Brand · USA · 1895–1960s

Used Underwood typewriters

John T. Underwood began making typewriters in 1895 using Franz Wagner's front-strike, visible-writing design, which let typists see their work as they typed. The No. 5 of 1900 was made into the early 1930s and sold in the millions; it is the classic old office typewriter and still cheap because so many survive. Underwood's Hartford, Connecticut factory also made portables, from the first Underwood portable of 1919 to the 1938 Universal and Champion body and its 1940s and 1950s descendants. Underwood also sold the Noiseless 77, built by Remington under licence. Olivetti took control of the company in 1959, and the brand later appeared on machines made elsewhere. On eBay in late 2026 No. 5s asked about $150–260 delivered and Champions about $130–200.