced by modernism, sleek aesthetics
• Famous Models: Olivetti Lettera 22, Olivetti Studio 44
• Markings: "Olivetti" logo, distinctive styling
• Serial Numbers: Italian numbering system

Other Notable Manufacturers

• Hammond: Unique type-shuttle mechanism, distinctive design
• Woodstock: American manufacturer, quality construction
• L.C. Smith: Pre-merger company, known for standards
• Corona: Pre-merger company, portable specialists
• Hermes: Swiss manufacturer, precision engineering
• Adler: German manufacturer, quality machines

Types and Classifications

Typewriters can be classified by mechanism, size, and function, each with distinctive identification characteristics.

Standard Typewriters

Full-size office machines designed for heavy use:

• Size: Large, heavy (20-40 pounds)
• Construction: Cast iron or steel frame
• Features: Wide carriage, multiple type sizes, tabulation
• Use: Office, professional typing
• Examples: Remington No. 10, Underwood No. 5, Royal No. 10
• Identification: Large size, full keyboard, wide paper carriage

Portable Typewriters

Compact, lightweight machines designed for travel:

• Size: Smaller, lighter (10-20 pounds)
• Construction: Lightweight materials, folding mechanisms
• Features: Compact design, carrying case
• Use: Travel, home use, students
• Examples: Corona 3, Royal Portable, Smith Corona Silent
• Identification: Smaller size, often with case, portable branding

Electric Typewriters

Powered machines introduced in the 1920s, popularized in 1950s:

• Power: Electric motor, requires power cord
• Features: Easier typing, consistent pressure
• Design: Modern, streamlined
• Use: Office, professional typing
• Examples: IBM Selectric, Royal Electric, Remington Electric
• Identification: Power cord, electric motor, modern styling

Mechanism Types

Different mechanical systems for striking keys:

• Typebar: Most common, metal bars with type
• Typewheel: Rotating wheel with characters
• Typeshuttle: Unique Hammond mechanism
• Ball (IBM Selectric): Rotating typeball
• Daisy Wheel: Later technology, plastic wheel

Serial Number Identification and Dating

Serial numbers are crucial for dating and identifying typewriters. Each manufacturer used different systems.

Locating Serial Numbers

Serial numbers can be found in various locations:

• Frame: Often on main frame, visible when carriage is moved
• Paper Table: Under paper table or on front edge
• Back Plate: On rear of machine
• Bottom: On base or bottom plate
• Inside: Under ribbon cover or inside mechanism

Remington Serial Numbers

Remington used sequential numbering systems:

• Early Models: Sequential numbers starting from 1
• Format: Numeric, sometimes with prefixes
• Dating: Well-documented production records
• Example: Remington No. 10 serial numbers range from 1 to over 1 million
• Resources: Remington serial number databases available

Underwood Serial Numbers

Underwood maintained detailed production records:

• Format: Sequential numeric system
• Location: Usually on frame or paper table
• Dating: Model-specific ranges documented
• Example: Underwood No. 5 serials from 1900-1930s
• Resources: Underwood serial number charts available

Royal Serial Numbers

Royal used various numbering systems by model:

• Format: Model-specific, sometimes with letters
• Location: Frame, paper table, or back
• Dating: Model and serial number combinations
• Example: Royal No. 10, Royal Portable series
• Resources: Royal typewriter databases and collector resources

Using Serial Numbers for Dating

• Manufacturer Databases: Online resources for serial number dating
• Collector Resources: Typewriter collector websites and forums
• Reference Books: Typewriter identification guides
• Museum Collections: Documented examples with known dates
• Cross-Reference: Compare with known examples

Mechanical Features and Mechanisms

Understanding mechanical features helps identify typewriters and determine their age and authenticity.

