1928 Underwood Portable 4-Bank
Up for sale is an absolutely beautiful Underwood Portable Four-Bank which was made in the USA in 1928. This typewriter was Underwood's first portable machine that offered the four-row keyboard, hence its name. It followed the less user-friendly 3-Bank, and traded size for a bit more functionality and ease of use. The result was a machine that was even more popular, and kept up with the competition of the era who also were in the market of selling similarly sized machines.
This typewriter is in really great shape all around, although the spacebar unfortunately does have a crack through the middle. The spacebar is reinforced on the bottom with metal, and the track also does have some epoxy in it, so it is very unlikely that this crack will ever become any larger of a problem than it currently is to cosmetics. Otherwise, this typewriter is just about in mint shape aside from a very few minor paint flaws (see all photos). The paint largely shines like new, and you will likely find yourself wiping it free of dust often because the dark black still shines like a mirror. The labels are amazingly crisp and legible, with very few showing any age at all- even on the rear of the machine. The carrying case is also in impressive condition, although the original leather handle is long gone.
Mechanically, this typewriter is fully functional in all aspects. Although this typewriter has been thoroughly cleaned and lubricated, sometimes a few of the keys can be a bit slower to return. Although, this usually lessens when the typewriter is "warmed up" and used after a bit. This typewriter could be used heavily, although I would more gladly use a more modern portable or a desktop if you are looking for a workhorse to write something like a novel on. That being said, this typewriter can definitely be used reliably and frequently to your liking.
Universal ribbons do fit this typewriter, and are held down with two thumb-screws.
The owner's manual can be found here: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/UnderwoodPortable1929.pdf