1966 Olivetti-Underwood 21 #689816
Status: My Collection
Hunter: John Scott (akaj5)
Created: 03-16-2026 at 11:42AM
Last Edit: 03-16-2026 at 11:42AM
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Description:
My first typewriter - an Olivetti Underwood Model 21 made in Barcelona, Spain. Acquired in February of 2026, this local find began on eBay - listed for $80 online and ultimately purchased for $50 cash in-person. It was in near mint condition and required nothing more than a new ribbon. I haven't even cleaned it or oiled the rails as it types with precision and ease.
Earlier that month watched the "California Typewriter" documentary and, as someone who works primarily in front of a MacBook Pro, I was excited by the idea of slowing things down a bit. The idea of an analog machine stuck in my head, and I figured, "What the hell. Let's give this typewriter thing a go!"
I'll be sure to update the pictures, typeface spec, and a type example in the very near future...
Typeface Specimen:
Hunter: John Scott (akaj5)
John Scott's Typewriter Galleries [ My Collection ] [ My Sightings ]
Status: Typewriter Hunter
Points: 3
I recently acquired my first machine from the original owner's grandson - an Olivetti Underwood 21 which, in my humble opinion, is aesthetically amazing and still in excellent operational condition after so many years. Now, new to the hobby, I have grand plans to research and collect a few of what I consider to be my favorite machines. These would include examples of those numbered below in excellent functional and aesthetic condition.
- Olivetti Underwood 21 -
- Royal Quiet De Luxe (Standard or Dreyfuss design)
- Olympia SM3 (Colorway TBD, I also love their script typefaces)
- Mid-60's Smith Corona 5ax Sterling in Starmist Grey
- Torpedo 18b
- Underwood Champion - Black Glossy. Universal is another option...
- Corona Flat Top
- Hermes... oh, wait. Is that more than 5 already?!
- If you have a suggestion(s) of similar machines to feed my hobby I welcome you to send me a message.
Outside of typewriters, I'm a Husband & Dad located on the "Midwest Coast" of the USA. A lover of mid-60s design. A music lover and guitar nerd.
During COVID I founded Scott Creative Company (scottcreativeco.com) - a branding, graphic design, website design, development, strategy, and marketing consultation firm.
RESEARCH NOTE: When researching the Olivetti-Underwood 21 on a computer with lots of screen real estate, you may find that launching the Olivetti-Underwood Serial Number page and the Olivetti-Underwood 21 By Model/Year/Serial page in new browser windows can give you interesting perspectives on changes throughout the model series.