Keyboard Layouts

Keyboard design evolved over time:

• QWERTY: Standard layout, developed in 1870s
• Early Variations: Some early machines had different layouts
• Key Count: Early machines had fewer keys, later standardized
• Key Shape: Round, square, or rectangular keys
• Key Material: Ivory, celluloid, or plastic

Carriage Mechanisms

The carriage system moved paper through the machine:

• Carriage Width: Standard widths (10", 12", 14", 18")
• Carriage Return: Manual lever or automatic return
• Paper Holders: Paper bail, paper fingers
• Line Spacing: Single, double, triple spacing options
• Margin Settings: Adjustable left and right margins

Typebar Mechanisms

Most typewriters used typebar systems:

• Typebar Arrangement: Circular or linear arrangement
• Strike Direction: Frontstrike (visible) or understrike (hidden)
• Typebar Material: Steel, brass, or alloy
• Typeface: Font style and size
• Typeface Change: Some machines allowed typeface changes

Ribbon Systems

Ribbon mechanisms varied by manufacturer and era:

• Ribbon Type: Fabric, carbon, or film ribbons
• Ribbon Spools: Size and shape varied
• Ribbon Reverse: Automatic or manual reverse
• Ribbon Color: Black, red, or dual-color ribbons
• Ribbon Cover: Design and mechanism

Special Features

Advanced features that help identify models:

• Tabulation: Tab stops and tabulator mechanism
• Backspace: Backspace key and mechanism
• Shift Lock: Caps lock functionality
• Margin Release: Override margin settings
• Touch Control: Adjustable typing pressure

Design Elements and Styling

Design elements reflect the era and help date typewriters. Styling evolved from ornate Victorian to streamlined modern.

Early Design (1870s-1890s)

Victorian-era typewriters featured ornate decoration:

• Ornamentation: Decorative scrolls, floral motifs
• Materials: Cast iron, nickel plating, brass
• Colors: Black with nickel or gold accents
• Shape: Resembled sewing machines, ornate bases
• Examples: Remington No. 1, Sholes & Glidden

Transitional Design (1900s-1920s)

Design became more functional while retaining some decoration:

• Streamlining: Cleaner lines, less ornamentation
• Materials: Cast iron, steel, painted finishes
• Colors: Black, dark green, gray
• Shape: More compact, functional design
• Examples: Underwood No. 5, Remington No. 10

Modern Design (1930s-1950s)

Art Deco and modern influences:

• Streamlined: Smooth curves, geometric shapes
• Materials: Steel, chrome, plastic
• Colors: Black, gray, green, blue, red, beige
• Shape: Sleek, modern, compact
• Examples: Royal Quiet De Luxe, Smith Corona Silent, Olivetti Lettera 22

Portable Design Features

Portable typewriters had distinctive design elements:

• Carrying Case: Hard case or soft case
• Folding Mechanisms: Some models folded for storage
• Compact Keyboard: Smaller key spacing
• Lightweight Materials: Aluminum, lighter metals
• Color Options: More color choices than standards

Brand-Specific Design Elements

• Remington: Heavy construction, distinctive logo
• Underwood: Clean lines, functional design
• Royal: Crown logo, streamlined styling
• Smith Corona: Compact, colorful, modern
• Olivetti: Italian design, sleek, minimalist

Markings and Model Identification

Manufacturer markings, model numbers, and labels provide crucial identification information.

Manufacturer Markings

Look for manufacturer names and logos:

• Location: Front paper table, back plate, or frame
• Format: Name, logo, or combination
• Style: Engraved, embossed, or printed
• Examples: "Remington," "Underwood," "Royal" with crown
• Evolution: Logos changed over time

Model Numbers

Model numbers identify specific typewriter models:

• Location: Paper table, frame, or nameplate
• Format: Numeric (No. 5, No. 10) or alphanumeric
• Variations: Model numbers changed with updates
• Examples: Remington No. 10, Underwood No. 5, Royal Portable
• Research: Model numbers help identify production dates

Patent Information

Patent dates and numbers provide dating clues:

• Location: Frame, back plate, or mechanism
• Format: Patent dates or patent numbers
• Dating: Patent dates indicate earliest possible manufacture
• Research: Patent records provide technical details
• Examples: "Patented 1874," "Patent No. 123456"

