1958 Underwood SX #11-8242783
Status: My Collection
Hunter: Hans Boersma (Java68)
Created: 09-08-2015 at 09:25AM
Last Edit: 09-01-2020 at 04:15AM
Find on Ebay #AD
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Description:
The machine does not have any model indication other than "Golden Touch"; it is, however, very similar to the Underwood SX150.
Acquired in 1994 on a flea market for the princely sum of ƒ20,- (± $12, probably closer to $20 in today's money). Weight: 13,8 kg.
The typeface (twelve-pitch) appears to be uncommon, at least for this model Underwood. The typeslugs are marked EV, which in combination with an old add (see the last image in the gallery) identifies the type as Underwood Elite Victoria. See also the 1957 Dreusicke Typeface Catalogue in the library of this website, where it is listed as UT56.
The machine has a Dutch keyboard, with florin symbol (Æ’) (gulden/guilder) but without the Dutch y-symbol (ij) which is superfluous anyway.
The "golden touch" of the keyboard is indeed excellent. It feels very direct because the typebars are relatively short: the SX's typeslugs thus travel a shorter distance than on most office machines. This would result in a more rigid feel, like on many (semi-)portables, but a separate mechanism adds springiness. This mechanism can be adjusted, notably for each individual key/typebar, through the row of small screws in the underside of the machine. In addition there is a general touch control lever behind the front hatch.
All in all this is perhaps the finest, most complete and most practical typewriter I have ever owned, and I completely concur with Ian Brumfield's review (see link below). Its toned-down colour scheme and business-like appearance nicely contrast with the hidden charm of its elegant typeface.
Hans Boersma
Typeface Specimen:
Links:
- Review by Ian Brumfield
- Letter written on this machine, published on The Typewriter Revolution Blog
- ...and another one
- ...and another: a report on the typewriter collection of the Dutch author W.F. Hermans
Photos:
Hunter: Hans Boersma (Java68)
Hans Boersma's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 580
I'm not really a hunter, or a collector. Well, I try not to be anyway. Typewriters should be used IMHO, and how to choose from an increasingly anonymous multitude? There is much to say for having just one typewriter, and sticking to it. But then again, there are so much beautiful and interesting typewriters out there, all with their own character and historical backgrounds... So I refer to my modest collection as "the machine park" and do my best to keep it from becoming a multitude. I decidedly favour standard-size typewriters: large office workhorses that throw their considerable weight behind your labours. Nicely over-dimensioned machines with a more than agreeable keyboard touch and a business-like appearance, ready for any job. I enjoy looking at "typewriter porn" on sites such as these, which provides an adequate substitute to having a larger collection. So... thank you for showing me yours!
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Underwood SX on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Underwood Serial Number page and the Underwood SX By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
