1916 Underwood Standard Typewriter Model No 5

Did you know that typewriter is the longest word (10 letters) that can be made using only the top row of a standard typewriter’s QWERTY keyboard layout? It’s no secret that there is a renewed interest in collectible ‘old fashioned’ typewriters in the United States as well as worldwide. That interest has led to a sharp increase in market prices. Most attribute the invention of the typewriter (1829) to an American, William Austin Burt. The vast majority of typewriters, by the 1980’s, had been replaced by computers and word processors although there are many who righteously hung on to and still use their manual and/or electric typewriters. So before you include that pristine vintage Smith Corona or Royal in your upcoming garage sale with a colorful $5 sticker, do a little research. Depending on the age, model and condition of your typewriter, you could be looking at a substantial payout for your piece! Be sure and see Doug Nichol’s recent full-length documentary California Typewriter starring Tom Hanks, John Mayer, David McCullough, Sam Shepard, and others. The film exemplifies the love and loyalty that so many still feel for their typing machines! News flash: A flower called a rupturewort just beat the word typewriter as the longest word (11 letters) that can be typed on the top row of the QWERTY keyboard!