Country of Origin

Manufacturing location markings:

• Format: "Made in USA," "Made in England," etc.
• Location: Frame, back plate, or nameplate
• Dating: Import/export marks changed over time
• Research: Manufacturing locations help date models

Typeface Markings

Typeface identification on typewriters:

• Location: Paper table, nameplate, or typebars
• Format: Typeface name or number
• Examples: "Pica," "Elite," "Script," typeface numbers
• Dating: Typeface styles changed over time

Dating Techniques and Methods

Accurate dating requires combining multiple identification methods and evidence.

Serial Number Dating

The most accurate dating method when databases are available:

• Manufacturer Databases: Online serial number resources
• Collector Resources: Typewriter collector websites
• Reference Books: Typewriter identification guides
• Cross-Reference: Compare with documented examples
• Limitations: Not all serial numbers are documented

Model and Design Dating

Model introduction dates provide dating ranges:

• Model History: Research when models were introduced
• Design Evolution: Design changes indicate production periods
• Feature Analysis: Features indicate era of manufacture
• Color and Finish: Color options changed over time
• Examples: Royal Quiet De Luxe (1940s-1950s)

Patent Date Analysis

Patent dates provide earliest possible manufacture dates:

• Patent Research: Look up patent numbers and dates
• Latest Patent: Latest patent date indicates earliest manufacture
• Patent Evolution: Multiple patents indicate updates
• Limitations: Patents don't indicate exact manufacture date

Mechanical Feature Dating

Mechanical features evolved over time:

• Keyboard Evolution: Key count and layout changes
• Mechanism Changes: Typebar, carriage, ribbon improvements
• Material Changes: Materials indicate manufacturing era
• Feature Introduction: When features were introduced

Stylistic Dating

Design style reflects manufacturing era:

• Ornate (1870s-1890s): Victorian decoration
• Functional (1900s-1920s): Clean, practical design
• Streamlined (1930s-1950s): Modern, sleek styling
• Color Trends: Color availability by era

Provenance Research

Documented history provides dating evidence:

• Ownership Records: Purchase dates, receipts
• Photographs: Historical images with typewriters
• Documentation: Manuals, advertisements, catalogs
• Family History: Oral history and family records

Value Assessment and Collectibility

Understanding what makes typewriters valuable helps with identification and appraisal.

Value Factors

Multiple factors influence typewriter value:

• Rarity: Limited production, unusual models
• Condition: Original finish, working condition, completeness
• Age: Early models generally more valuable
• Manufacturer: Famous or collectible brands
• Model: Desirable or historically significant models
• Provenance: Famous ownership, documented history
• Completeness: Original case, accessories, documentation

Highly Collectible Models

Some typewriters are particularly sought after:

• Early Models: Sholes & Glidden, Remington No. 1
• Design Classics: Olivetti Lettera 22, Royal Quiet De Luxe
• Unusual Mechanisms: Hammond type-shuttle, IBM Selectric
• Limited Editions: Special colors, commemorative models
• Famous Makers: Early Remington, Underwood No. 5

Condition Assessment

Condition significantly affects value:

• Excellent: Original finish, working, complete, minimal wear
• Good: Some wear, minor repairs, mostly original
• Fair: Significant wear, repairs, missing parts
• Poor: Heavy wear, non-working, missing major parts
• Restoration: Professional restoration can increase value

Market Considerations

Current market trends affect value:

• Collector Interest: Growing interest in vintage typewriters
• Design Trends: Mid-century modern popularity
• Nostalgia Factor: Interest in analog technology
• Functional Use: Writers and artists using typewriters
• Geographic Demand: Regional preferences and markets

Collecting Tips

• Focus Areas: Collect by manufacturer, era, or model type
• Research: Learn about typewriter history and models
• Condition Priority: Prefer original condition over restored
• Documentation: Keep records of purchases and provenance
• Community: Join typewriter collector groups and forums