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1940's Underwood portables - feet explained

 

The Andrews Sisters
Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree

One of my most frequently asked questions that pops up almost every week is concerning replacement parts for vintage typewriters.

As most if not all of the typewriters that are sold on eBay are as is, the seller is not going to point out things for the most part that are going to be wrong with them. Things such as that the platen is hard as a rock or that the feed rolls have a flat spot on them from fifty years or more of being under pressure against the platen. If price is not a factor most of the following can be replaced along with new ribbons on the proper spools and cleaning, repairs, etc. however one thing that can not be replaced on many of the models and most all Underwood portables, are the feet.

Smith Corona

I selected two run-of-the-mill Underwood portables from the late forty's or so to try and show why feet are a major problem with these vintage machines.

Smith Corona

Smith Corona

As you can see with the machines on their back, the front feet have a hole in the center to allow the post in the bottom side of the case to penetrate through. Without that type of foot the typewriter would fit in the case loose and when the case was moved the typewriter would fall on its back like a loose brick.

Smith Corona

For the Underwood fan I will offer these two models at about what I would charge to recondition a typewriter of that type. Also included will be a new ribbon, like new platen and good feed rolls, nice carrying case and of course the instruction book.

Starting at $295.00 plus shipping.

Smith Corona

Smith Corona

Smith Corona

 

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