Serviced 1911 Underwood No.5 Typewriter French/English New Platen, Feet, Rollers

A fully functional and professionally serviced 1911 Underwood No. 5 represents one of the most historically significant typewriters ever produced. Introduced at the dawn of the twentieth century, the Underwood No. 5 revolutionized office writing with its front-strike, visible-writing design, establishing the blueprint that nearly every standard typewriter manufacturer would follow for decades to come. More than a century later, it remains an enduring icon of American engineering and industrial craftsmanship.

This exceptional example features a rare bilingual French/English keyboard, making it far less common than standard English-layout machines. Designed to accommodate both languages, the keyboard reflects the growing international business and diplomatic markets of the early twentieth century and adds a unique historical dimension that is highly desirable among collectors.

To ensure reliable performance for years to come, this Underwood has been fitted with a new 3D printed platen, along with new 3D printed feed rollers and foot mounts. These carefully engineered replacement components restore proper paper feeding, improve stability, and provide a firm, consistent typing surface while preserving the machine's original mechanical integrity. The result is crisp type impressions and a significantly improved writing experience compared to the hardened and deteriorated original components commonly found on machines of this age.

Equipped with a Pica Typeface (prints 10 characters per inch), it produces bold, highly legible text with the timeless appearance that has come to define classic vintage typewriting. The responsive keyboard, smooth carriage travel, and precision engineering serve as a reminder of why the Underwood No. 5 became one of the most successful office machines in history.

With its elegant black enamel finish, exposed mechanical architecture, gleaming nickel-plated hardware, and unmistakable presence, the Underwood No. 5 is as visually impressive as it is historically important. Professionally serviced and ready for everyday writing, this 1911 example combines legendary American craftsmanship, a rare bilingual French/English keyboard, newly manufactured 3D printed restoration components, and the classic Pica Typeface (prints 10 characters per inch) to create an extraordinary opportunity to own one of the defining typewriters of the twentieth century.

Serviced by Adam Brooks with Brooksaw Antiques, an experienced typewriter technician of over 7 years. Servicing vintage typewriters involves a series of steps to restore it to optimal working condition, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Here’s a summary of what’s typically done:

Inspection: The process starts with a thorough check of all components—keys, typebars, carriage, platen, ribbon mechanism, and springs—to identify wear, damage, or stuck parts.

Cleaning: Decades of dust, ink, and grime are removed. A soft brush and compressed air clear out debris from the typebars and chassis. Keytops are wiped down, and the platen (rubber roller) is cleaned with a mild solvent to restore grip. Harsh chemicals are avoided to protect metal and rubber.

Lubrication: Moving parts—like the carriage rails, typebar pivots, and shift mechanism—are lightly lubricated with typewriter-specific oil.

Adjustments: Alignment is key. Typebars are adjusted to strike evenly, ensuring crisp impressions. The carriage tension is checked, and the escapement (which controls letter spacing) is fine-tuned.

Repairs: Worn or broken parts—like springs, screws, or rubber feet—are replaced. A brand new universal ink ribbon is installed, which is easily replaceable and widely available on most online platforms.

Testing: The typewriter is typed on extensively—every key, shift, spacebar, and return—to confirm smooth action, proper alignment, and consistent ink delivery. Any sluggishness (e.g., sticky keys) is addressed by revisiting problem areas.

Shipments are all packed to be virtually indestructible and shipped same or next business day. You are risking damage if you buy from a non experienced shipper! Check our reviews! Serial number is 68106-5. Please see photos for condition.