1912 Underwood Western Union Special #WU2554R
Status: Sightings
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
Created: 01-19-2026 at 08:57AM
Last Edit: 01-19-2026 at 10:18AM
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Description:
The earliest WUS in the DB so far. Has an R on the end of SN, which one would assume means it was rebuilt. Note the old-style shift lock. I would bet that the 10k contract included full factory rebuilds at some point, considering the volume of paper that would've been run through these. Many offices were open well into the night, plus Saturday and Sunday hours.
Australia, Queensland. Brisbane
The Courier-Mail, 1913. Jan 09
Source Citation
UNDERWOOD TYPEWRITER.
Ten thousand Underwood Typewriters were ordered by Western Union Telegraph Cable Company for use in their office last February (1912). This was after eight months' and in open competition. The machine you will eventually buy.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: James Grooms (jgrooms)
James Grooms's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 19682
Typewriters are the perfect blend of using one's technical skills, history and functional purpose. My goal is type tested machines. My interests are not isolated to anyone area. For example, I am a big fan of Smith Corona electrics, mid century electrics and all things Royal.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Underwood Western Union Special on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Underwood Serial Number page and the Underwood Western Union Special By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
