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Home » Underwood » Finger Flite Universal » 1951 #K2130848
1951 Underwood Finger Flite Universal Serial # K2130848 1951 Underwood Finger Flite Universal typewriter, Serial # K2130848 Fumitaka Hayashi's 1951 Underwood Finger Flite Universal typewriter. 2026-07-03 From the Virtual Typewriter Collection of Fumitaka Hayashi: 1951 Underwood Finger Flite Universal Serial # K2130848 An Underwood Finger Flite Universal.

I always thought that the Finger Flite models and the segment-shift versions of the 4-bank portables in general were the replacements to the previous carriage-shift 4-bank, non-Finger Flite models. But according to the serial number, they were being produced at the same time.

This seems like not a good business plan. Imagine coming up with a new version of the Honda Civic. Why would you keep selling the previous generation Civics? You'd just be directly competing against yourself. I guess there is a reason they were eventually absorbed into Olivetti.

The only other segment shift portable Underwood I own is the Correspondent model, which is what I assume an odd-ball model with the case that is not designed to be detached from the typewriter. This model has a different case and different case attachment system compared to previous Underwood portables, and has a spring-loaded latch. The case is also slightly larger.

I read somewhere that one of the "Finger Flite" features is the more anatomically shaped key tops. They are somewhat more comfortable to type on compared to the previous ones, but these seem to have an odd wear pattern - instead of getting grooves from finger nails, it seems to somehow wear out only at the edges, leaving a mound in the middle. I have seen similar wear patterns on other examples being sold on auctions.

Another weird thing is that the badge on these models seem to also have an odd problem where the edges get some sort of oxidation. I tried polishing the badge - the middle parts shined up nicely, but the faults on both edges do not polish out.

When I originally received this, the typebars were in pretty sorry shape. Instead of just being sticky requiring irrigation with mineral spirits, the typebars were actually bent out of shape, and the stickiness was due to the typebars getting stuck. Some patient 'forming' freed up the typebars.

The slugs are the usual "DP" Distinctive Pica which seems to be the default. Has the "hatted 8".

This example is missing one grommet on the bottom where the post from the case bottom would fit, and the knob for the manual ribbon advance. The knob is actually different than those found on the non-Finger Flite models...

Another Goodwill Auction acquisition. This was sent from Minnesota.

1951 Underwood Finger Flite Universal #K2130848

Status: My Collection
Hunter: Fumitaka Hayashi (fhayashi)
Created: 07-03-2026 at 02:49PM
Last Edit: 07-03-2026 at 02:49PM

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Description:

An Underwood Finger Flite Universal.

I always thought that the Finger Flite models and the segment-shift versions of the 4-bank portables in general were the replacements to the previous carriage-shift 4-bank, non-Finger Flite models. But according to the serial number, they were being produced at the same time.

This seems like not a good business plan. Imagine coming up with a new version of the Honda Civic. Why would you keep selling the previous generation Civics? You'd just be directly competing against yourself. I guess there is a reason they were eventually absorbed into Olivetti.

The only other segment shift portable Underwood I own is the Correspondent model, which is what I assume an odd-ball model with the case that is not designed to be detached from the typewriter. This model has a different case and different case attachment system compared to previous Underwood portables, and has a spring-loaded latch. The case is also slightly larger.

I read somewhere that one of the "Finger Flite" features is the more anatomically shaped key tops. They are somewhat more comfortable to type on compared to the previous ones, but these seem to have an odd wear pattern - instead of getting grooves from finger nails, it seems to somehow wear out only at the edges, leaving a mound in the middle. I have seen similar wear patterns on other examples being sold on auctions.

Another weird thing is that the badge on these models seem to also have an odd problem where the edges get some sort of oxidation. I tried polishing the badge - the middle parts shined up nicely, but the faults on both edges do not polish out.

When I originally received this, the typebars were in pretty sorry shape. Instead of just being sticky requiring irrigation with mineral spirits, the typebars were actually bent out of shape, and the stickiness was due to the typebars getting stuck. Some patient 'forming' freed up the typebars.

The slugs are the usual "DP" Distinctive Pica which seems to be the default. Has the "hatted 8".

This example is missing one grommet on the bottom where the post from the case bottom would fit, and the knob for the manual ribbon advance. The knob is actually different than those found on the non-Finger Flite models...

Another Goodwill Auction acquisition. This was sent from Minnesota.

Typeface Specimen:

Photos:

DP for Distinctive Pica, which is what I keep seeing on Underwood Portables.
DP for Distinctive Pica, which is what I keep seeing on Underwood Portables.




The horizontal slot would normally have the knob for the ribbon advance, It tilts forward and back to select ribbon direction.
The horizontal slot would normally have the knob for the ribbon advance, It tilts forward and back to select ribbon direction.


The feet and case mounting system are totally different from non-Finger Flite models. Note missing grommet.
The feet and case mounting system are totally different from non-Finger Flite models. Note missing grommet.

The non-Finger Flite models just have a post and the back hooks. This one has an additional spring loaded catch.
The non-Finger Flite models just have a post and the back hooks. This one has an additional spring loaded catch.

The Finger Flite case is the larger one on the left. The one on the right is for an Underwood Leader.
The Finger Flite case is the larger one on the left. The one on the right is for an Underwood Leader.

Note the weird degradation of the plastic badge.
Note the weird degradation of the plastic badge.

Hunter: Fumitaka Hayashi (fhayashi)

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Status: Typewriter Hunter
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Trying very hard to be more judicious in my acquisitions...

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RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Underwood Finger Flite Universal on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Underwood Serial Number page and the Underwood Finger Flite Universal By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.

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