1919 Woodstock 5 #BW-40431
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Brian Decker (bkdecker66)
Created: 11-16-2025 at 04:55PM
Last Edit: 02-01-2026 at 08:19PM
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Description:
2-1-2026 Update. Today, I cleaned the typeface, the typebars, and the machine overall to get a better typing sample. I have updated the gallery with improved images. The platen and rollers are very cracked, so, although the imprint looks good, there is much more work needed to make this a type-worthy specimen. In the past day or two, I have learned that these early Woodstock 5 machines have matching serial numbers on the frame underneath, next to the front left foot. In the case of this machine, B-"W"-40431, the "W" is actually placed below the hyphenated serial number, B-40431. This makes me wonder if there is not really a distinct BW series, and they are numbered concurrently with the standard carriage "B" machines.
Also of note: (1) The ribbon vibrator mechanism is not working properly on #BW-40431, nor on my other early Woodstock 5, #B-29702, indicating perhaps a systemic weakness in the design. The selector switch is a multi-position setting, not just two positions; even at the lowest setting, neither machine prints wholly from the red portion of the ribbon. (2) #BW-40431 had a cracked frame, possibly due to shipping damage. I repaired this with J. B. Weld, but the seam is apparent at the left end of the front of the frame. (3) #BW-40431 came with a missing left-hand platen knob, and the right-had platen knob worn nearly smooth. It doesn't seem that later Woodstock 5N platen knobs are a match, so I am interested in finding a parts machine to replace these knobs.
Overall, I have found both of my Woodstock 5's to have a very pleasant typing action, overlooking their mechanical problems that will have to be addressed.
11-16-2025 Gallery Creation. This is a "wide" (11") carriage version of the early Woodstock Model 5. I bought it on eBay on 26 October 2006, for $59.00 with shipping included. It has a "Margin Release" control, whereas my other Woodstock 5 (B-29702, est. 1918, see linked gallery) has a "Line-Lock Release" control in its place. The machine pictured here is missing its left platen knob; if you have or know of a replacement, I would be interested.
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
Photos:
Hunter: Brian Decker (bkdecker66)
Brian Decker's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 2104
My interest in typewriters started in 1997, when I was in graduate school at the University of Georgia. I purchased and read Darryl Rehr's book, joined ETC, and started reaching out to known collectors. I had several email interchanges with Richard Polt dating from that period. I also bought some of my first machines from Bob Aubert, and visited him at his home twice. After marriage and relocation to New England, I continued visiting antique shops and eBay, until other priorities put my typewriter hobby on hiatus around 2008.
In late 2024, I started up again, working on my machines and having some of them serviced professionally by New England Typewriter (NET) LLC (Merrimack, NH), until they closed their doors in December of 2025. Since mid-2025, I have been adding to my collection again, first with a Hermes 3000 purchase from NET, then with various auctions and purchases on eBay, when I find something that catches my eye.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Woodstock 5 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Woodstock Serial Number page and the Woodstock 5 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
